Moonswatch how it all begins?
I remember receiving a Bioceramic Big Bold Swatch during the dark and dismal days of lockdown and being blown away by the lightness, fun colors and quality of the case. Swatch truly did make a ceramic watch for the people, and now they are taking it one step further through its groundbreaking collaboration with Omega.
Occasionally, the gods drop a gift into your lap. The team at Swatch certainly had one of those days when the collaboration with Omega was agreed and the Speedmaster Swatch was confirmed — MoonSwatch. It’s a marketeer’s dream of a moniker for the new range of funky Bioceramic Omega x Swatch watches and yet, it represents something much deeper and is a poignant commentary on the cultural landscape. Perfectly in tune with the collaboration zeitgeist of the past couple of years, Swatch and Omega joining forces to make a collection of watches is the perfect time for the makers of one of the most iconic chronographs of all time, to get hip and hop into bed with the coolest and most “street” watch brand ever.
The MoonSwatch faithfully reimagines the classic Speedmaster form, with twisted lugs and asymmetrical case. Personally, I’ve always preferred twisted lugs to the original straight lugs, and the case works well in the kaleidoscope of Bioceramic hues. Bioceramic is made from two-thirds ceramic and one-third material derived from castor oil, and is both light and incredibly hardwearing. The fact that the castor oil extract is grown means it is sustainable and therefore ticks a big environmental box, which is high on everybody’s agenda at present.
Omega pays tribute to Swatch
Getting back to the MoonSwatch models, the watches are incredibly faithful to the Speedmaster in all other aspects. They are the same size as the Moonwatch — 42mm in diameter and 13.25mm thick. The hands are the style we are all familiar with and the hour markers extend into the dial as per the classic Speedy. Even the tachymeter insert has a dot over 90. Sure, it’s a fun play on the sports watch that went to the moon, but Omega wouldn’t put its most treasured name on anything that falls below its lofty standards. In fact, although part of the same family, Omega is paying tribute to Swatch for its pioneering spirit that arguably saved the Swiss watchmaking industry when it launched amid the Quartz Revolution.
Moonswatch mixed planetary name with fantastic colors
Omega CEO Mr. Raynald Aeschlimann says, “Omega’s long and distinguished history may have been cut short if it weren’t for the vision and the courage taken by Swatch. The MoonSwatch collection salutes the saviors of our industry in a witty and accessible way. The Swatches are perfect for budding Moonwatch fans, and I can’t think of a more appropriate icon for our shared project. We went to the moon, now we’re exploring the whole Milky Way. They’re great watches, in fantastic colors, and they make me smile.”
Fantastic colors they are indeed. The MoonSwatch collection comprises 11 models that are executed in different colors, with each being named after a planetary body. Each watch has the new Omega x Swatch logo on the crown and dial, as well as “SPEEDMASTER” and “MoonSwatch”, with the Bioceramic case, including molded bezel, crown and pushers, in the same color. The bezel inserts and dials match on some models and are contrasting on others. The battery cover on the back of each watch features a depiction of its planet.
Which Omega Swatch are you rooting for?
All the models are cool in their own right and clearly don’t take themselves too seriously, without becoming too gimmicky. Fans of the classic Moonwatch will be drawn to the Mission to the Moon model, with a silvery-gray Bioceramic case, black dial and bezel. Personally, I’m drawn to the Mission to Mars with its red case, white dial and bezel, and red subdial hands, which pays tribute to the Alaska Project watch from Omega’s back catalog. The blue Mission to Neptune works well, as does the powder-blue Mission to Uranus. Each watch is fitted with a space-suit ready Velcro strap. These watches will undoubtedly be a big hit and are perfect for summer. The only problem is choosing which planet to go for!
Tech Specs
Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch
Movement: Quartz
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph
Case: 42mm; Bioceramic
Dial: Various colors
Strap: Spacesuit-ready Velcro strap
Price: CHF 250
Availability: Selected Swatch stores worldwide from March 26th; limited to two per customer
