2015 is certainly the year of the ceramic Speedmaster at Omega – and we aren’t complaining. This bright, white little number is the new Omega Speedmaster White Side Of The Moon. In 2013, Omega released the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon (aBlogtoWatch review here) that was a surprise (and enduring) hit that put the newer Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph watch with the in-house made 9300 movement in an all black ceramic case. The Omega Dark Side Of The Moon was sporty, stealthy, and very sexy – quickly becoming “the” Omega to have, even for people who were not traditionally Omega fans.
So what was Omega going to do with this success? Look to more sides of the moon, of course. Last year in 2014, Omega released the plasma-gray ceramic version of the Speedmaster with the Omega Speedmaster Gray Side Of The Moon (hands-on here). Note that the Omega Speedmaster Gray Side Of The Moon was initially called the “Lunar Dust.” It naturally means that for 2015, we get the Omega Speedmaster White Side Of The Moon in white ceramic. It is cool enough that I don’t even think it matters that there isn’t really a “white” side of the moon. I would have preferred “Speedmaster Light Side Of The Moon.” Oh well, it doesn’t change this interesting, summery sport watch.
The Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph isn’t new to white ceramic, actually, but hopefully, the Omega Speedmaster White Side Of The Moon will do better than the last one. In 2012, Omega debuted a white version of the Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph watch (hands-on here) that I understand was never commercially released. I really like that model, but agree that the Omega Speedmaster White Side Of The Moon that matches the white ceramic dial and bezel insert with a fully white zirconium oxide case does it even better. It is entirely possible that in 2012 the world simply wasn’t ready yet for a white Speedmaster. My understanding is that, since then, it has finally become cool to wear white men’s sports watches (which I’ve personally been saying is cool for over five years now – so, pat on the back, Ariel).
The Omega Speedmaster White Side Of The Moon Watch comes in the same 44.25mm-wide case size as the rest of the Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph collection. The white ceramic face is fitted with 18k white gold hands and hour markers (over time, they end up looking better than steel). Unlike the 2012 white Speedmaster watch, the Omega Speedmaster White Side Of The Moon has some welcome bits of red on the dial – which is a minor, albeit welcome design choice that I like. Too much monochronism isn’t always good.
Inside the Speedmaster White Side Of The Moon is the in-house made Omega caliber 9300 automatic chronograph movement with a two register right subdial that allows it to track up to 12 hours with the chronograph between only two subdials. It has the date at 6 o’clock, and the beautifully decorated movement is visible through the bowl-style sapphire crystal caseback – one of the best executions of such in the business. Attached to the case is a white alligator strap with some red stitching in the lining. I certainly think this is a cool look, but with the three versions there may just be too much choice in the ceramic Omega Speedmaster collection, unless you have enough money to buy them all.
Sadly, it does not appear as though Omega has included Master Co-Axial anti-magnetic properties into the caliber 9300 movement family yet – something that we have been promised will happen by 2017. The Speedmaster White Side Of The Moon is a really good looking follow-up to the original Dark and Grey Side versions – a testament to the fact that the Speedmaster is one of the most versatile and aesthetically durable watches ever. Price for this reference 311.93.44.51.04.002 Omega Speedmaster White Side Of The Moon watch is 10,800 Swiss Francs – the same as the “DSotM”. omegawatches.com
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