The 2025 Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon refresh keeps the collection’s 44.25 mm case diameter but changes its construction and profiles. For the black ceramic models, the most consequential choice is between the automatic, date-equipped Classic and Black/Black at 15.09 mm thick, and the hand-wound, no-date Dark Vader at 13.02 mm. Those measurements come from Fratello’s October 14, 2025 hands-on report; they describe a large watch, so wrist fit is worth judging in person.
What changed in the 2025 Dark Side of the Moon?
OMEGA announced seven models in its Dark and Grey Side of the Moon collection on October 14, 2025, calling the release the next evolution of the collection. The update is a refinement rather than a smaller-case redesign: the black models retain a 44.25 mm diameter, while OMEGA describes slimmer profiles and reworked construction. OMEGA’s announcement covers the collection; the measurements below are from Fratello’s October 2025 hands-on report.
The black variants share a 50 mm lug-to-lug measurement, according to Fratello. That span and the 44.25 mm diameter matter as much as thickness when assessing fit: the thinner Dark Vader still has the same reported diameter and lug-to-lug length as the other two. Fratello’s Robert-Jan Broer said the watches looked large on smaller wrists and recommended trying one before buying. He wore them for several days and preferred the rubber strap for comfort; that is his firsthand impression, not a universal fit verdict.
Which black model is right for you?
The Classic, Black/Black, and Dark Vader differ most in winding, date display, thickness, and dial treatment. The measurements and model details in the table are reported by Fratello in October 2025; confirm that the exact reference remains available and check its current specifications before purchase.
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| Variant | Reference | Movement and winding | Date | Reported thickness | What distinguishes it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 310.92.44.51.01.004 | Calibre 9900, automatic | Yes | 15.09 mm | Reworked classic-style black ceramic design with a Liquidmetal tachymeter scale |
| Black/Black | 310.92.44.51.01.005 | Calibre 9900, automatic | Yes | 15.09 mm | Blackened dial, hands, luminous material, and movement finish |
| Dark Vader | 310.92.44.51.01.001 | Calibre 9908, manual winding | No | 13.02 mm | Red central chronograph hand and a slimmer profile |
Classic: the traditional all-rounder
The Classic keeps the automatic Calibre 9900 and date display, with the familiar black ceramic look reworked for the 2025 update. Its Liquidmetal tachymeter scale is a distinctive dial-and-bezel detail. Choose it if you want automatic winding and a date without the Black/Black model’s more uniformly dark treatment.
Black/Black: the stealthier automatic
Reference 310.92.44.51.01.005 shares the Classic’s automatic 9900 and date, but extends the black treatment across the dial, hands, indexes, and movement. OMEGA says the indexes and hands use green-emitting luminous material. The dial is sandblasted ceramic, and the movement is blackened. It is not thinner than the Classic in Fratello’s reported measurements.
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Dark Vader: thinner, manual, and no date
Dark Vader pairs the hand-wound Calibre 9908 with a red chronograph hand and omits the date aperture. Its reported 13.02 mm thickness is 2.07 mm less than the 15.09 mm Classic and Black/Black. That makes it the slimmer option in this trio, but not a smaller-diameter watch: it remains 44.25 mm across with a reported 50 mm lug-to-lug span.
How do the movements and daily-use features differ?
Fratello reports a 60-hour power reserve for both calibres. Its account describes the automatic 9900 as a column-wheel chronograph with dual-time functionality via an independently adjustable hour hand. The manual 9908 has no date complication. In practical terms, the 9900 suits someone who wants automatic winding and a date; the 9908 asks for regular hand-winding in exchange for a simpler dial and the thinner case profile.
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Fratello reports 50 m (5 ATM) water resistance for the covered models and advises against operating the crown or pushers underwater. This is not a dive-watch rating or an invitation to use the chronograph underwater. Check the current specification for the precise reference and follow OMEGA’s care guidance.
Strap choices and wearing comfort
OMEGA offers rubber or nylon straps for the collection. According to the brand, the new nylon straps are lined with rubber, while the rubber straps have a lunar-surface pattern on the underside. Broer preferred the rubber strap for comfort during his several days with the watches. Strap feel is personal, and the case dimensions remain the larger fit consideration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much do the 2025 models cost?
Fratello’s October 14, 2025 report listed these launch-era prices and tax bases. They are not a current global price list, and local taxes, retailer pricing, and availability can change.
| Variant | CHF, excluding taxes | EUR, including VAT | US dollars, excluding taxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic and Black/Black | CHF 12,200 | €15,400 | US$15,700 |
| Dark Vader | CHF 12,500 | €15,800 | US$16,100 |
The Tourneau/Bucherer page for Black/Black reference 310.92.44.51.01.005 displayed $16,100 when crawled; that retailer listing is not a guarantee of current price or stock. Check the live listing, seller, exact reference, and applicable taxes before making a purchase: Tourneau/Bucherer Black/Black listing.
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Verdict: a choice between a darker look and a slimmer manual model
The 2025 update preserves the large 44.25 mm footprint, so it is not a solution for someone seeking a smaller Speedmaster. Within the black models, the Classic is the straightforward automatic with a date; Black/Black gives that same setup a more thoroughly dark finish; Dark Vader is the thinner, hand-wound, no-date alternative. The choice depends less on the shared diameter than on whether you prefer automatic convenience, a date, or a slimmer profile and manual winding.
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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.
