Alright, guys, so I’ve been messing around with watches lately, and let me tell you about this one I got my hands on – the OMEGA Speedmaster 310.92.44.50.01.001, also known as the Apollo 8 “Dark Side of the Moon” – Rocket, Classic Style. It’s a mouthful, I know, but bear with me.
First off, I started by digging around for information. I hit up a few different places, checked out prices, you know, the usual stuff. I wanted to see what the deal was with this watch and how it compared to others. It’s always good to know what you’re getting into, right?
Then, I got a hold of the actual watch. Let me just say, the pictures don’t do it justice. This thing is sleek. It’s got a black ceramic case, which feels really solid and looks pretty darn cool. The size is 44.25 mm, which is a bit on the larger side, but it sits comfortably on the wrist.
The movement inside this bad boy is automatic, and it also has manual winding. I personally like having options on how to wind my watch. I wound it up and set the time, which was pretty straightforward. No surprises there.
Here are some key things I noticed:
- The watch is a Certified Master Chronometer, approved by METAS. Sounds fancy, huh?
- It’s resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss. I’m not planning on hanging out near any giant magnets, but hey, it’s good to know it can handle it!
- The main plate and bridges have this moon-relief texture, and they’re blackened. It gives the watch a unique look.
I also learned that it has the Omega Calibre 3869 movement with a 50-hour power reserve. That’s pretty standard for a watch like this. It’s also got a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which is a must for me. I’m not exactly the most careful person in the world. Oh, and it has a screw-down crown and a transparent case back. That see-through case back is awesome because you can see all the little gears and stuff moving around. It’s like a tiny mechanical city in there!
Trying it Out
I wore the watch for a few days, just to see how it felt in real life. It’s definitely a statement piece. People noticed it, and I got a few compliments. I wouldn’t say I like to show off my cool stuff, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. The black ceramic and the overall design make it stand out, but it’s not too flashy. It has a kind of understated coolness to it. The strap is comfortable too. I have been wearing it for a week now, and I love it more and more each day.
I also found out that this model celebrates the Speedmaster’s history with the Apollo 8 mission, which is pretty cool if you’re into space and all that. I mean, I like it, it’s not my whole personality though. There’s some engraving on the bezel that’s filled with white enamel, and it looks really sharp.
So, after all that, what’s the verdict? Well, I’m really digging this watch. It’s well-made, it looks great, and it’s got some interesting history behind it. It’s not exactly cheap, but if you’re looking for a high-quality timepiece that’s a bit different from the usual stuff, this one’s definitely worth checking out. It’s a keeper for sure. But if you are looking for something more classic, you can try the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, but I prefer the Dark Side of the Moon version.
Anyway, that’s my little adventure with the OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 8. Hope you guys found it interesting. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Catch you later!