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OMEGA’s New Vision for the Speedmaster Dark & Grey Side of the Moon

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  • OMEGA has introduced seven new pieces to its Speedmaster Dark and Grey Side of the Moon collection.
  • The latest models are crafted in black and grey ceramic, featuring a more refined, layered dial design that improves depth and readability.
  • Powering the Dark Side editions is the OMEGA 9900 Self-Winding Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement, providing chronograph accuracy and a 60-hour power reserve.
  • The collection features both stealthy all-black executions and lighter Grey Side options, with prices starting at USD $15,700.

When OMEGA sent the Speedmaster to the Moon in 1968, it changed everything. The watch had been around for over a decade — first introduced in 1957 as a racing chronograph — but NASA’s rigorous testing pushed it into a completely different league. It survived extreme heat, freezing temperatures, and violent shocks before earning its place on the wrists of Apollo astronauts. By the time it reached the lunar surface, the Speedmaster had demonstrated it wasn’t just another tool watch. It was built for history.

Fast forward to 2012, and OMEGA gave that same icon a darker, more modern edge with the launch of the Dark Side of the Moon collection. Crafted in ceramic and inspired by the mystery of space, it brought a new attitude to the Speedmaster without losing its identity. Now, twelve years later, the lunar story continues with seven new models — five in black ceramic and two in grey — each in its own unique way, improving the details without changing from its original design.

“The Dark Side of the Moon collection embodies OMEGA’s pioneering spirit that has guided us to the Moon,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA. “These new models champion that extraordinary legacy while introducing innovations that will define chronographs for generations to come.”

What makes this release compelling is how seamlessly it integrates into the Speedmaster story. It represents an evolution that honours the qualities that made the Speedmaster legendary in the first place while also steering the design toward a future-oriented direction. So, shall we dive in?

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon | Image: OMEGA

The Evolution of the Speedmaster

One of the biggest changes with these new models comes down to how Omega has worked with ceramic. The Dark and Grey Side of the Moon watches have always embraced modern materials, but this time, the execution feels more refined. The dial design takes inspiration from the classic Moonwatch, particularly in how the details are shaped and layered. It’s constructed with two ceramic layers, which adds depth to the surface and creates a subtle play of light. The subdials sit slightly lower, so depending on the angle, they catch the light differently. It’s not flashy, but it adds character to the watch and makes it easier to read at a glance.

Even though the case still measures 44.25mm, the watch doesn’t feel bulky. Omega has adjusted the profile just enough to make it sit more comfortably, which you notice once it’s on the wrist. The bezel and crown use the brand’s Liquidmetal technology, helping to protect against scratches and everyday wear. It’s the kind of improvement you might not notice immediately, but you’ll appreciate it over time. Overall, this isn’t about changing the Speedmaster’s identity — it’s about sharpening it, making it feel more modern without losing what made it special in the first place.

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Red Hands’ Ref. 310.92.44.51.01.001 | OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Red Hands’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Red Hands’ | Image: OMEGA

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Red’

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon
  • Reference: 310.92.44.51.01.001
  • Diameter: 44.25mm
  • Thickness: 15.09mm
  • Case Material: Black Ceramic
  • Calibre: OMEGA 9900 Self-Winding
  • Power Reserve: 60 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bars (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $16,100

Among the new releases, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Red’ immediately grabs your attention. It features the familiar all-black ceramic look, but that flash of red instantly shifts the mood. The bright red chronograph seconds hand cuts sharply across the dark dial, with the Speedmaster name echoing the same tone. It’s a small detail, yet it adds tension and contrast, giving the watch a slightly more assertive character without compromising its stealthy identity.

The 44.25mm black ceramic case provides the bold wrist presence that the Dark Side models are known for, and at just over 15mm thick, it feels sturdy and purposeful. Inside, it houses Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900, which offers automatic winding, a 60-hour power reserve, and the precision and magnetic resistance expected from the brand’s modern movements. Water resistance is rated to 50 metres (165 feet), making it suitable for everyday wear. More than anything, the ‘Black Red’ feels like a focused refinement — not a radical shift, but a sharper, more confident expression of the Dark Side concept.

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark/White’ Ref.310.92.44.51.01.004/310.92.44.51.01.002 | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark/White’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark/White’ | Image: OMEGA

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Dark White’

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon
  • Reference: 310.92.44.51.01.004/310.92.44.51.01.002
  • Diameter: 44.25mm
  • Thickness: 15.09mm
  • Case Material: Black Ceramic
  • Calibre: OMEGA 9900 Self-Winding
  • Power Reserve: 60 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bars (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $15,700

Second, we have the ‘Dark White’ version, which immediately feels distinct from the Red Hands edition, yet it features the black ceramic case. The white details on the dial change the watch’s overall mood. The hands, markers, and subdials are more prominent, giving the watch a sharper, more technical look. It doesn’t seem aggressive; instead, it appears more composed and balanced. The contrast keeps everything easy to read while giving the dial depth, and maintains a refined feel without losing that strong Dark Side vibe. It remains bold on the wrist, but with a cleaner, more versatile way, so whether you choose the rubber or nylon strap, both are priced at $15,700.

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’ Ref. 310.92.44.51.01.005/310.92.44.51.01.003 | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’ | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’ | Image: OMEGA

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon ‘Black Black’
  • Reference: 310.92.44.51.01.005/310.92.44.51.01.003
  • Diameter: 44.25mm
  • Thickness: 15.09mm
  • Case Material: Black Ceramic
  • Calibre: OMEGA 9900 Black Edition
  • Power Reserve: 60 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bars (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $16,100

The Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Black Black” embraces its stealthy identity, featuring a black ceramic case and a deeply toned dial that maintains a single, controlled colour palette. Instead of using contrast, the watch adds interest through texture and subtle finish variations. Subdials, markers, and hands gradually become more visible as the light moves across the surface. Everything works together smoothly, preserving that bold 44.25mm presence while giving the Speedmaster a more restrained and focused character.

Inside, the watch is powered by Omega’s self-winding chronograph movement with a column wheel and Co-Axial escapement, ensuring smooth operation and long-term accuracy. The watch is also certified as a Master Chronometer and approved by METAS, and it can withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. It uses a silicon balance spring with twin barrels in series for stable power delivery. The display features central hour and minute hands, a central chronograph seconds hand, a small seconds sub-dial, and both 12-hour and 60-minute counters. A time zone function adds practical versatility. The movement is finished in matte black with Geneva waves in arabesque, highlighting the technical craftsmanship behind the watch’s restrained exterior.

OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Ref. 310.92.44.50.06.002/310.92.44.50.06.001 | Image: OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon | OMEGA
OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon | OMEGA

OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon

  • Brand: OMEGA
  • Model: Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon
  • Reference: 310.92.44.50.06.002/310.92.44.50.06.001
  • Diameter: 44.25mm
  • Thickness: 12.97mm
  • Case Material: Grey Ceramic
  • Calibre: OMEGA 3869 Grey Edition
  • Power Reserve: 50 Hours
  • Water-Resistance: 5 Bars (50 metres, 165 feet)
  • Price: USD $16,700

The last part of the collection is the Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon, which brings a different vibe. While the Dark Side models feature deep black ceramic and a striking appearance, the Grey Side is lighter and more refined. The 44.25mm case is crafted from grey ceramic, offering strong wrist appeal without the same visual intensity. It remains bold, but the tone is more subdued. The softer grey lets the dial details breathe, giving the watch a more architectural and sophisticated feel.

The biggest difference is inside the case. Instead of the Calibre 9900 used in the Dark Side models, the Grey Side runs on the OMEGA Calibre 3869 Grey Edition, which gives it a 50-hour power reserve and the precision you expect from a Speedmaster, while reducing the thickness to 12.97mm. Even with the 44.25mm diameter, it wears slimmer and more comfortably than you might expect. Water resistance remains at 50 metres, keeping it practical for everyday use.

The Grey Side is the most expensive model in this collection, priced at USD $16,700. This highlights its unique ceramic construction and movement, suggesting Omega presents it as the upscale choice in the lineup. While the Dark Side watches emphasize boldness and edge, the Grey Side emphasizes fine detail and craftsmanship.

Overall, the Grey Side of the Moon presents the most composed version of the collection, retaining a strong Speedmaster identity but expressing it in a calmer, more balanced manner. If the Dark Side is about intensity, the Grey Side focuses on control, and this subtle shift in tone makes all the difference.

OMEGA Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon | Image: OMEGA

From Apollo to Now

From the moment the Speedmaster orbited the Moon during Apollo 8 to the ceramic-heavy Dark and Grey Side models we see today, OMEGA has continued its story by evolving into the next generation. The watch may have originally been a racing chronograph, but space exploration transformed it into something greater, and each version builds upon that legacy. If you asked us which one we’d personally choose, it would definitely be the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Black Black.” There’s something about its all-black, distraction-free design that just feels right — focused, confident, and true to the Speedmaster’s bold spirit. These latest releases don’t come across as nostalgia pieces — they feel like the next step in a journey waiting for its next mission.  

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TOYOTA GAZOO Racing at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025

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Toyota’s presence at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon was electrifying, offering a glimpse into the future of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) through a showcase of innovative vehicles and cutting-edge technologies. The event featured exciting announcements, from performance vehicles to customer-oriented upgrades, all designed to enhance Toyota’s motorsport legacy and provide race-inspired technology to enthusiasts around the globe.

This year’s theme, “Car-making at Nürburgring,” highlighted TGR’s strong connection to the legendary circuit where Toyota has consistently refined its cars for peak performance. For Akio Toyoda (Morizo), the event marked a significant return to the Nürburgring, the starting point of his motorsport journey and a place that continuously nurtures Toyota’s racing spirit.

Alongside Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., Toyota unveiled an exciting range of new products and parts, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and enthusiasm for motorsport. From GR vehicles to limited-edition parts, here’s everything that was showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025, offering us an inside look at Toyota’s evolving journey toward even more exhilarating driving experiences.

GR YARIS NÜR 24h | Image: Toyota

GR Yaris (NÜR 24h):

After a six-year hiatus, Toyota is making a bold return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race in 2025, and they’re doing it in style with the evolved GR Yaris. This thrilling update is part of the newly formed TOYOTA GAZOO ROOKIE Racing (TGRR), a partnership between TGR and ROOKIE Racing that will compete in both the Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS) and the Super Taikyu Series.

The GR Yaris is equipped with a newly developed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, making its world debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024. The vehicle has undergone rigorous testing on the Nürburgring circuit, and TGR intends to use the challenging track as a proving ground to refine both the car and the driver. For Toyota, the Nürburgring isn’t just a race; it’s where their motorsport journey began, and now they’re back to claim victory.

GR YARIS M Concept | Image: Toyota

GR Yaris M Concept

In another exciting announcement, TGR has unveiled the GR Yaris M Concept. This vehicle is designed for one purpose: to push the limits. Equipped with a midship-mounted, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, it promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. Here’s where it becomes even more intriguing: TGR is fully committed to the “driver-first” philosophy, meaning the car will undergo rigorous testing, often pushed to failure and then repaired, with continuous feedback from drivers like Morizo and professional racers. This concept focuses on learning from real-world racing conditions to enhance every aspect of the vehicle, ensuring that each drive is pure perfection. It’s a project that’s sure to thrill any motorsport enthusiast.

GR Yaris Aero Package

Next up is the GR Yaris Aero Package, a concept vehicle designed to improve aerodynamics. Developed with input from professional drivers, this car includes six key components, such as a variable rear wing that adjusts based on driving conditions. However, it’s not just about speed. The car also showcases enhanced styling, ensuring that performance and aesthetics work together. The vertical handbrake—a popular feature in the RC trim level of the updated GR Yaris—appears in this prototype as well. This vehicle is sure to turn heads, whether on the track or the street.

GR Yaris Aero Package (Prototype) | Image: Toyota

GR86 Software Upgrades

The GR86 has been a favourite since its 2021 launch, and in 2024, Toyota introduced exciting software upgrades that have further elevated the car’s performance. Drawing on valuable feedback from motorsport drivers, Toyota has fine-tuned the throttle characteristics and engine-speed tolerance range for downshifting. These changes make the car more responsive and quicker, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The best part? Starting in spring 2025, owners of the pre-upgrade GR86 will have the opportunity to obtain the new GR86 Performance Software for MT or AT at GR Garage locations. Toyota’s commitment to supporting owners and continuously enhancing their driving experience is evident, ensuring that the GR86 remains a beloved car for years to come.

Circuit Mode

Are you ready to push your Toyota to its limits? Enter Circuit Mode. Launched in August 2024, this service unlocks high-performance features that elevate your driving experience to the next level—think anti-lag control, a higher speed limiter, and a performance-driven mentality for genuine motorsport excitement. Through a dedicated app, your car’s instrument panel transforms into a specialized display, providing real-time insights such as shift timing and engine rpm, all designed to make you feel like you’re in the driver’s seat of a race car. But here’s the twist—Circuit Mode has expanded to 77 eligible circuits across Japan, including iconic venues for gymkhana and dirt trials. Whether you’re an adrenaline enthusiast eager to race or simply want to discover how your car handles at its peak, Circuit Mode offers the ultimate toolkit to unleash your car’s full potential.

GR YARIS M Concept | Image: Toyota

GR Yaris and GR86 Competition Parts:

Product Price Scheduled Lunch Sales Method
GR Mechanical LSD (for automatic transmission vehicles)To be announcedSpring 2025Toyota sales outlets across Japan
GR Endurance Bumper Bolt SetTo be announcedSummer 2025Toyota sales outlets across Japan
Product Price Scheduled Lunch Sales Method
GR Final Gear Kit (Selectable gear ratio: 3.909, 4.100, 4.300, 4.556)USD $549.99 Spring 2025Toyota sales outlets across Japan
Differential Carrier with Cooling FinsUSD $249.99 Summer 2025Toyota sales outlets across Japan

GR Heritage Parts

TGR is reissuing parts through the GR Heritage Parts Project for those who are fond of classic Toyota models. This initiative provides discontinued parts for iconic vehicles like the 70/80 Supra, AE86, and Land Cruiser 40, ensuring these legendary cars can continue running smoothly for years. In addition to parts, Toyota is also reprinting nostalgic brochures for classic GR Heritage Parts vehicle models.

Land Cruiser Base

The Land Cruiser has symbolized adventure and reliability for over 70 years, and Toyota is revitalizing it with the reopening of the LAND CRUISER BASE on February 1, 2025. This specialty store will provide a space for Land Cruiser owners to connect, share experiences, and purchase original parts. It also serves as a venue for Toyota to host events and gather feedback from its dedicated community of enthusiasts. With the support of Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd., this updated store will feature exclusive activities and products that celebrate the enduring legacy of the Land Cruiser.

Here’s a complete list unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025:

GR YARIS NÜR 24h | Image: Toyota
GR YARIS M Concept | Image: Toyota
GR Yaris Aero Package (Prototype) | Image: Toyota
Toyota Supra NÜR Training Car | Image:Toyota
Toyota Altezza #109 / 2007 NÜR 24h | Image:Toyota
Lexus LFA #48 / 2014 NÜR 24h | Image: Toyota
Toyota #86 / 2014 NÜR 24h | Image: Toyota
GR Supra #90 / 2019 NÜR 24h | Image: Toyota
Corolla 1960 – Morizo Garage
R360 Coupe – Morizo Garage | Image: Toyota
Subaru 360 1967 – Morizo Garage | Image: Toyota
Midget 1962 – Morizo Garage | Image Toyota
Land Cruiser BJ | Image: Toyota
Land Cruiser 70 Overseas Custom | Image: Toyota
Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport Dakar Rally 2025 Specification | Image: Toyota
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