Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon review after 18 months
This is not the most popular speedmaster (by far) but it spoke to me. I intended for daily wear mostly at work (engineering) where I use a chronograph often. So, for my use this is a tool watch but also to enjoy after hours. It wears well in most any setting.
Buying a new Omega with a 5 year warranty (for a watch I intended to use often and may keep forever) was important.
I also wanted something low key (like the opposite of a gold Daytona).
The ceramic case is interesting, and something I wanted to try. It does have very sharp edges, not sharp enough to cut but noticeable. It wears comfortable and light considering the size.
After the purchase some of the weak points started to show quickly. To be honest, I could have seen some of these before I bought, but once I got to the Omega boutique I was kind of on a roll and would have probably bought it anyway.
I also have to mention the sales experience at the Omega boutique. It was strange. When I said I would purchase it, all the sales people were excited (almost too excited). Then they brought out a bottle of champagne and one glass. This is in the middle of the day, in a busy shopping mall, and in a small (and crowded) store! What was I suppose to do, drink a bottle of champagne by myself in the store?? I declined the "Omega" branded champagne. Seemed pretty strange to me. Got a cheesy Omega Hat instead.
The band (appears to be like a suede type material) really went downhill quickly. When I went back to Omega boutique they were not really helpful when I tried to buy a new (over-priced) one.
I'm on the fence if this is a "keeper" but have had it for 18 months now and I still like it despite the flaws that annoy me.
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon review after 18 months
Yes
No
- Excellent quality, movement finishing is very nice
- Ceramic case is scratch free after 18 months, still looks brand new. feels good on the wrist
- timing regulation is 2 seconds a day (or less) and has maintained that over 18 months
- Lume very is poor, not really usable at night
- Date window is really small for such a large watch
- The band wears quickly and cannot tolerate even minor water. Probably ok for occational use but recommend taking it off if you are even close to water.
Have worn watches all my life but am new to collecting.
Bravo sir.
Valid, long term review, that isn't just 5/5 cause you bought it. Yet still like it.
My take, keep it, and don't stress about keeper? Obvs been ok with it for 18 months, get some more memories with it and change it over to a Haveston NASA strap?
I have an Omega Aqua Terra and the lume isn’t that great either not sure why. I bought an Artem hydroflex strap with quick release and it is very good- not much of a fan of the bracelet as was heavy and chunky.
Thanks so much for a good and critical review!
I’ve heard of the odd buying celebration at ADs and it’s interesting to note Omega hasn’t got it quite nailed.
The Rolex experience seems to involve secret rooms and rituals, the Grand Seiko buying experience involves some crazy expensive Japanese whiskey (Yamazaki?) for everyone in the vicinity.
I like ceramic watches so have been interested in the ceramic speedies.
But its large size, sharp edges, middling lume, etc, are too many negatives for me.
I prefer more WR than a speedy has as well.
Maybe the Tudor or SM300? I’ll find a ceramic watch one of these days!
First congrats on review, refreshing to see satisfied owner who has some issues ( as we all do ) and reports them in realistic fashion, meaning not 4.8+ review as 99% of all posted.
I would keep the watch as the mentioned issues are minor ( maybe the strap quality is a bit concerning but can replace with quality aftermarket solutions ) and obviously you still love the watch.
Bravo sir.
Valid, long term review, that isn't just 5/5 cause you bought it. Yet still like it.
My take, keep it, and don't stress about keeper? Obvs been ok with it for 18 months, get some more memories with it and change it over to a Haveston NASA strap?
Thanks for the comment. Just got a custom strap from The Strap Tailor that allows use of the factory ceramic clasp. I like it and is what it should of come with. So with the new strap I am wearing it again and enjoying it.
Thanks so much for a good and critical review!
I’ve heard of the odd buying celebration at ADs and it’s interesting to note Omega hasn’t got it quite nailed.
The Rolex experience seems to involve secret rooms and rituals, the Grand Seiko buying experience involves some crazy expensive Japanese whiskey (Yamazaki?) for everyone in the vicinity.
I like ceramic watches so have been interested in the ceramic speedies.
But its large size, sharp edges, middling lume, etc, are too many negatives for me.
I prefer more WR than a speedy has as well.
Maybe the Tudor or SM300? I’ll find a ceramic watch one of these days!
Thanks,
Interesting the hear about the in-store experience.
I bought my Grand Seiko on-line directly from Grand Seiko America so I missed out on the whiskey. But that does sound like a very Japanese thing.
I think I will avoid the Rolex "experience"! LOL
As for ceramic, I really like that it does not scratch (or at least not easily). I think my GS in stainless steel had three scratch's the first time I breathed on it hard.
Thanks,
Interesting the hear about the in-store experience.
I bought my Grand Seiko on-line directly from Grand Seiko America so I missed out on the whiskey. But that does sound like a very Japanese thing.
I think I will avoid the Rolex "experience"! LOL
As for ceramic, I really like that it does not scratch (or at least not easily). I think my GS in stainless steel had three scratch's the first time I breathed on it hard.
The Ti GSs seem better for scratch resistance, for what it's worth.
I treat my 413 like a beater and it still looks new (admittedly under a loupe it's not quite perfect!).
Yes, the online sales miss out on the possible AD parties and AD relationship. But: GS America is great, since once you register your watch, you get invites to the GS9 parties, that are fantastic! Much better than what any individual AD could do. Food, discussions, and open bar later in the evening.
And nope, broke ass me will never be allowed in a Rolex AD's secret room either. Whatever ceremony is performed there will remain secret to both of us.
❤️ it my baby 1990's triple day/date/month
❤️ it my baby 1990's triple day/date/month
That is one of my favorite speedmaster, it is just different enough from the rest to stand out and is a nice design. I see them pop up used for very reasonable prices and have been tempted.