Baselworld 2015 is underway, and it’s fair to say that we have no shortage of topics to discuss. We’ll certainly try to get through as many different talking points in turn as we can, but today we’re taking a closer look at one of the first developments we heard about from Baselworld. A few days ago in our preview blog, we spoke about the Omega White Side of the Moon watch, and we were certainly eager to bring you a bit more information about the latest Speedmaster to honour the moon…
The Omega Speedmaster White Side of the Moon
The White Side of the Moon is the third – and presumably final – OMEGA Speedmaster to take inspiration from the aesthetics of the moon, but unlike the previous two chronometers in the assemblage it doesn’t mirror the appearance of the moon as seen from space, but rather the dazzling corona of white light that we see from earth. Despite this change in perspective, the white ceramic form of this Speedmaster is perhaps the most striking to date. Again, the 44.25 mm casing is solid ceramic with a brushed and polished finish, but the triumph of this watch must surely be in the subtle contrasts.
When you think about it, an entirely white wristwatch runs an astonishing risk of coming across as bland, stark or even clinical, yet somehow Omega have managed to fashion something that proves this need not be the case. A big part of this is enabled by the grey hue of the tachymeter bezel and the sub-dials, as these allow details to be apparent without detracting from the all-white theme.
The splash of red upon the logo and the tip of the seconds hand achieve the same, and, if you look closely, these hands – along with the indexes – are crafted from sumptuous white gold. You can also procure a version with a dial that’s studded with diamonds and mother-of-pearl, which, given the heavenly theme that is being aspired to, is nothing short of a masterstroke on Omega’s part.
From Dark, to Grey, to White…
In many ways, this Speedmaster was the hardest of the three designs for Omega to refine. All-black timepieces are highly on-trend, whilst the unassuming shades of the Grey Side of the Moon aren’t so far removed from the appearance of stainless steel, yet the White Side of the Moon is genuinely and magnificently different. All told, you have to say the result is a superb conclusion to this innovative project, and this Speedmaster ‘trilogy’ is sure to stand tall in all future histories of Omega.
One of the hallmarks of this assemblage has been the use of ceramic, and an astonishingly complex procedure (see above) was required to realise these timepieces. Once the ceramic cases are pressed, they actually have to be shrunk to their retail size, and diamond tools are required to implement the delicate senses of definition. Interestingly, the Grey Side of the Moon originally starts life as something rather like the White Side, with a plasma furnace being required to ensure the grey hue.
The Complete Trilogy Available at Banks Lyon
As a new introduction, the Omega Speedmaster White Side of the Moon watch has yet to go on sale, but you can preview the timepiece and place your enquiries right here on our website. What’s more, we have the Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon watch in stock for £7,970, or for 36 monthly payments of £177.11 and a 20% deposit, along with the original Omega Speedmaster Darkside of the Moon watch, which retails for £7,590, or on 0% finance for 36 monthly payments of £168.67 and a 20% deposit. Simply put, whatever incarnation of this watch you prefer, we can help.
To find out more about any of these timepieces, visit our Omega Speedmaster page, or contact our customer-focused team. We stock an unparalleled collection of Omega watches, and are happy to guide you through the entire range, so call us on 01524 38 48 58 and we’ll be delighted to assist you.
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