Back in 2018, Omega introduced the Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, with a larger black ceramic case 44.25 mm case.

The 2018 Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 was sold with a caliber 1869 (a modified version of the standard Moonwatch Professional caliber 1861). The watch debuted with a retail price of $9,750 — which was approximately 40% higher than the standard Moonwatch Professional at the time. That was a steep upcharge for what was effectively a case swap and special movement and dial, but not much else.

Fast forward to 2024, and just like the current Moonwatch Professional, with a Metas-certified caliber 3861 inside, the 2024 Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 has received a new caliber 3869 (a modified 3861). So now you’re getting the same case as in 2018, and the same basic look — apart from the added titanium Saturn V rocket small seconds hand, and a more detailed rendering of the moon on the front and back — but with the evolved latest generation Metas-certified movement.

Omega is a highly desirable brand, and the Lemania-based movement has certainly been upgraded from 1869 used in the 2018 Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, but the price has increased from $9,750 to $14,300 46.6667% (from 2018 to 2024) and that’s 116.667% more than a base 2024 Moonwatch Professional on a strap which currently retails for $6,600.

No matter how you look at it — the price increase on this larger ceramic 2024 Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is nothing short of astronomical.

 

Photo by Omega.