The Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Uncovered

The Omega x Swatch Moonswatch collaboration made waves in 2022, capturing the interest of watch collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and casual shoppers alike. Now that the frenzy has settled, it’s a great time to revisit this unique collection, especially for watch enthusiasts who may now have an easier time getting their hands on one.

Origins of the MoonSwatch collaboration

The Omega Moonswatch is not, strictly speaking, an Omega watch. It’s a Swatch that proudly displays the Omega logo, thanks to Swatch Group’s acquisition of Omega back in 1983 as part of a strategy to consolidate luxury Swiss brands. This connection allowed Swatch to blend Omega’s iconic Moonwatch legacy with its own accessible, playful style, resulting in the MoonSwatch.

The inspiration comes from the original Omega Speedmaster, famously worn during NASA’s Apollo missions and known as the “Moonwatch.” Winning the NASA contract solidified the Speedmaster’s status as a functional and reliable space-worthy timepiece, an association that has continued for decades. But few expected Swatch’s playful take on this legendary watch, let alone the global hype that followed.

What is the MoonSwatch? An overview of the specifications

The bioceramic MoonSwatch collection brings the legendary Omega Speedmaster aesthetic into a more affordable, playful and lightweight form. Here are the essentials:

• Movement: Each Speedmaster moonswatch uses a Swatch ETA quartz movement, which is designed to be light, affordable, and low maintenance. Rather than repair, the movement is simply replaced if needed.


• Case material: The case is made from Swatch’s “bioceramic” – a mix of ceramic and bio-based plastic from castor oil. While Swatch markets this as an innovation, it’s essentially lightweight plastic with a distinctive matte finish.


• Key features: The MoonSwatch models retain the chronograph function and the iconic tachymeter bezel that nods to the Speedmaster heritage. This even keeps the widely loved and renowned dot over 90, referencing the 1960s and 70s aesthetic. The moonSwatch collection all share the same foundation, with the moonSwatch size coming in at a wrist-pleasing 42mm.

The MoonSwatch models: A look at each variant

The MoonSwatch collection originally launched with 11 colourful models, each representing a celestial body in our solar system. Here’s a quick look at the core collection:

• Mission to the Sun: Bold and bright yellow case with a white dial—eye-catching but hard to match with an outfit. This is my least favourite, as McDonald’s happy meal comes to mind.


• Mission to Mercury: A more subdued dark grey and black model with a refined grey dial, echoing the understated elegance of the original Speedmaster.


• Mission to Venus: A more feminine option, with a pink case and white dial that add a unique charm to the lineup.


• Mission to Earth: A blue and green case representing our planet’s oceans and land. Playful and the perfect mixture of contrasting colours.


• Mission to the Moon: Grey and black with a jet-black dial, this is the closest replica of the Speedmaster and a must-have for Omega fans.


• Mission to Mars: Red and white case with a white dial, reflecting Mars’ fiery colours.


• Mission to Jupiter: Brown and orange tones, giving this model an earthy and autumnal feel.


• Mission to Saturn: Beige and tan case, featuring Saturn’s rings on the subdial – a surprising favourite for many.


• Mission to Uranus: Light blue, evoking Uranus’ icy look. Perfect for a cool summer vibe.


• Mission to Neptune: Deep blue with an oceanic feel, a subtle but striking addition. This has always been one of the tough models to buy.


• Mission to Pluto: Grey and burgundy hinting at Pluto’s surface, offering a subtle and underrated look.

Each swatch omega model is designed to stand out and choosing one can depend on both aesthetic preference and brand association with the original Speedmaster. The moonSwatch price starts at £240, rising based on availability and complexity of the model.

Special variants and expanding the collection

It doesn’t end here, as the MoonSwatch release became a cash cow for the Swiss conglomerate over the last 2 years, halting the tide on a moon-sized growth slump, generating a 63% increase in turnover for Swatch across 2023, with a further 50% growth in Speedmaster sales, which the group directly apportioned back to the hyped up collab. This success of the MoonSwatch has led Swatch to release additional variants, including the “Mission to Moonshine Gold” and various Snoopy-themed editions. However, the follow-up models have received mixed reviews. The “Mission to Moonshine Gold” introduced minimal changes, with gold accents on otherwise identical models, which felt uninspired to some collectors.

Despite this, Swatch did introduce some unique twists. The Moonswatch Snoopy models incorporate the beloved Peanuts character as NASA’s safety mascot, with two colour variants featuring a moon phase complication and Snoopy hiding within the crescent moon. This innovation adds a touch of whimsy to the lineup and a nod to the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award, given to astronauts for outstanding achievements related to flight safety or mission success.

The most recent Mission to Earthphase variant adds both a Moonphase and Earthphase complication, a patented feature that brings surprising complexity to a budget watch, underlining Swatch’s commitment to affordable yet creative watchmaking. With a price tag of under £300, the Swatch group really are punching above their weight.

Purchasing and availability – a mixed bag for buyers

Swatch has been firm on the distribution model for the MoonSwatch. Initially, buyers could only purchase in-store, often leading to long lines, limited stock, and repeat disappointment. It wasn’t all bad news, as Swatch organised the MoonSwatch tour in summer 2022 to spread the word and enable customers to purchase a limited amount of stock at each pop-up location. 

There is hope, as Swatch announced in September 24 that four of the core models (Misson to the: Moon, Sun, Mars and Mission on Earth – the orange “MoonSwatch lava” variant which is now part of the non-limited range) can be purchased online…if you are based in the United States and China; bummer.

Take away thoughts

The MoonSwatch remains a fun, approachable option for those interested in iconic watch designs without the luxury price tag. The playful aesthetic, bold colours, and tributes to Omega’s Moonwatch heritage make it a unique entry point for budding collectors. However, Swatch’s growing collection runs the risk of diluting the lineup with repetitive designs, and some quality concerns, like the poorly received Velcro straps, continue to detract from the user experience.

For any serious enthusiast, changing the MoonSwatch strap is almost essential, as the stock MoonSwatch straps are made of Velcro, which lacks durability and is rather flimsy. Luckily, the MoonSwatch lug width is 20mm, meaning there are countless aftermarket options for customisation.

Overall, the MoonSwatch collection manages to capture a playful spirit that remains inviting to both newcomers and seasoned watch fans. Swatch’s experiment with the Speedmaster design may have had its ups and downs, but it has undeniably brought new excitement to the world of affordable horology.