The watch Robert-Jan Broer makes a case for in his April 13, 2021 Fratello article is the original Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, reference 311.92.44.51.01.003, introduced in 2013. Its combination of a 44.25 mm black ceramic case and dial with Omega’s automatic calibre 9300 chronograph gives it a distinctly modern character beside the more familiar Moonwatch. “Often overlooked” is Broer’s impression of collector attention, not a measured ranking of popularity.
Which Speedmaster does “the original Dark Side” mean?
It means reference 311.92.44.51.01.003, the 2013 Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon discussed by Broer—not the later Apollo 8, Grey Side of the Moon, or every subsequent black ceramic Speedmaster. That distinction matters: Omega updated the Dark and Grey Side collection in 2025, but the announcement does not establish that this particular 2013 reference remains in production or that later specifications apply to it.
Broer’s article reports the original as a 44.25 mm watch with a black ceramic case and dial, sapphire crystal, and a display back. Its automatic calibre 9300 chronograph has a stated 60-hour power reserve and chronometer certification; the watch is rated to 50 m water resistance. The listed functions are time, date, and chronograph. These are the specifications presented in the 2021 article, rather than a claim that every later Dark Side model is identical. Read Broer’s original article at Fratello.
What makes the original Dark Side of the Moon interesting?
Ceramic changes the watch’s character
The all-black ceramic case and dial make this Speedmaster look more contemporary and visually unified than the familiar steel Moonwatch. Ceramic is not just a color choice here: it is central to the model’s identity. The sapphire crystal and display back also let the dial and movement remain part of the appeal, rather than making the watch an opaque black object.
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An automatic chronograph in the Speedmaster family
Calibre 9300 gives the watch an automatic chronograph, date, and 60-hour stated reserve. That makes its operating experience different from a hand-wound Moonwatch. Broer treats the combination of a modern movement and ceramic construction as a substantial reinterpretation of Speedmaster design. His suggestion that it could be imagined as a “Mark VI” is a personal analogy, not an official Omega model name.
It keeps a strong Speedmaster presence
At 44.25 mm, the case makes a clear statement. Broer considers that size potentially challenging and advises trying the watch on instead of deciding from the diameter alone. A measurement cannot settle how the case will feel on a particular wrist; fit depends on the wearer and the watch’s proportions in person.
Is the Omega Dark Side of the Moon too big?
There is no universal yes or no. The 44.25 mm diameter is a reason to try the exact reference on, not a guarantee that it will or will not fit. If you are comparing it with another Speedmaster, look beyond diameter: compare the case’s profile, how its lugs sit on your wrist, the strap, and the overall visual weight of the black ceramic construction. Broer’s recommendation is practical precisely because the number alone does not answer the fit question.
Why did Broer call it overlooked?
Broer’s case is anecdotal, not statistical. He says he had not noticed original Dark Side wearers in pictures from Speedy Tuesday events, though he had seen some Apollo 8 examples, and that collector friends had paid little attention to the original. He summed up his impression this way: “It seems it is not the most loved watch among Speedmaster enthusiasts.” That reflects his observations and conversations, not survey evidence about all collectors.
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Rank #3
- Model 310.30.42.50.01.002
He also offers an explanation: in his view, Omega released many variants quickly, diluting the original’s distinctiveness. That is his interpretation of the model’s reception, rather than an established cause. The useful point for a potential buyer is narrower: the original can be missed when attention shifts to better-known Moonwatch configurations or newer members of the Dark Side family.
How the original fits with later Dark Side models
Omega announced a substantial Dark and Grey Side of the Moon collection update on October 14, 2025. The company described seven models, slimmer profiles while retaining a 44.25 mm presence, new ceramic construction details, and updated movements. That announcement confirms the family has evolved; it does not confirm that those changes apply to reference 311.92.44.51.01.003. See Omega’s October 14, 2025 announcement.
Rank #4
- Pagani Design Moon Wristwatch: Pagani Design presents the new Moon Wristwatch, a watch that not only gives you the feeling of smoothness and pleasure of operating a chronograph, but also the endless imagination of being with an extraordinary history of adventure. It carries the human finally succeeded in voyaging to the stars to explore the unknown fervor. This watch will not give you the world, but it will give you the magnificent imagination of a walk on the moon.
- VK63 Movement: Top quality VK63 quartz movement with chronograph function. It is a real chronograph watch. VK63 movement quartz watch has the characteristics of accurate and stable timing and long usage time, so you don't have to worry about the existence of time errors.
- Stainless Steel: The stainless steel stronger and more durable. It can be used permanently if carefully maintained. The stainless steel that use the wire drawing process are more textured and show more grade and status; the dial markers and hands can glow at night, absorbing enough light to show a super luminous effect.
- 100M Waterproof: With a water resistance of up to 100M you can easily handle most situations in life, such as washing hands, rain, swimming(please tighten the crown when going into the water). It is not recommended to wear the watch while diving or taking a hot shower. Water vapor will corrode the waterproof rubber ring and most watches are not protected from water vapor.
- What Can You Get: You can get a Pagani Design watch, a Pagani Design exquisite packaging box, a Pagani Design watch manual, a Pagani Design watch wipe; 30 days No reason to return, provide 2 years repair service.
Omega’s manual for the related Grey Side reference 311.93.44.51.99.002 lists a 44.25 mm ceramic case, calibre 9300, 60-hour reserve, and 50 m water resistance. It is useful context for the broader family, but it is not documentation for the original black reference. Consult the Grey Side reference manual. Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann called the collection an embodiment of the company’s “pioneering spirit that has guided us to the Moon” in the 2025 release; that is the brand’s framing, not an independent assessment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the original cost, and what should buyers verify?
Broer gave historical—not current—price context in 2021: a €10,800 retail price and a pre-owned average below €7,000 at that time. Neither figure establishes today’s retail availability, a current market average, or the value of a particular example. No current price or live availability is established here.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor a purchase, begin by confirming the reference, since a listing for another Dark Side or Apollo 8 is not the same watch. Then assess the individual example rather than relying on the old average:
Quick Recap
- Check that the listing and documentation identify reference 311.92.44.51.01.003.
- Compare the stated condition, included accessories, service history, and seller terms for the specific watch.
- Try the 44.25 mm case on if possible before deciding whether its size and presence suit you.
- Use current, reference-specific listings to evaluate price; the 2021 figures are historical context only.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
