ReviewThe Professional “Lunar Dust” Watch – Omega Grey Side of the Moon
A look into the Omega’s Grey Side Of The Moon
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“The Moon is essentially Grey” – NASA astronaut Jim Lovell’s words during Apollo 8’s lunar orbit
Omega’s inspiring story takes you on a quest through land, sea and in some cases, literally out of this world. Their watches are examples of man’s will to perform better than the best. The have never stopped innovating and their latest work shows you exactly that. In 2014, Omega launched the Co-Axial Chronograph “Dark Side Of The Moon” which was a huge success across the world. The following year, to everyone’s surprise the brand added a variety of watches in the Moon series and came out with some very interesting time tellers. Today, we discuss one of the closest competitors of the Dark Side, the Omega Grey Side Of The Moon:
The watch is a full ceramic construction of the predecessor, with a twist. It is called “Grey Side Of The Moon” thanks to its appearance which resembles lunar dust. The story behind the case is very interesting indeed. The stylish grey case is crafted from a solid block of bright white ceramic, which is then superheated to 20,000º F using plasma technology, turning the material completely grey, all the way through. This is important for the watch as there is no risk of fading colors or of seeing traces of white after the case has been scratched.
Another feature that stands out the most in this watch is the light grey textured dial, which is solid platinum. The finely grained texture is slightly iridescent, just enough to catch light without appearing flashy. This watch has completely re-done the USP of “Dark Side of the Moon” which was the use of “Zr02” (ceramic dioxide) insignia on the dial, case back, and buckle. Instead, the “Lunar Dust” takes a minimal approach with just a barely-visible embossing of “P950” on the dial, and an Omega symbol on the buckle. Additionally, the ceramic bezel on the Lunar Dust has been filled with luminescent material, so it (along with the hour markers and hands) actually glows in the dark.
The Omega Speedmaster shares its 44.25 mm case and technical specifications with the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. The color of the case is metallic gray, darker than stainless steel or titanium, reminding us of the color of a moon stone. The bezel, crown, pushers, caseback and pin are made of ceramic. The hands and indices, with the classical Speedmaster Professional design, are black colored and filled with Super-LumiNova. Even the engraved tachymeter on the bezel is filled with Super-LumiNova.
The Grey Side Of the Moon features Omega’s in-house Caliber 9300, a self-winding movement that is also used in the Moonwatch Chronograph and the Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph. The watch supports an integrated chronograph function and comes with a matching gray alligator strap to complete the themed appeal. The dial size is apt for an average male hand thanks to the smaller lugs and the weight of the watch is just right, not making it a bulky wear.
The movement, visible through the caseback with boxed sapphire crystal, is finished with elegant arabesque Geneva waves. Like the IWC Portuguese Chronograph Classic, it has a two-register chronograph that indicates the elapsed minutes and hours on a single subdial. There are two hands (one for the elapsed hours, one for the elapsed minutes) in the subdial at 3 o’clock.
Innovative technology and a design inspired by history, the Omega Speedmaster “Grey Side Of The Moon” is an ideal companion for dwellers of this world who wish to go beyond the Moon!
