Okay, here’s my take on the OMEGA Speedmaster 310.92.44.50.01.001, also known as the Apollo 8 “Dark Side of the Moon” – Rocket. Buckle up, because this was quite the ride!
I started by reading whatever I could find about this watch. Turns out, this specific Speedmaster is a tribute to the Apollo 8 mission. I mean, these guys were the first humans to see the far side of the moon back in 1968. That’s some serious history right there! OMEGA made this watch with a ceramic case, and it’s got a skeletonized dial which is pretty cool, it lets you see the inner workings.
Next, I dug into the details. This thing is 44.25mm, which is a decent size. It’s got a brown leather strap that looks classic. What really caught my eye, though, was the Saturn V rocket hand, it is a nice small second part for this watch, and the movement that’s decorated to look like the lunar surface. It is really a masterpiece.
I also learned that this watch uses the OMEGA Calibre 3869. From what I gathered, it’s a manual-winding movement. This means you gotta wind it yourself. Old school, but kinda charming in a way.
The Hunt
Now, getting my hands on one of these was a whole other story. These watches are not exactly growing on trees. I looked into a few online watch marketplaces, and browsed through some forums.
The information I found was scattered, it had a lot of different languages, such as German and English. But they all confirmed the same thing, this watch is a tribute to the Apollo 8 mission, with a cool design and a solid movement.
Prices were all over the place. Some folks were asking for a lot of money. I guess it makes sense, considering the history and the craftsmanship. But I kept digging.
The Discovery
After a good amount of searching, I came across a few listings that seemed promising. One seller had good photos and a detailed description that matched what I had learned. We’re talking about a ceramic case, the skeletonized dial, and that Saturn V rocket hand. It seemed legit.
I messaged the seller with a bunch of questions. I wanted to make sure it was the real deal and not some kind of knock-off. They were responsive and answered everything. They even sent me some extra pictures, including the box and papers. This gave me the confidence to move forward.
The Score
After a bit of back-and-forth, we agreed on a price. It wasn’t cheap, but it felt fair for what I was getting. I wired the money, and the waiting began. It felt like forever, but eventually, the package arrived.
Opening that box was like Christmas morning. There it was, the OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 8 “Dark Side of the Moon”. It looked even better in person. The ceramic case had this nice sheen, and the skeletonized dial was mesmerizing. And that rocket hand, it was just the perfect touch.
- First Impressions: The watch felt solid and well-made. It had a good weight to it, but it wasn’t too heavy.
- Wearing It: The leather strap was comfortable, and the watch sat nicely on my wrist. It’s definitely a statement piece.
- Admiring the Details: I spent hours just looking at the movement through the skeletonized dial. It’s like having a tiny machine on your wrist.
- The Rocket Hand: Seriously, it’s the coolest thing. It’s such a unique detail that sets this watch apart.
Final Thoughts
Getting this watch was an adventure. It took some research, some patience, and a bit of luck. But it was totally worth it. This isn’t just a watch, it’s a piece of history. It’s a reminder of a time when humans dared to reach for the stars, or in this case, the dark side of the moon.
If you’re thinking about getting one, be prepared to do your homework and be patient. It might take some time to find the right one at the right price. But trust me, when you finally get it, you won’t be disappointed. This OMEGA Speedmaster is a true gem, and I’m stoked to have it in my collection.
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