MichaelC, a self-professed Omega novice, offers a compelling hands-on review of the Omega Grey Side of the Moon Speedmaster. His detailed observations and high-quality photography provide a fresh perspective on this distinctive ceramic timepiece, highlighting its unique aesthetic and technical features. This article is particularly valuable for collectors interested in the Speedmaster line's material innovations and design variations.
Following up on a recent encounter I had with Omega's Grey Side of the Moon Speedmaster watch, I had an opportunity to snap a few more photos of the timepiece and try it on for a bit.
I might preface this report by stating I am far from an expert on Omega. Over the years, certain pieces have definitely caught my eye. This GSOTM is certainly one of them. Regular readers on the AP Forum know that MichaelC and grey agree very well. Therefore, I really had to examine this watch up close.
My first impression of this uniquely grey Speedy was "wow". Very pleasing to my eyes. I have always enjoyed - and in fact prefer - a two subdial layout as opposed to a 3 subdial layout. Combining the hours and minutes chrono counters in a single subdial is a great idea in my opinion. And it frees up 6:00 (with the horizontal subdial orientation) to have a date window or not, and in this case, it looks quite appropriate and does not disturb other parts of the dial.
For someone not overly familiar with this case type, I found it superbly interesting.
The dial on this watch is platinum. With black markings it is really sharp. I offer Omega credit for the attention to detail around the subdials and date window. Very nicely designed and executed.
I am not certain of the material used on the hands and indices. Something blackened, or plated perhaps. In some light they appear black, and in other light they show a silverized metal look.
The grey ceramic tach ring is etched and filled with Super-LumiNova. So is the Omega logo on the crown. It looks pretty cool to see the dial and case perimeter illuminate in the dark.
Apparently, this unique grey ceramic case begins as a white ceramic powder. Through a plasma heating process, the grey color is obtained. It is as cool a look on a watch case as I have ever laid eyes upon.
I was also impressed with the strap on this watch. The grey crocodile is certainly an appropriate match.
But again, I find Omega's attention to detail rather impressive. A rubber insert receives the pin from the tang buckle. Somewhat visible in the photo above, the second keeper has a small piece of rubber on its underside to keep from sliding around once secured over the tail section.
Omega's 9300 provides the power. Automatic winding, good power reserve, crisp chrono pushers... seems like a great motor for Omega's stable of watches.
Listed at 44.25mm, the watch looked great straight on for me. My wrist is not huge but rather flat, and I do OK with large diameter watches.
From the side... well, here it is not such a nice fit for me. As much visual interest as I find in the case construction, it clearly makes the watch sit up high. And it is rather thick overall to begin with. On the strap's third hole, it tended to settle towards the top of my wrist instead of centered, which no doubt exaggerated this condition.
I'm not sure that is a deal breaker, and perhaps a shorter length strap would help me get it centered. I do feel this watch has a slightly conflicted identity. Very vintage lines and design set in a super high tech material with a platinum dial. I can certainly see this combination as exciting and fresh for long time Omega fans, but as a brand novice, I might argue the combination could be better represented on a Seamaster.
But this watch sure is good looking. And truth be told, while maybe an expensive offering for an Omega, it seems like a bargain when compared to other brands.
I will definitely be checking out more Omegas as the opportunities present, and I hope to join the club as an owner one day.
This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2015-04-29 17:12:53 
