For decades,
Omega Speedmaster and
Swatch have occupied opposite ends of the watchmaking spectrum. Omega, the brand synonymous with luxury and space exploration, and Swatch, the colorful and accessible champion of plastic timepieces. But in March 2021, the watch world witnessed a surprising collaboration – the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch collection.
The Bioceramic MoonSwatch collection was a runaway success. The collection consisted of eleven watches, each in a unique and vibrant color, inspired by the bodies in our solar system. The watches featured a bioceramic case – a unique and innovative material developed by Swatch – and a design clearly influenced by the iconic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. The collection captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts and casual watch wearers alike, with its playful design and affordable price tag.
Courtesy of Swatch
Two years after the release of the original Bioceramic MoonSwatch collection, Omega and Swatch are back with a new mission: The MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase. This new addition to the collection takes inspiration from the full moon, and features a sleek, all-white color scheme.
The watch features a white Bioceramic case, which is not only lightweight but also incredibly scratch-resistant. The tachymeter bezel, chronograph pushers, and crown are also crafted from bioceramic, all in white. Against the white backdrop, the black hour and minute hands, and black chronograph seconds hand provide a striking contrast.
Taking center stage on the dial are the subdials. The chronograph subdials, located at 3 and 9 o’clock, are white with black hands. But the real star of the show is the subdial positioned at 2 o’clock. This subdial features a moon phase complication, one of the most poetic complications found in watchmaking. The moon phase disc depicts the moon's eight different phases as it orbits Earth, and features a whimsical touch: a tiny Snoopy, NASA’s safety ambassador since the 1960s, can be seen snoozing on the lunar surface. Under UV light, a hidden quote from a Snoopy comic strip is revealed on the subdial, adding a delightful layer of secrecy to the watch.
Courtesy of Swatch
The bioceramic case is a major talking point of the MoonSwatch collection. Crafted from a blend of 2/3 ceramic and 1/3 castor oil-derived bioplastic, it offers a unique combination of durability and lightness. The matte finish on the bioceramic gives the watch a sophisticated and slightly retro look. Watch collectors will appreciate the heft of the bioceramic case, which feels more substantial than many plastic watches.
A complication relatively uncommon in watches at this price point, the moon phase complication adds a touch of sophistication to the MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase. The moon phase disc depicts the eight phases of the moon with remarkable accuracy. The inclusion of Snoopy adds a playful touch to the complication, and the hidden quote visible under UV light is a fun detail that watch collectors will discover and enjoy.
The tachymeter bezel harkens back to the tool watch heritage of the Omega Speedmaster. The tachymeter is a scale used to measure speed. While unlikely to be used for its intended purpose by most MoonSwatch wearers, the tachymeter bezel adds a touch of sportiness to the watch.
The MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase comes equipped with a white Velcro strap. The velcro strap is comfortable, secure, and easy to adjust. It also adds to the casual aesthetic of the watch.
Powering the MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase is a quartz chronograph movement. Watch snobs might scoff, but for most watch lovers, a quartz movement is a great choice. Quartz movements offer unparalleled accuracy when compared to their mechanical counterparts, and come with an added benefit – the price tag. The affordable quartz movement allows Omega and Swatch to make a watch with a complex complication like a moon phase accessible to a wider audience.
Courtesy of Swatch
The Bioceramic case is one of the primary selling points of the MoonSwatch collection. This unique and innovative material offers a number of advantages. First, bioceramic is incredibly scratch-resistant. Short of taking a diamond to it, this watch can take the daily rigors of wear. Additionally, the two-thirds ceramic in the mix gives it a nice heft on the wrist, making it feel distinctly unlike most plastic watches. Lastly, bioceramic is derived in part from castor oil, making it a more sustainable option than traditional plastics.
Omega and Swatch have incorporated delightful and thoughtful details throughout the MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase. From the playful appearance of Snoopy to the hidden comic strip quote revealed under UV light, there's plenty to discover. Other subtle touches abound, like the "S" etched into the center of the crystal (a nod to the Swatch logo), as well as the recessed subdials, and the iconic "dot over 90" on the tachymeter bezel.
The MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase isn't just a pretty face. With a water resistance rating of 30 meters, this watch is ready for handwashing, a splash in the rain, and the occasional dip. With its chronograph feature, you've got a handy stopwatch right on your wrist. It's perfect for timing laps in the pool, your soft-boiled egg, or how long it takes the kids to clean their room (good luck with that).
Courtesy of Swatch
At $310, the MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase offers exceptional value. Many watch lovers have a hard enough time justifying spending thousands on a single timepiece, so getting a watch of this quality at such an accessible price point is a big win. Of course, the Mission To The Moonphase, offers more than just practicality. This collaboration is about democratizing horology, and making the joy of watch collecting accessible to everyone.
The success of the Omega X Swatch MoonSwatch collection is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a dash of nostalgia. This collaboration was a savvy marketing move from both brands. Omega benefits from gaining access to a younger, more fashion-forward market, while Swatch gains instant credibility from their association with a historic watchmaking powerhouse. Beyond savvy marketing, the MoonSwatch has tapped into a broader cultural trend.
Our society is increasingly embracing a 'high-low' mix. Luxury sneakers, designer streetwear, and fast-food collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs are just a few examples of this 'high-low' trend. The MoonSwatch fits squarely in this category, allowing everyday people to experience the thrill of owning a watch from a renowned luxury watchmaker.
Courtesy of Swatch
With its unique design and accessible price point, the MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase is sure to attract a wide range of collectors. Established watch lovers who are fans of Omega appreciate having a fun and affordable alternative to the classic Speedmaster. Younger collectors, who might not have the means to purchase a traditional Omega, can now join in on the fun. And, of course, there are plenty who simply love the unique look and playful spirit of the Mission To The Moonphase. This watch, and the collection at large, transcends traditional watch enthusiast demographics and appeals to a far broader audience.
The Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission To The Moonphase is a truly special watch. It's a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a little bit of whimsy. It's an accessible, fun, and surprisingly feature-packed timepiece. While the Mission To The Moonphase might not be everyone's cup of tea, those who embrace its playful spirit are sure to enjoy it for years to come.