Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8: Design Choices and Strap Versatility

holdemchamp1225 · 2020-07-29T09:07:50Z

Explore the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, its design, and community insights on strap choices, including Isofrane and shell cordovan.

In this enduring discussion, holdemchamp1225 kicks off a "What are you wearing?" thread by showcasing his Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. He contrasts its design integrity with the recently released Alinghi edition, questioning the latter's thematic connection to the Speedmaster line. This post, originally from 2020, continues to resonate with collectors interested in Omega's design choices and strap versatility.

Chose the Apollo 8 day due to the release of the Alinghi yesterday. While I love the black and red colorway of the Alinghi, I see no connection to a Speedmaster, especially a DSOTM model. I think it would have been more appropriate with a Planet Ocean Chronograph or Seamaster Chronograph but guess that is why I don't make the big bucks at Omega 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️. In any case, I much prefer the Apollo 8 and it's original idea with the surface of the moon laser ablated on the dial and movement 😁

Key Points from the Discussion

The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8's laser-ablated dial and movement, depicting the moon's surface, offers a more cohesive thematic design compared to the Alinghi edition.
Isofrane rubber straps are highly comfortable and often superior to many OEM rubber straps, even fitting 23mm lugs with a 24mm strap, as demonstrated on a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.
When purchasing Isofrane straps, look for the RS buckle (squared-off model) over the IN buckle (rounded) for a specific aesthetic preference.
Finding custom straps for watches with 23mm lug widths can be challenging, often limiting color and style options like Tropic NATO straps.
Shell cordovan straps with generic deployants can offer a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to bracelets, potentially becoming a permanent fixture for some collectors.
Some collectors prefer to keep their watches in safe deposit boxes, only bringing them out for specific occasions or when a new strap combination is ready to be tried.

The Discussion

K-

K-Lo

Jul 29, 2020

Mokarran, indefinitely!

holdemchamp1225

Jul 29, 2020

Understandable, now put another strap on that beast 😉😁 [nt]

K-

K-Lo

Jul 29, 2020

Waiting for straps to come, oh

No green NATO for Isofrane strap!!!!! Out of stock, let’s see how my Barton green strap works!!

holdemchamp1225

Jul 29, 2020

Huh? No green NATO or no green Isofrane? I know a green Isofrane exist as I have seen it. No probably out of stock 🤦‍♂️ [nt]

K-

K-Lo

Jul 29, 2020

Yeah, I wanted to order green NATO Isofrane in 24

To fit 23mm, they only had black available!!! And they only have 20mm available in Tropic NATO!!! 23mm sucks for custom straps!!

holdemchamp1225

Jul 29, 2020

The Isofrane is NOT a NATO style strap Ted. See below.

They look like this. They are UBER comfortable and the best rubber dive straps IMHO. Alot better than most any rubber strap from an OEM provider unless it uses an Isofrane strap as well. They come in black, brown, blue, green, etc...You will need a 24mm Isofrane rubber strap and YES it will fit your 23mm lugs as I have several of these on my BP FF 5015 and 5066 which also are 23mm lugs 😉👍

Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8: Design Choices and Strap Versatility

Key Points from the Discussion

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