The Appeal and Rarity of the Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite

Omega's Speedmaster comes in many variations. One of the most unique models is the "Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite," which uses iron meteorite. Let's take a closer look at the appeal of this special model, taking into account the rarity of iron meteorites.

The Appeal of the Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite

Omega's flagship Speedmaster collection includes the Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite watch, Ref. 311.63.44.51.99.002, which uses meteorite. If you know the characteristics of this model, you'll understand that it is a special watch.

The dial is made from a meteorite from space

The dial of the Ref. 311.63.44.51.99.001 is crafted from a Gibeon meteorite. Gibeon is the proper name for an iron meteorite (iron meteorite) composed primarily of iron and nickel. The Gibeon meteorite is said to have fallen in prehistoric Namibia.

Iron meteorites, including the Gibeon meteorite, have a geometric pattern known as the "Widmanstätten structure" that appears when a cross section is treated with acid. This pattern gives the Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite dial its unique look.

The number of meteorites that survive the atmosphere and fall to Earth without burning up is extremely small. And even among those, it's extremely rare to find one large enough to be used for a watch dial. The Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite, which uses this material for its dial, is truly a rare and valuable model.

Unique patterns and mysterious brilliance

The geometric patterns of the meteorites used on the dials of the Ref. 311.63.44.51.99.002 vary depending on the stone, and no two dials have the same pattern. Each and every Speedmaster is unique.

Furthermore, the use of materials that complement the meteorite dial is also excellent, such as the 18K Sedna gold bezel and indexes, and the tachymeter bezel that uses Ceragold technology. Both Sedna gold and Ceragold technology are materials and technologies exclusive to Omega.

High-performance Co-Axial movement

The Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite is powered by the Caliber 9300, an automatic movement with a Co-Axial escapement.

The coaxial escapement, also known as the coaxial escapement, has a small contact area between the escape wheel and the anchor, which reduces friction. This means that oil shortages are less likely to occur and wear is also less likely to occur, reducing the frequency of maintenance.

Another advantage of movements with co-axial escapements is their stable accuracy. Generally, the higher the oscillation angle of a movement (i.e., when the mainspring is wound), the more stable the accuracy. However, a co-axial escapement with a low locking angle (the angle at which the anchor moves left and right) can keep stable time even when the oscillation angle is low (i.e., when the mainspring is unwinding).

The rarity and value of meteorite

Understanding just how rare meteorite is helps us appreciate the allure of the Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite even more. Here are two reasons why iron meteorites, including the Gibeon meteorite, are considered rare and valuable materials.

A composition unlike any other substance on Earth

Iron meteorites like the Gibeon meteorite contain elements not found on Earth, and there is no meteorite on Earth with the exact same composition.

Iron meteorites have a different magnetic structure than iron-nickel alloys found on Earth. A thin layer of a mineral called "tetrataenite" has been identified at the boundary between the iron-rich alpha phase and the nickel-rich gamma phase.

Tetrataenite is characterized by its magnetic anisotropy, which allows its north and south poles to face each other. Its functionality is said to be comparable to that of iron-platinum, which is known as a next-generation magnetic material.

A geometric pattern formed over approximately 46 billion years

The Widmanstätten structure (geometric pattern) of iron meteorites is formed by the extremely slow cooling of iron-nickel alloys at a rate of 1°C per million years, which means it would take about 46 billion years for the Widmanstätten structure to form.

Furthermore, the Widmanstätten structure is irreversible and will break down when heated. It is impossible to artificially recreate the same structure. The Meteorite Speedmaster is truly a miracle watch, born only after the eons of time that the Earth has known.

A Speedmaster that lets you enjoy the mysteries of meteorite

The Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon Meteorite Ref. 311.63.44.51.99.002 is a rare watch that features a Gibeon meteorite dial. The unique geometric pattern of iron meteorites is unique to each watch, making it a truly unique Speedmaster.

If you are looking for a special watch, why not consider this model that allows you to experience the history of the Earth since its birth? Once you hold it in your hand, you will be captivated by the mystique created by meteorite and OMEGA's technology.