So, I’ve been eyeing this Omega Speedmaster, the Apollo 8 “Dark Side of the Moon” one, reference number 310.92.44.50.01.001. It’s a pretty sweet watch, and I finally decided to take the plunge. This thing is supposed to be a tribute to the Apollo 8 mission, you know, the first manned mission to orbit the moon.
First thing I did was hit up the internet. I wanted to see what the deal was with this watch, what people were saying, and where I could get my hands on one. I found a few websites like Chrono24 where folks are selling them, and you could compare prices and stuff, pretty handy.
I saw that the retail price is somewhere around $14,000, which is, well, a lot. But it’s a special edition Omega, so I guess that’s expected. I did some more digging, learned about the specs. It’s got a 44.25 mm case, made of black ceramic, which is pretty cool. And it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, not that I plan on taking it for a swim.
After doing my homework, I decided to go to a few specialty stores. I figured that would be my best bet to see the watch in person, get a feel for it. I’m telling ya, pictures don’t do it justice. It’s a beauty. The skeletonized dial is something else, and you can see all the inner workings, which is mesmerizing.
The store folks were pretty helpful, explaining everything. I got to try it on, walked around with it for a bit. I mean for the price you want to be sure it feels good on your wrist. The strap is leather, with a fold-over clasp. Feels secure, comfortable.
I was geeking out about the technical details. Like it has this “Master Chronometer” certification, which means it’s been tested like crazy, resists magnetic fields and it’s very accurate. I’m not a watch expert, but I appreciate the craftsmanship.
The case back is also pretty interesting. It’s got this moon-relief texture, and it’s blackened, which adds to the whole “dark side of the moon” vibe. It’s like they put a lot of thought into every little detail.
I spent a good chunk of time in those stores, just admiring the watch, asking questions. I even went back a couple of times. I just wanted to be sure, you know? It’s a big purchase.
- Checked online forums and reviews: Got a sense of what other people thought about the watch.
- Compared prices: Used sites to see where I could get the best deal.
- Visited specialty stores: Got to see the watch in person, try it on.
- Learned about the specs: Understood the technical details, like the movement and materials.
- Took my time: Didn’t rush the decision, wanted to be absolutely sure.
In the end, I went for it. I got the watch. It felt right. I’m wearing it now, and I gotta say, I’m pretty happy with my decision. It’s not just a watch; it’s a piece of history, a conversation starter. And it looks damn good on my wrist.
So, that’s my story of getting the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8. It was a journey, but a fun one. Now I need to figure out if i need to buy insurance for this thing…
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