Athlete Michael Phelps spotted wearing a Omega

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history with 23 gold medals, was recently spotted wearing the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch 'Dark Side of the Moon' reference 311.92.44.51.01.003 — a watch that, much like its owner, operates at the outer edge of what seems possible.

Introduced in 2013, the Speedmaster 'Dark Side of the Moon' ref. 311.92.44.51.01.003 marked a watershed moment for Omega's flagship collection. Where the original Moonwatch relied on stainless steel, this reference pushed into full black zirconium oxide ceramic for the 44.25mm case, caseback, and bezel — a material prized for its scratch resistance, lightness, and deep, uniform color that no coating can replicate. The black ceramic dial features a skeletonized layout exposing the movement beneath, with a tachymeter scale rendered in white lacquer on the bezel for maximum contrast.

Power comes from the Omega calibre 9300, a column-wheel co-axial chronograph movement certified by COSC and beating at 28,800 vph. It offers 60 hours of power reserve, twin barrels, and a silicon balance spring — a significant engineering upgrade over the vintage-derived calibre 1861 found in the standard Moonwatch. The sapphire caseback reveals the movement's finishing in full. Water resistance is rated to 30 metres.

For collectors, the Dark Side of the Moon occupies a distinctive niche. It is neither the purist's choice — that remains the hesalite-crystal cal. 1861 version — nor the most complex Speedmaster in the catalogue. But it represents Omega's most coherent rethinking of the Moonwatch's aesthetics in the modern era, and ref. 311.92.44.51.01.003 in particular has held its desirability steadily since release.

Phelps has been an Omega brand ambassador since 2004, his relationship with the Swiss manufacture running almost as long as his Olympic career. His affinity for the Speedmaster line makes biographical sense — Omega's connection to precision timing in extreme environments mirrors the world-record performances that defined his career. On his wrist, the Dark Side of the Moon reads less like a celebrity endorsement prop and more like a genuine personal choice.