Omega Dark Side of the Moon vs Blue Side of the Moon

What is the difference between the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon and the Omega Speedmaster Blue Side of the Moon?

Both watches are ceramic-cased Omega Speedmasters inspired by lunar exploration, but they offer very different ownership experiences. The Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 focuses on technical innovation and motorsport-inspired sportiness, while the Blue Side of the Moon combines ceramic construction with a moonphase complication and a more luxurious, dressier aesthetic.

The Speedmaster may be best known as the watch that went to the Moon, but over the years Omega has created some remarkable interpretations of that story.

Two of the most impressive are the Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 and the Blue Side of the Moon.

At first glance they appear very similar. Both are large ceramic Speedmasters inspired by lunar exploration, both sit at the premium end of Omega’s catalogue, and both represent a significant departure from the traditional stainless steel Moonwatch.

Look a little closer, however, and you’ll discover they are aimed at very different buyers.

The Story Behind Omega’s “Moon” Collection

Few watches can claim a connection to space exploration quite like the Omega Speedmaster.

Following the Speedmaster’s role during the Apollo missions and its historic journey to the lunar surface in 1969, Omega has continually celebrated that heritage through special editions and innovative new models.

The Omega Dark Side of the Moon collection first appeared in 2013 and was notable for introducing a fully black ceramic Speedmaster case.

The Blue Side of the Moon followed shortly afterwards, showcasing Omega’s growing expertise in coloured ceramic production.

Both watches demonstrate just how far Omega has evolved beyond the traditional Moonwatch formula.

Omega Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8: The Technical Showpiece

Of the two watches, the Dark side of the Moon is undoubtedly the more technical and visually dramatic.

The most striking feature is the semi-skeletonised dial, which allows the wearer to see through to the movement beneath.

But Omega didn’t stop there.

The bridges and plates of the movement have been laser-ablated to recreate the lunar surface itself.

Viewed through the front of the watch, the movement resembles the near side of the Moon.

Turn the watch over and the sapphire caseback reveals the far side.

It’s one of the most imaginative movement finishing techniques seen in modern watchmaking and creates a direct visual link to the Apollo programme.

The dial layout remains faithful to the traditional Speedmaster chronograph configuration, with three sub-dials and a highly legible display.

What We Like

• Skeletonised lunar-surface movement
• Strong connection to the Apollo programme
• Lightweight ceramic construction
• Sporty, contemporary aesthetic
• One of Omega’s most distinctive modern Speedmasters

Omega Blue Side of the Moon: The Luxury Interpretation

While the Omega Dark Side of the Moon celebrates technical innovation, the Blue Side of the Moon takes a more luxurious approach.

The first thing you’ll notice is the extraordinary blue ceramic case.

Producing coloured ceramic is considerably more complex than producing black ceramic, and Omega’s rich blue finish remains one of the most impressive examples in the industry.

The dial is equally striking.

Instead of a skeletonised display, Omega opted for a deep blue ceramic dial featuring:

• Two sub-dials
• A moonphase display at six o’clock
• Elegant applied hour markers
• A more refined overall aesthetic

The moonphase complication is one of the highlights of the watch.

Not only is it visually beautiful, but it’s also remarkably accurate, displaying the lunar cycle as it appears in the night sky.

Where the Apollo 8 feels technical and purposeful, the Blue Side of the Moon feels sophisticated and luxurious.

Ceramic Cases: Why They Matter

One of the most important features of both watches is something many buyers overlook.

Neither watch is made from stainless steel. Instead, both utilise ceramic cases.

Ceramic offers several advantages:

• Highly scratch resistant
• Lightweight on the wrist
• Resistant to fading
• Exceptional depth of colour

Years after purchase, a ceramic Speedmaster can still look remarkably fresh compared with a traditionally polished steel watch.

For many owners, that’s a significant part of the appeal.

Strap and Clasp Differences

Another area where these watches diverge is the strap configuration.

Omega Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8

The Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 features:

• Perforated leather strap
• Yellow rubber insert beneath
• Yellow chronograph accents
• Titanium pin buckle with ceramic coating

The result is a watch that feels sporty, modern and highly technical.

Omega Blue Side of the Moon

The Blue Side of the Moon features:

• Blue alligator leather strap
• Titanium deployant clasp
• More refined appearance

The deployant clasp adds an extra touch of luxury and reinforces the more elegant character of the watch.

The Movements

The Apollo 8 uses Omega’s manually wound Calibre 1869, heavily modified and finished to showcase the lunar-surface engraving.

This is particularly significant because it maintains a closer connection to the manually wound movements found in traditional Moonwatch models.

The Blue Side of the Moon takes a different approach, using Omega’s automatic Co-Axial Chronograph movement with moonphase functionality.

For everyday convenience, the Blue Side arguably has the edge.

For enthusiasts who enjoy interaction and heritage, the manually wound Apollo 8 has enormous appeal.

Which One Wears Better – the Omega Dark Side of the Moon or the Blue Side of the Moon?

This is where the choice becomes personal.

The Omega Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 feels:

• Sportier
• More technical
• More contemporary
• More obviously connected to space exploration

The Omega Blue Side of the Moon feels:

• More luxurious
• Slightly dressier
• More versatile in formal settings
• More unusual thanks to its rich blue ceramic finish

Both wear surprisingly comfortably thanks to their lightweight ceramic cases.

Value on the Pre-Owned Market

When new, both watches retailed at around £13,500–£14,000.

One of the most compelling reasons to consider them today is the value available on the pre-owned market.

At the time of writing:

• Our unworn Omega Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is available at approximately £8,500
• Our Omega Blue Side of the Moon is available at under £8,000

That represents a substantial saving over retail while still delivering one of the most technically advanced and visually distinctive Speedmaster ownership experiences available.

For buyers looking beyond the traditional Moonwatch, they offer exceptional value.

What We See at Oakleigh Watches

Interestingly, many clients considering one of these watches arrive expecting to buy a traditional Speedmaster Professional.

Then they try on a ceramic Speedmaster.

The lighter weight, the unique finishing and the sheer presence of these watches often change their perspective completely.

They remain unmistakably Speedmasters, but they offer something a little more individual.

And increasingly, that’s exactly what many collectors are looking for.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 if:

• You love the Apollo story
• You want a skeletonised movement
• You prefer a sportier watch
• You appreciate technical watchmaking

Choose the Blue Side of the Moon if:

• You want something more luxurious
• You love moonphase complications
• You prefer a dressier aesthetic
• You want one of Omega’s most distinctive ceramic watches

Neither is objectively better.

They’re simply different interpretations of the same extraordinary story.

Final Thoughts

The Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 and the Blue Side of the Moon represent Omega at its most creative.

Both take the familiar Speedmaster platform and transform it into something entirely different.

One is technical, sporty and deeply connected to the Apollo programme.

The other is luxurious, elegant and visually spectacular.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting one of the most innovative modern Speedmasters Omega has ever produced.

Thinking About Adding One to Your Collection?

Whether you’re considering an Omega Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, a Blue Side of the Moon, or another Speedmaster entirely, we’re always happy to help.

We regularly accept part exchange and offer a trusted consignment service, making it easier to move on from an existing watch and into something new.

If you’d like to see these watches in greater detail before making a decision, be sure to watch our full comparison video on the Oakleigh Watches YouTube channel, where Giles takes a closer look at the dials, movements, ceramic cases and wearability of both models.

As always, if you’d like honest advice or help finding the right watch for your collection, please get in touch with the team.