Omega Updates the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon with a New Movement, Launching Four Different Versions
The evolution of the Speedmaster DSO™ collection features new colors, an updated movement, and a redesigned design/case.
Omega replica luxury watches has once again turned its attention to the dark side of the moon… the dark side of the moon, of course. A classic member of the Speedmaster family, the Dark Side of the Moon (also known as DSO™) has been around for over a decade, always showcasing the brand's iconic space chronograph in cool, monochrome interpretations, crafted in ceramic. Omega now unveils four captivating Dark Side of the Moon concept watches, paying homage to the Apollo 8 mission and astronaut Jim Lovell's observations of our closest and most precious satellite. Available in Dark Black, Dark Red, Dark White, and an Apollo 8-themed Off-White, the Dark Side of the Moon collection features slimmer cases and Master Chronometer movements… Let's explore the allure of this new ceramic collection for 2025.
Background
In 1968, Omega played a small role in the historic Apollo 8 space mission. Command module pilot James A. Lovell Jr. (also commander of the infamous Apollo 13 mission) uttered the famous words, "We'll see you on the other side." Apollo 8 became the first astronauts to set foot on the far side of the Moon, the "dark side" we will never know. With no radio or satellite contact, the astronauts were completely cut off from Earth, a truly unsettling experience.
Inspired by this historic event, Omega created a very special series of Speedmaster watches: the Dark Side of the Moon collection, which debuted in 2013. The collection features black zirconium oxide ceramic for the case and many other exterior components, giving the legendary Speedmaster a striking yet understated appearance. Since then, the Speedmaster DSOTM sub-collection has expanded to include versions with the Moon's Grey, Moon's White, and even Moon's Blue faces. The latest version—the revamped Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8—is just the first step in the evolution of the DSOTM collection, which now boasts four more versions (out of a total of seven references).
What's so special about the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon? While there are multiple versions with varying specifications, some elements remain consistent across the collection. First and foremost, the case and dial are typically made of ceramic. Second, the design is monochromatic, often in all black, but also available in gray, white, or blue. Most of these watches feature modern twin-spring movements (with the exception of the manual-winding Apollo 8), and their common denominator is a larger 44.25mm case size. I still wish the classic 42mm Moonwatch could be combined with the DSOTM concept to create a black ceramic Speedmaster Professional.
Leaving aside the Apollo 8 edition—which has always been a special interpretation of the DSOTM philosophy—all of the watches share the same modern aesthetic, adding colors and textures inspired by the moon or NASA's lunar missions, and featuring rubber or fabric straps. Now, the collection has expanded again, with not just one, but four replica swiss watches. This evolution encompasses many aspects of the watches, including a redesigned architecture and slimmer profile, the brand's latest Co-Axial chronograph movement (previous DSOTM watches still use older movements), exquisite ceramic components, and a new strap.
2025 Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon
The Speedmaster DSOTM was one of the brand's last collections to lack the latest technological advancements, still using the older, non-Master Chronometer-certified 9300 caliber. This applies not only to the Classic model but also to iterations like the Sedna Black, Pitch Black, Black-Black, Vintage Black, and Grey Side. Now, the entire collection has been revamped to make room for these four models equipped with more modern movements, which, of course, also feature a Co-Axial escapement and Master Chronometer certification.
Crimson Speedmaster DSOTM
On the occasion of its launch, we had the opportunity to experience this new crimson watch in the studio, which you can see in our hands-on photos and in the video at the top of this article. Its design bears an unexpected resemblance to the Speedmaster, with an asymmetrical profile, twisted lyre-shaped lugs, and a fixed tachymeter bezel. As expected, this crimson watch is housed in a black ceramic case with a diameter of 44.25mm. Omega says it has improved the finishing of the ceramic case, using a new beveled polished ceramic process.
Surrounding the box-shaped sapphire crystal is a fixed black ceramic polished bezel with a Liquidmetal tachymeter scale. The pushers and crown are also made of black ceramic, the latter also bearing the Liquidmetal OMEGA logo. However, one point of note concerns the case's proportions. While retaining the larger diameter of the DSOTM series, this new deep red edition is significantly thinner than before, at 13.02mm, thanks to a redesigned silhouette and the use of a primarily manual-winding movement. For the record, the 2013 edition and all subsequent automatic versions were 16.14mm thick. The lug-to-lug measurement remains unchanged at 50mm, as does the water-resistance to 50 meters.
Speaking of the dial, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon features a finely laser-polished ceramic caseback. The black base reflects its true Dark Side of the Moon style, with the only accents coming from the gray printed text and numerals, along with the red Speedmaster logo and chronograph seconds hand. The recessed chronograph subdials and black applied hour markers add a layer of depth to the dial. Despite the all-black color scheme, don't worry: the dial is coated with black Super-LumiNova all around, ensuring legibility even at night.
The primary reason for the slenderness of this new model lies in its movement. In fact, not only has Omega incorporated the latest Master Chronometer technology into all four versions of the DSOTM, but this deep red model now also features the manual-winding Caliber 9908—a no-date dual chronograph movement previously seen in the Speedmaster Chronoscope. It features a new ¾-bridge, incorporating the brand's latest innovations and offering resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. This chronograph features a column wheel and vertical clutch, two series-coupled barrels providing 60 hours of power reserve, and an OMEGA Co-Axial escapement with a silicon balance spring, beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The caseback also offers a completely new look, revealing classic Geneva waves in arabesque. The entire movement has been given a black touch, with nearly every component (mainplate, bridges, etc.) painted black.
The finishing touch is a new rubber strap that seamlessly blends in with the overall design of the case. The strap features a brushed texture, while the caseback features a cool, lunar-themed pattern. The clasp (top cover) is a ceramic folding clasp, and the spring clips are made of ceramic titanium.
Quick Facts: 44.25mm x 13.02mm x 50mm – Brushed/polished black ceramic case, polished black ceramic bezel, Liquidmetal indexes, double-sided sapphire crystal, 50m water resistance – Black ceramic, laser-blasted dial, black applied hour markers and hands, SLN coating, red markers and seconds hand – Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 9908, manual winding, 44 jewels, 4Hz, 60-hour power reserve, dual chronograph with column wheel and time zone function – Black textured rubber strap with folding clasp – Reference 310.92.44.51.01.001. high quality watches replica
Dark-White Speedmaster DSOTM
The new DSOTM collection includes three other watches, starting with the most iconic model: the new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. This watch is an updated version of the original released in 2013. This watch features a black ceramic case measuring 44.25 mm in diameter and 15.09 mm thick (1.1 mm thinner than before). The dial (with 18K white gold hands and hour markers) is accented with silvery white, enhancing daytime legibility. The dial is polished black ceramic with a date window at 6 o'clock. The Speedmaster logo and the tip of the second hand are both accented with red.
The major innovation lies in the movement. The older Caliber 9300 has been replaced by the more advanced Caliber 9900, now certified as a Master Chronometer by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). This automatic movement with a column wheel and two spring barrels offers a 60-hour power reserve, oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz, and features a practical time zone display. To match the dial's color scheme, the movement is rhodium-plated. This deep white model is available with either an integrated rubber strap or a nylon fabric strap, both secured with ceramic and titanium folding clasps.
Quick Facts: 44.25mm x 15.09mm x 50mm – Brushed/polished black ceramic case, polished black ceramic bezel, Liquidmetal indexes, double-sided sapphire crystal, 50m water resistance – Polished black ceramic dial, 18k white gold applied hour markers and hands, SLN, red marker and seconds hand – Caliber 9900, in-house Co-Axial Master Chronometer, automatic, 54 jewels, 4Hz, 60-hour power reserve, dual chronograph with column wheel and time zone function – Black textured rubber or nylon fabric strap with folding clasp – References 310.92.44.51.01.002 (nylon) and 310.92.44.51.01.004 (rubber).
Dark-Dark Speedmaster DSOTM
Next to the automatic “Dark” Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Moon), and a new all-black model, the Dark-Dark Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. While sharing the same specifications as its predecessor, this new model features a pure, monochrome, matte styling, with a brushed ceramic bezel and a black enamel tachymeter scale. Of course, the highlight of the black theme is the dial, which is accented with black and dark gray elements. The dial is matte and laser-blasted, with diamond-polished, beveled hour markers that are black-finished and filled with black Super-Luminova. All printing is in black, and even the date display follows the dark gray and black theme.
Measuring 44.25 mm x 15.09 mm, this watch is powered by the same automatic Master Chronometer Caliber 9900 as the Dark-Dark Speedmaster, but its dial, bridges, and oscillating weight are all black, in keeping with the dark theme. The watch is available with a choice of a black rubber strap with a moon phase pattern or a black nylon strap, secured with a black ceramic or ceramicized titanium folding clasp.
Quick Facts: 44.25mm x 15.09mm x 50mm – Brushed/polished black ceramic case, brushed black ceramic bezel, black enamel indexes, double-sided sapphire crystal, 50m water resistance – Matte black ceramic dial, black applied hour markers and hands, black SLN, all-black printing – Caliber 9900, in-house Co-Axial Master Chronometer, automatic winding, 54 jewels, 4Hz, 60-hour power reserve, dual chronograph with column wheel and time zone function – Black textured rubber or nylon fabric strap with folding clasp – References 310.92.44.51.01.003 (nylon) and 310.92.44.51.01.005 (rubber). Jacob & Co. Astronomia replica
Speedmaster Moon Grey Side
Finally, and equally unmissable, is the new grey edition of the Speedmaster Moon Dark Side. Similar to last year's black and yellow Apollo 8 special edition, this watch is now slightly sleeker (fewer details and space-inspired elements) and features an all-gray color scheme. It begins with a 44.25mm diameter polished and brushed gray ceramic case, paired with a matching brushed bezel featuring a laser-engraved tachymeter scale and Super-LumiNova. The gray color pays homage to Jim Lovell's historic observation during the Apollo 8 mission: "The Moon is essentially gray," engraved on the caseback.
The dial of this Speedmaster Grey of the Moon (GSOTM) is largely identical to the Apollo 8 edition, with the movement's mainplate visible, featuring a laser-ablated lunar surface pattern, now coated in gray. The minute and chronograph counters are both gray, complemented by applied hour markers and hands filled with white SLN. Gone are the yellow accents or the miniature Apollo rocket motif, all replaced by more traditional, minimalist elements. The strap continues the monochromatic design, available in gray nylon or gray rubber, and secured with a gray ceramic and titanium folding clasp.
Under the sapphire crystal caseback, once again adorned with a laser-ablated moon phase motif, lies the manual-winding caliber 3869, an upgraded version of the classic Moonwatch movement. This Master Chronometer caliber shares the same upgraded features as the 2021 Speedmaster Professional, including a co-axial escapement, a silicon balance spring, a 50-hour power reserve, and a daily accuracy of 0/+5 seconds. It is certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).
Quick Facts: 44.25mm x 12.97mm x 50mm – brushed/polished grey ceramic case, brushed grey ceramic bezel, white SLN indexes, double-sided sapphire crystal, 50m water resistant – grey skeleton dial, grey-toned indexes and hands, Super-LumiNova, all-grey printing and movement – Manufacture Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 3869, manual-winding, 26 jewels, 3Hz frequency, 50-hour power reserve, triple chronograph with cam lever mechanism – grey textured rubber or nylon fabric strap with folding clasp – Reference 310.92.44.50.06.001 (nylon) or 310.92.44.50.06.002 (rubber). https://www.grand-watch.co
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