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Omega Speedmaster “DARKMOON”: A Unique 2013 One-Off Custom Piece
In 2013, we undertook a unique project: to reimagine the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch through a contemporary lens—dark, graphic, and unapologetically bold. Based on a 2005 Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.0022, this bespoke chronograph merges the technical heritage of the Moonwatch with a modern aesthetic inspired by Omega’s own “Dark Side of the Moon” series, which had just made its debut.
From Moonwatch to Custom Concept The base watch, reference 145.0022, retained the essential Speedmaster DNA: manually wound Caliber 1861, Hesalite crystal, and the iconic asymmetrical case. The transformation began with a complete disassembly of the watch down to its individual components.
Each part of the case, bezel, pushers, and crown was inspected, cleaned, and polished to original factory tolerances before moving to the coating phase.
DLC Coating: Precision Under Heat The case then underwent DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, a high-tech process requiring extreme temperatures in a vacuum environment. DLC is applied via a plasma-assisted deposition technique, which bonds carbon particles at a molecular level to the steel surface.
The result is not only a visually striking black case but also one with extreme hardness and scratch resistance.
Why DLC ?
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) and PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) are both surface coating technologies used to enhance the appearance and durability of watch cases, but they differ significantly in composition and performance.
PVD is a broader category that refers to a process in which a thin film of material—often titanium nitride or similar compounds—is deposited onto the surface under vacuum. It offers improved wear and corrosion resistance compared to bare metal, but it can be susceptible to scratching over time.
DLC, by contrast, is a specialized form of PVD that applies an amorphous carbon layer with properties similar to diamond. Thanks to its extreme hardness and low friction coefficient, DLC provides superior scratch resistance, durability, and a deeper black finish. While PVD coatings can vary in hardness depending on the materials used, DLC is generally more robust coating option for high-performance applications.
Dial Design: A Singular Creation
For the dial, once Alessandro designed this dial we worked with a professional dialmaker to realize our custom concept—a single-piece dial with stylized lunar texture and cosmic speckling that evokes a dramatic, almost cinematic view of the Moon’s surface. The logo and typography draw inspiration from Omega’s own Dark Side of the Moon line, but go further in tone and contrast, blending matte and glossy finishes with luminous hour markers for clarity and depth.
A One-Off Graphic Statement
This is not a prototype, nor part of a series—it is a one-off creation, assembled and regulated by skilled hands and executed with absolute respect for the Moonwatch legacy. It pays homage to the original chronograph that accompanied NASA astronauts, while boldly reframing its visual language for a new context: darker, graphic, and emotionally charged.