Okay, so I finally pulled the trigger and got myself an OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 8 “Dark Side of the Moon” watch. Man, what a ride it’s been getting this thing!
It all started a few months back. I’ve always been a huge space nerd, and the Apollo 8 mission has always stuck with me. You know, the first time humans orbited the moon, saw the dark side, and got that iconic “Earthrise” photo? Yeah, that one. Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders – total legends. So, when I saw that OMEGA had a Speedmaster commemorating that mission, I was hooked. I started doing some digging.
The Hunt Begins
First, I had to find one, and it wasn’t easy. I started with the official OMEGA boutiques. I called around, and I visited a couple in person. I talked to the sales folks there, got a feel for the watch in person, and confirmed the price, etc.
Making the Decision
After some serious deliberation and checking my bank account more times than I’d like to admit, I decided to go for it. I started to consider my options and how to acquire it. I went back and forth on whether to go new or pre-owned but then ultimately decided to go with a new one. I wanted that fresh-out-of-the-box experience, plus the full warranty, you know?
The Purchase
I ended up going back to the boutique I liked the most, the one with the really helpful salesperson who knew his stuff. I figured if I’m dropping this kind of cash, I want to do it right. He helped me through the entire process. After payment, they brought out the watch box, and there it was. It was honestly a bit surreal.
Unboxing and First Impressions
- The Box: Even the box felt premium. Black, sleek, with the OMEGA logo. Inside, the watch was nestled in there, looking even better than I remembered.
- The Watch: It’s a 44.25mm case, just like the current Speedmaster Professional models, which I already knew I liked the size of. The black ceramic is stunning in person. It’s got this depth to it, and the yellow accents really pop.
- The Strap: It came on a black leather strap with yellow stitching. Super comfortable and matches the watch perfectly.
- The Movement: Seeing the movement through the case back is just awesome. All those gears and details, it’s like a little city in there. It was just a beauty to see.
So, yeah, that’s my story of getting the OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 8. It was a process, a bit of an investment, but totally worth it. I’ve been wearing it every day since, and I still catch myself staring at it. It’s not just a watch; it’s a piece of history, a reminder of human achievement, and a darn good-looking timepiece. I feel so great and happy now!