Hi all members, here just a simple review of my newly acquired Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of The moon. I am one of the unlucky guy who bought it after price increased for 2016. I feel that this model is less appeared in this forum so would like to write a short intro and my opinion after owning this watch.
I always a fan of ceramic watches as I had a Rado full ceramic watches and it shine like the first day I bought after 1 years of daily abused. Hence, I decided to get a high end watches that made out of ceramic. My initial shortlists are Panerai 441, Omega DSOTM, Omega GSOTM. I did try the Grey side, although the grayish metal and the platinum dial is cool, but I feel that it looks a bit dull without the jeweler store light. I noticed that the Panerai 441 case back and buckle is only made from titanium, opposed to Omega’s crown, pusher, buckle, bezel are all fully made from ceramic.
FYI, DSOTM launched in Baselworld 2013 with a ceramic buckle, it is the first production Omega watch with a full ceramic case. However, in November 2015, the original DSOTM is actually update with a ceramic/titanium deployment claps with additional about RM3k price. The one with buckle still on sell though. I decided to get the deployment claps to reduce the possibility of dropping the watch. A broken case DSOTM will cost 7k USD to fix.
Most ceramic watches have a single finish over the entire case. I am impressed that omega is able to manipulate both brush and polish finish. It is very difficult to make brush finish on a ceramic case due to its extreme hardness. The tachymeter is engraved with laser and the scale is filled with chromium nitride.
The hands is made out of 18k white gold and the strap is nylon cordura. Initailly I was quite reluctant to accept its cordura strap. However, after trying it, instantly thrilled by it. It fit nicely and comfortable on wrist and portray some stealth and tactical look. It would be better if the red stitching is on the front side of the cordura instead of back side. The case do sparkling shine under indoor mall’s lighting which is what I after for.
The large case back window definitely draw my attention when I first saw it. The decoration is up to my taste. I just look at the case back frequently than the front, LOL. DSOTM is equipped with Co-Axial Caliber 9300 COSC certified. Although some speedmaster and seamater do have the similar movement decoration, I just feel that the black ceramic and the larger window just make the movement more pop.
I bought it from Lisbon, Portugal with pretty good price with additional free OEM leather strap compared to the price I surveyed in KL
PS: A guy from my tour group passed the custom easily with his 3 newly bought Tag without any inspection at the custom.. However, my Omega got a detailed inspection from the custom, they checked the box, warranty card, certification, serial number, and resit of the watch.
Here are some of the photo with Omega throughout the trips.
Happy Collecting,
TWS.
