The Dark Side Gains New Light
OMEGA Watches unveils the most significant evolution of its celebrated Dark and Grey Side of the Moon collection in over a decade.
Words by Jamie McFadden
There is a moment in history that forever altered our perspective, both of our world and the watches that journeyed beyond it. In 1968, as the Apollo 8 spacecraft slipped behind the moon, astronaut Jim Lovell’s voice crackled through to mission control: “We’ll see you on the other side.” On his wrist, and on the wrists of his crew, was an OMEGA Speedmaster. That phrase, laden with the tension and triumph of exploration, now echoes through time as OMEGA unveils the most significant evolution of its celebrated Dark and Grey Side of the Moon collection in over a decade.
This is more than a simple launch; it is a deliberate step forward in the narrative of Swiss watchmaking. Comprising seven new models, the collection is a masterful display of how far ceramic craftsmanship and mechanical precision can be pushed, all while honouring the pioneering spirit of its origins.
“The Dark Side of the Moon collection embodies OMEGA’s pioneering spirit that has guided us to the Moon,” says Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA. “These new models champion that extraordinary legacy while introducing innovations that will define chronographs for generations to come.”
And those innovations are profound. The 2025 collection is the culmination of four years of intensive development, resulting in slimmer, more refined case profiles that maintain the bold 44.25mm presence the collection is known for. The technical heart of the evolution lies in OMEGA’s mastery of ceramic. A new bevelled polishing process creates surfaces of remarkable depth and brilliance, while enhanced Liquidmetal™ technology on bezels and crowns offers superior durability. The two-layer ceramic dials, with their laser-brushed finishes, are designed to capture and transform light, giving each model a distinct, dynamic personality.
The collection offers a range of compelling expressions for the discerning collector. Highlights include a new, slimmer manual-winding model with a striking red central chronograph hand, and an all-black version with a fully darkened Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre. The pièce de résistance, however, is a stunning tribute to the Apollo 8 mission. This model features a laser-ablated lunar surface visible through the movement; the familiar face of the moon appears on the dial, while the mysterious far side is revealed through the caseback – a wearable diorama of that historic orbit.
Complementing these technical advances are thoughtfully designed strap options. New nylon fabric straps are lined with rubber for superior comfort, while rubber straps themselves feature subtle lunar surface patterns on the reverse – a tactile, hidden nod to the collection’s cosmic inspiration.
Twelve years after the original Dark Side of the Moon captivated the world, this new chapter proves OMEGA’s journey is far from over. It is a collection that looks back to a pivotal “goodnight” from the void of space, and in doing so, confidently strides forward into the future of watchmaking.
DMR Insights:
Neil Baxandall, Showroom Manager,
OMEGA Boutique Liverpool
“This is a huge update to the Dark Side of the Moon collection, bringing
the iconic ceramic collection into the world of Master Chronometer. Not
only do we see updated designs to the outgoing collection, but we see
a new reference with a striking red second hand, already being dubbed
the “Dark Vader” by watch fans worldwide. The piece that has garnered
the most attention is the new Grey Side of the moon, a manual wind
Master chronometer calibre, skeletonised, with the Lunar surface laser
ablated onto the dial and movement itself – unique in its design and an
absolute showstopper on the wrist.”
