What is a MoonSwatch, one might ask? It’s just the biggest thing in the world of watches, bridging the gap between luxury collectors and casual wrist wearers.
Launch
On March 26, 2022, Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Omega and contemporary Swiss-made watchmaker Swatch released a collaboration simply known as the MoonSwatch. The name is a play on the latter’s name and the nickname of the former’s most popular model: The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch.
History
During the Apollo 11 mission, astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore the Speedmaster on the moon making it the first-ever timepiece on the lunar surface. With prices for the Omega Speedmaster starting around $7,000 to sky-high prices for its precious metal models on retail, naturally, a $260 bioceramic version of the iconic chronograph would dominate conversations and, soon enough, the market.
In less than a year since its launch, notably in January 2023, over one million MoonSwatches were sold.
Reception
While a lot of people definitely enjoyed the journey of getting a MoonSwatch on their wrists, the release was also met with a ton of criticism generally due to three aspects: price, quality and availability. Would one consider a $260 purchase of a plastic-feeling, super fragile, almost disposable watch as a wise decision? Maybe.
And for people who wanted to overlook this, they were still subjected to long queues outside (select) Swatch stores as the MoonSwatches were not made available for online purchase, despite these watches being not limited-edition releases.
Celebrities hopped on the hype train, too. Musician and avid watch collector Ed Sheeran and no less than James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, were among the many seen wearing the bioceramic chronograph. The supply struggled as the demand rose, fueling both people’s disappointment yet strangely, also desire.
Models
While the standard Speedmaster generally comes with a black dial and stainless steel case, the regular MoonSwatches present 11 models designed after planetary bodies. The model names are as follows: Mission to the Sun, Mission to Mercury, Mission to Venus, Mission on Earth, Mission to the Moon, Mission to Mars, Mission to Saturn, Mission to Jupiter, Mission to Uranus, Mission to Neptune and Mission to Pluto.
Ranking
Here is a light-hearted ranking of the models based on their looks and overall vibe:
Mission to the Sun
Pulling off the bright yellow gold color is not the easiest thing to do.
Mission to Venus
Pretty powder pink but the oval subdials may be an issue for some.
Mission to Mars
Deep red and white; a pair of rocket hands—may not be for everyone.
Mission to Saturn
The planet on the dial might throw off those who prefer a clean look.
Mission on Earth
Green, blue, with some white and brown—a busy combo.
Mission to Mercury
Maybe a little too serious for what’s supposed to be a fun piece.
Mission to Jupiter
A beautiful beige case, plus a cool orange seconds hand.
Mission to Uranus
A powdery blue that’s easy on the eyes, both fun and elegant.
Mission to Pluto
The burgundy and grey tones make for a fun yet subdued wristwatch.
Mission to the Moon
Looks like the real deal. Don’t put it on a steel bracelet though.
Mission to Neptune
Deep blue. Clean whites. Black strap. Sporty but means business.
Do you agree with this ranking? Which MoonSwatch do you have? Are you planning to get one for yourself or for a gift? Regardless of which, wearing and enjoying a watch is a very personal experience. Wear them in good health!