MoonSwatch – Cooperation between Omega and Swatch

Introduction: Key data on the MoonSwatch watches

We start with a short introduction and look at the characteristics and features that distinguish the Swatch / Omega MoonSwatch:

materials

The MoonSwatch watches are made of three main materials. The case is made of so-called bioceramic, a very special material that will be discussed in more detail later in this article. There is also a high-quality hesalite glass over the dial and a textile strap. The Velcro strap is closed with a Velcro fastener - quite untypical for Omega, but all the more typical for Swatch.

functions and dimensions

The heart of every MoonSwatch is the quartz movement, which is powered by batteries. The watch is not waterproof, but only protected against splashes of water, and has three sub-dials, more precisely a second and minute counter and a small second. The range of functions of the timepiece, which measures around 1.36 cm in height and 4.2 cm in diameter, is expanded by a tachymeter scale on the bezel.

Selection

The MoonSwatch is available in eleven different versions, each based on a different planet in terms of design and appearance. Most people should be able to find a version that suits their personal style, at least in terms of color.

Price

A surprise for many watch lovers will be the price of the product from Swatch and Omega. At €250 per watch, the MoonSwatch is much cheaper than most industry experts would have expected.

Design: Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch meets Swatch

The design of the MoonSwatch is definitely worth taking a closer look at. In terms of the shape of the case and the design of the dial, the watch, which is currently the subject of a real hype, is clearly based on the famous Omega Speedmaster Professional timepiece. This deliberate similarity is further underlined by the "Speedmaster" lettering on the dial itself and on the strap. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch and the new MoonSwatch are characterized above all by the elegant-looking case with the surfaces tapering towards the strap. And the classic curvature of the hesalite glass is undoubtedly reminiscent of the "original", the Omega Moonwatch. A special highlight: the battery cover of every MoonSwatch watch takes up the space theme in the form of a matching star or planet image. Conveniently, the hands and hour markers on the dial of the watches glow in the dark thanks to the use of Superluminova. The Velcro strap, which serves as the wristband and clasp of the timepiece, adds an unmistakably sporty touch. This makes the latest trend watch from the major brands, which both belong to the Swatch Group, an absolutely everyday accessory for the wrist.

MoonSwatch models: Which variants of the watch are there?

Watch fans who are looking for a colorful timepiece with a wow factor will be thrilled by the MoonSwatch products. There are a total of eleven models to choose from, each dedicated to one of the planets in our solar system.

Mission to the Sun

The sun rises with the MoonSwatch "Mission to the Sun": A radiant dial in golden yellow with a sunburst finish attracts all eyes and exudes a pure summer feeling. The white bezel with orange numbers and the hands in white and bright orange bring a rich contrast into play and create a flowing color connection to the white strap made of Velcro material.

Mission to Mercury

The MoonSwatch “Mission to Mercury” version is more subtle in color, but no less impressive. The case and dial are completely in a dark, almost black gray, which visually highlights the white hands and numbers. The strap, also gray, adds a touch of modern elegance with its metallic sheen and definitely acts as a powerful eye-catcher.

Mission to Venus

The Swatch / Omega MoonSwatch "Mission to Venus" is aimed primarily at women and is predominantly in a soft, powdery pastel pink. The dial and bezel edge stand out subtly in matte cream, while the hands again pick up on the rose of the case. In contrast to the other Omega x Swatch models, this one uses oval totalizer displays, which are framed by small, glittering stones. The strap is plain white and therefore does not distract from the feminine beauty of the pretty chronograph.

Mission on Earth

The MoonSwatch in the "Mission on Earth" version plays with the colors of our home planet: a lime green case and dial as well as a bezel and strap in deep navy blue meet white totalizers and hands in a dark, earthy brown. The result is a thoroughly harmonious overall picture that invites you to discover, explore and experience as an abstract interpretation of our earth.

Mission to the Moon

The “Mission to the Moon” model is clearly the MoonSwatch variant that is closest in appearance to the original Omega Speedmaster. A silver-grey case houses a bezel and a black dial with white numerals. The strap is black and has a subtle, elegant satin sheen. Anyone who knows the Speedmaster Moonwatch from Omega will inevitably remember it when they see this model.

Mission to Mars

Anyone who likes to go all out with color will love the Omega x Swatch "Mission to Mars." As a tribute to the red planet, this version of the watch has a fiery red case, complemented by a white dial, red hands and a white Velcro strap. Unlike the other products in the series, the Mars watches have hour and minute totalizers that are shaped like spaceships taking off. A small, playful detail that puts the MoonSwatch Mission to Mars in the "special models" category.

Mission to Jupiter

The "Mission to Jupiter" model from Omega and Swatch appeals to all those who like earthy and natural tones, but also appreciate a certain classy factor in watches. The case, bezel and dial of this timepiece have a powdery beige nuance, which matches the black of the strap and the numerals perfectly. The bright orange hands really stand out against this rather restrained color base.

Mission to Saturn

Brown, brown, brown are all my watches...or at least the "Mission to Saturn" from the Omega-Swatch collaboration. This timepiece combines a beige case and dial with the dark brown of the strap, bezel and totalizers. The silky shimmer of the Velcro material makes the strap shine bronze-like in the light, which looks extremely elegant. As an additional allusion to the planet to which this watch is dedicated, a Saturn ring circles the seconds totalizer.

Mission to Uranus

Cool pastel tones are trendy and are particularly popular in the warmer months. The brands Omega and Swatch have taken up this fashionable style with the "Mission to Uranus" MoonSwatch. The bezel and strap are kept in the background in white, while the dial and case shine in airy light blue. The hands are also kept in pure white and blend seamlessly into the overall picture.

Mission to Neptune

The design of the "Mission to Neptune" MoonSwatch has something mysterious and mystical about it. The case is in a maritime medium blue and the bezel and dial are in dark ocean blue, against which the white hands stand out clearly. Combined with a black strap, the result is a watch that makes you want to explore the secrets of the universe.

Mission to Pluto

Whether Pluto deserves a place among the planets of the solar system is still a matter of debate. What is clear, however, is that the "Mission to Pluto" MoonSwatch fits perfectly into the Omega x Swatch collection. The high-quality timepiece impresses with an extremely harmonious design that has been ideally color-coordinated. The strap and hands are brown, the dial is presented in simple cream white, the case has a cool gray tone and the totalizers and bezel show off rich burgundy nuances.

Bioceramic: What characterizes the material of the Omega x Swatch watches?

In some places, the Omega / Swatch MoonSwatch is somewhat silly referred to as a "plastic watch". This is neither completely wrong nor 100% correct. The Bioceramic MoonSwatch is made of a material mix that also contains plastic, about a third of it. This special plastic is plant-based and is made from castor oil. The remaining two thirds of the mixture are ceramic, which is supposed to make the watches more scratch-resistant. In terms of feel, the Bioceramic MoonSwatch is quite clearly distinguishable from watches made of pure plastic, but at around 32 grams it is still a real lightweight.

Differences: MoonSwatch and Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch in comparison

As the issuing brands emphasize on their website and it is also impossible to miss, the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch is modeled on the Speedmaster Moonwatch by Omega. Nevertheless, they are of course separate watch models that differ from one another in many ways. In addition to the price, which is significantly higher for the Speedmaster Moonwatch, the difference in weight is immediately noticeable. The MoonSwatch weighs around 32 grams, while the Speedmaster Moonwatch weighs over 100 grams. In addition, the water resistance of the Speedmaster original is 5 bar, while MoonSwatch watches are only water resistant to 3 bar and are therefore only splash-proof. And of course there is also a significant difference in terms of the movement: MoonSwatch watches have a battery-operated quartz movement, while the Speedmaster Moonwatch uses a hand-wound Axial Master Chronometer caliber 3861. But even if the Swatch / Omega MoonSwatch does not come close to the Speedmaster Moonwatch from Omega on several levels, there are unmistakable similarities that allow the MoonSwatch models to be directly linked to the Omega original.

What is special about the Omega MoonSwatch / Swatch MoonSwatch cooperation?

The long queues in front of the Swatch boutiques and the many inquiries via the brands' online store forms speak for themselves: There is a huge hype about the Bioceramic MoonSwatch. But how can this be justified? Well, on the one hand, Swatch and Omega are brands that have made a name for themselves in the watch world and are very well known. On the other hand, this is a collaboration that many watch fans would not necessarily have expected. As a result, there is a certain element of surprise that is making waves. For many people whose budget does not normally allow them to buy an Omega, the MoonSwatch also represents an opportunity to get as close as possible to the original Speedmaster Moonwatch. On the other hand, the wide-ranging, versatile watch collection also plays a role: Due to the large number of different MoonSwatch versions, everyone who wants to join in on the hype will find a model that they like.

Sales: Where are the MoonSwatches available?

The watches are sold exclusively in selected Swatch stores. However, if you want to buy a Bioceramic MoonSwatch at the moment, you need a lot of patience. The watches sold out in record time after they went on sale at the end of March and it is still unclear when they will be available again. Omega and Swatch state on their websites that the team is currently working hard to provide more copies. Anyone who wants to get their hands on a product from the MoonSwatch collection will probably have to be quick and join the queues in front of the boutiques. Alternatively, buying on eBay, eBay classifieds, etc. is an option. However, the watches that are resold there are mostly far above the manufacturer's stated selling price. Buyers should also be on their guard: After all, this would not be the first time that overpriced fake goods have been sold via advertisements on eBay.

Is the MoonSwatch watch a limited offer?

According to the Swatch Group, there are no plans to limit the MoonSwatch range. In other words, watches and accessories are to be produced and sold in unlimited quantities. Once the initial hype surrounding the timepieces dies down, they could potentially be easier for everyone to get their hands on.

Conclusion: MoonSwatch is causing a stir in the watch world

With the popular space theme, the successful color combinations and, last but not least, the reference to the Speedmaster Moonwatch, the Swatch Group has clearly hit the mark. The Omega x Swatch cooperation series has literally turned the world of watches on its head and proves that well thought-out teamwork can also be crowned with huge success in the watch scene.