This year's Baselworld 2013 offerings from Omega had been a positive surprise with a handful of timepieces deserving serious attention from both seasoned collectors and novices. The first is a watch that had been the talk of the town - is the new all black Speedmaster named Darkside of the Moon.

The Speedmaster series has been an important collection for Omega as it reflects its continued technical prowess that few other brands can even lay claim to. Being the first and still the only official timepiece of NASA Astronauts since the 60s, the Speedmaster has had many variants and limited editions over the decades past but none so enticing as this model which features the famed Calibre 9300 coaxial Chronograph movement with a silicon balance spring. Easily recognisable with its two symmetrical sub-dials. Unlike the original Speedmaster (and other Chronographs) that features three sub-dials, the hour counter is located in the right subdial together with the 60 minute counter.

The Darkside is probably the only watch in the market today that features a full ceramic case and dial. Measuring a hefty 44.25mm, it is the largest Speedmaster and will most certainly please many who enjoy large timepieces.

This watch is visually stunning. Black ceramic cases are not new but Omega has seemingly borrowed the experience and material sciences from its fellow stable of brands at Swatch Group to present one of the best looking black watches ever seen. Personally I have gravitated away from big watches and later, all black watches - but this is one model that is making me change my mind. It feels better on the wrist than the Speedmaster '57 which has a 41.5mm case - probably due to how the lugs are designed (more about the '57 later).

It is retailing at SGD$15,500 and a few pieces are just arriving into the market as this report is being published. With so much going for it - the famed look of Speedmaster; the new ceramic materials and most of all the Calibre 9300 co-axial chronograph. Chances are, these pieces will not stay long in the shops.