Okay, here is my sharing about the CopyOMEGA Ω Speedmaster 310.92.44.50.01.001 (Apollo 8 “Dark Side of the Moon” – Rocket) Classic Style:
So, I’ve been eyeing this OMEGA Speedmaster, the Apollo 8 “Dark Side of the Moon” version. This thing is a real beauty. You know, the one that’s supposed to look like the moon’s surface? That’s the one. I finally decided to try recreating it myself, a little DIY project for fun, you know?
Getting Started
First off, I did a bunch of looking around online. I needed to figure out what makes this watch tick, literally. The original has this cool skeletonized dial, and the movement inside is supposed to look like the lunar surface. It’s wild! Apparently, this whole thing is a nod to the Apollo 8 mission, which was a pretty big deal over 55 years ago when they took those “earthrise” photos. So, history and cool design? I’m in.
The Plan
I figured I’d start with the case. The real OMEGA uses a full ceramic case, all black and sleek. They started doing this back in 2013, and it was a big hit. I thought, “Okay, ceramic is a bit out of my league,” so I opted for a similar-looking material that’s easier to work with. It won’t be the same, but it’ll have that vibe, you know?
The Dial
Next up was the dial. This was the tricky part. The skeletonized look means you can see right through to the movement. I spent a good chunk of time figuring out how to get that see-through effect without making it look like a total mess. I messed up a few times, not gonna lie. It’s harder than it looks to make something look intentionally “unfinished” in a stylish way. It needs to be refined. Otherwise it’s like a kid’s drawing on a wall.
The Movement
The movement was the real challenge. The real deal has this intricate design that’s supposed to mimic the moon’s surface. I’m not a watchmaker, so I knew I couldn’t replicate it exactly. But I tried to get the feel of it, the texture, and the craters. It was a lot of trial and error, but hey, that’s half the fun, right? I used this special tool to make it look like the moon. It was really hard to get the correct texture, so I had to try it over and over again. Eventually I got something that seemed to work.
Putting It Together
Once I had all the parts, it was time to assemble this bad boy. Let me tell you, putting together a watch, even a mock-up, is no joke. It’s delicate work. You need steady hands and a lot of patience. There were moments when I thought I’d messed the whole thing up, but I kept at it.
The Result
After a few weeks, it was finally ready. It’s not perfect, not by a long shot. It’s not an OMEGA, and it doesn’t have the same level of detail or craftsmanship. But you know what? It’s mine. I made it. And it does capture a bit of that “Dark Side of the Moon” magic. Plus, it’s a cool reminder of that Apollo 8 mission and all those “earthrise” photos. It’s not just a watch; it’s a piece of history, in a way. It sits there and I am happy whenever I look at it.
Would I do it again? Maybe. It was a ton of work, but also a lot of fun. If you’re into watches and want a challenge, give it a shot. Just be prepared to get your hands dirty and your patience tested. And hey, if you end up with something that looks even remotely like the OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 8, you’ve done pretty darn good. Trust me, I know! I have seen it with my own eyes!
- Key Takeaways:
- Ceramic is hard to work with.
- Skeletonized dials are tricky.
- Making a watch is a real test of patience.
- It’s all about the journey, not just the destination.
So, that’s my story. Hope you enjoyed it. Until next time, keep on ticking!