Moonswatch

Moonswatch: When they collaborated on a watch at the beginning of 2022. Omega and Swatch took the watch industry by storm. 

It came as a complete shock. This immediately turned into the most discussed item all around the world.

It was unthinkable that a high-end luxury brand like Omega. It would lend its name, logo, and one of the most recognizable designs ever. So to be used on a watch that cost £207 or 260 dollars.

To be honest, I couldn’t have been more excited when I first saw the teaser images, then the leaks, and then the release! It is quite the coolest thought I have found lately.

I was fortunate to be near a store on release day because I was on vacation at the time. But, unlike many other dissatisfied fans, I was unable to buy one at launch. 

Since then, I have been able to buy the Mission to Jupiter model. To be completely honest. I purchased it from a colleague who was able to get it. 

Now that it has been almost a month, I thought why not discuss the watch and the idea with my fellow readers? 

This will become more in-depth. Hopefully, the subheadings will direct you directly to the topic you’re interested in!

OMEGA History

Given the degrees of inclusion throughout recent months. I will only address the nuts and bolts so we can zero in on favouring different parts of it. 

The Speedmaster Professional-inspired. The Omega x Swatch Speedmaster MoonWatch BioCeramic was released on March 24, 2022. 

The watch was made available in 11 different models, each of which was called a “Mission.” It showed the Sun, Moon, and a different planet.

One of the most well-known designs. It has been given a touch of “Swatch” in keeping with Swatch’s reputation as a colourful, fun, and playful brand. 

The boldness of the finished product and the combination of the two brands. It sparked a fascination that developed into outright hype.

Days before the release, there were long lines outside the select stores that carried it. To say that the demand was very unexpected would, in my view, be an understatement. 

As I’m sure you are aware. The first guidance of “two per customer” was quickly changed to “one.” This did not much help because many customers were left without anything! 

Although nearly six months later. We are still waiting, Swatch Group attempted to quiet the panic. They stated that these were not limited and would be available online. 

All this has caused a lot of people to buy them on the grey market for ridiculous premiums. 

Even though prices have been slowly falling as the media coverage has moved on. They still cost more than the retail price.

Why is there a Moonswatch?

Now that the excitement has gone down. There is time to reflect on the significance of this unexpected collaboration. Indeed, they are both a piece of the Pattern Gathering yet in any case. 

Omega’s entire picture spins around luxury and quality. It must be difficult to approve. The sudden producing a product with your branding for less than a tenth of the price of your flagship model. 

There are many theories. I will give “About Effing Time,” a brand-new podcast hosted by Bark & Jack’s Adrian Barker. An honourable mention because of its extensive discussion of this topic. 

Now that I don’t have any inside information, I’d like to put together a few ideas for how the MoonSwatch came to be.

This was all an attempt to bring Swatch back to life. One of the most well-known brands in the world. Swatch was almost the first to create the kind of product hype that we see today.

Despite some excitement surrounding the Sistem51 launch. Along with a few one-off models, interest in Swatch has steadily declined. 

Keep in mind that this has occurred during what is likely the greatest increase in watch interest ever. There are a few reasons for this.

The rise in the use of mobile phones for timekeeping. A broader understanding of the watch market. Plus an awareness of the competition (Seiko, Citizen, and others). 

Moonswatch Market:

Furthermore, customer buys are being driven by online entertainment impact. Instead of motivation buys by passing a Sample store for instance. But, the Apple Watch is the big deal.

Apple Watch sales in 2020 totalled $30.6 billion. While Swiss watch exports totalled $16 billion. For less than the cost of a Swatch. You can now buy a smartwatch. 

A watch that not only tells the time. It also monitors your health, sends notifications, and provides map navigation. 

Apple has created a fashionable product that is appealing to everyone. From young people to watch collectors, along with its functionality. 

Now, you have to give Swatch some credit because they tried. Despite the success of other brands like the G-Shock CasiOak. Nothing has gained attention.

Since 2014, Swatch Group’s revenues have been steadily declining. When compared to the top 20 watch brands by sales. Swatch has been eliminated since 2018.

They needed to find a way to get people’s attention and get them to buy Swatch again. They looked within themselves to achieve this. Which of their items has the greatest potential for sale? 

The Moon Watch This was primarily a strategy to revive Swatch. Steer clear of costly external collaborations, and keep everything in-house. If this were the cause, completed the task!

Review of the MoonSwatch 

I’ll start by saying that this is a Swatch. Please do not buy an Omega-looking MoonSwatch. 

A brief disclaimer: According to me the cross-branding is causing some confusion. About the product’s objective nature. 

You are pardoned for figuring this out as the marking across the watch. The crate won’t allow you to fail to remember that Omega has approved it. 

The fact is, I like it. Omega bet everything. We wouldn’t all be as excited if they didn’t, and the whole idea wouldn’t be as appealing.

Case: 

The case has to be one of the best parts of this collaboration as a whole. Omega leaned into the MoonSwatch. 

This allowed the case to fully resemble that of the current Speedmaster Professional. Not because of the material.

This was a well-thought-out move. In the end, it lets people experience a Moonwatch. Even that without spending £6,000 (prices were just raised again). 

Why is this wonderful? This lets people who want a Moonwatch get a taste of one before they buy one and makes them want to buy more. 

It makes it possible for people who are not currently in a position to buy a Moonwatch. Also allows them to experience timeless design and lets them fantasize about what the watch represents. 

It also lets people who are building a collection but weren’t sure about the Moonwatch. To figure out if it’s a good watch for them. Regardless of which category you fall into, In my view, it is working.

Case Material:

For the watch’s case, they used BioCeramic. The Swatch claims is two-thirds ceramic and three-quarters bio-sourced plastic. They don’t go into any more detail. So I’m not sure what this all means.

The name is somewhat confusing. As bio-sourced plastic is still plastic. Whereas bio denotes natural, and ceramic is made by humans. 

The material that results feels and looks like plastic is shocking news. It is likely simple to work with when it comes to colour and is light enough to hold the watch’s edges well. 

The colour is a big draw for the watches. Not only because it lets you choose a colour that suits your style. But also because this is the first time this design has been done more daringly. 

Swatch was allowed to add its flair here. So Omega may be testing the market for Speedmasters in vibrant colours.

BioCermaic has its drawbacks, though. It does appear to be rather flimsy for a watch that costs £207 or 260 dollars. 

Although I recognize that using anything else would have increased the price.

Otherwise, it would have made it very challenging to colour. This watch ought to be less expensive simply because of the material. If you don’t take great care of your watches.

It doesn’t seem like it will last very long. This is not the watch for you if you are looking for your first watch or one that you will wear daily to study.

Dial: 

Keeping the dial as close to the Moonwatch as possible, just like the case design. I say as much as possible. 

As switching the movement from the Omega Co-Axial to the Swatch ETA quartz. This required rearranging the subdials. 

As a result, the text for “Speedmaster” and “MoonSwatch” sits below the two upper subdials. It helps to balance the dial. 

One recognizable detail is the Omega marking. It stands firm on a more unmistakable foothold under the 12 o’clock position. Instead of Sample. 

Don’t be fooled by the appearance—it’s a Swatch, as I said earlier. Even though the dial is quartz and cannot be used. There are 1/3-second indices on it to match the Moonwatch.

When using the chronograph function. The top right subdial does display a 1/10 second. If you care about accurate timing (which is not the case if you are using a MoonSwatch to time something). 

The hour indices are small rectangles filled with lume. The traditional two dots are located at 12 o’clock.

Inner Ring:

There is a black inner ring that moves inwards from the indices, but not all the variations have it. This does a good job of replacing the Moonwatch’s stepped dial, which reflects this.

I don’t mind that it makes the dial look more cluttered. Although the Mission to Jupiter has subdials. It matches the rest of the dial. 

I believe this outer ring does not function as well as it does on “Missions” with coloured subdials.

The subdials, which are pressed into the dial, have the same appearance as the main dial. The fact that the chronograph’s minute subdial only has indices every 5 minutes.

It has been mentioned in other reviews, but this does not bother me. I don’t use the chronograph capability much.

Finally, the hands are very precise. The Mission to Jupiter’s bright orange chronograph hands. A wonderful nod to the Ultraman Edition MoonSwatch is the only colour difference. 

The colour is very visible and is an excellent match for Jupiter’s khaki tone. I like how the main chronograph hand looks, and it makes me happy to see it highlighted every time I look at the watch. 

Don’t expect much from the lume on the hour and minute hands because it is weak. Despite their excellent appearance. The hands do not match the second’s indices, which is unfortunate. 

A minor issue, but I suppose to be expected given the price. The fact that the main chronograph hand doesn’t exactly line up with 12 o’clock. 

Even though it doesn’t move much most of the time, is one area where this is a little bit irritating to me.

Strap: 

I’m torn from the strap. When the watch is in the box, the strap makes a good first impression. 

The strap is a type of fastening called a Velcro NATO strap. It is like the one made by a luxury watch brand called Omega.

The “MoonSwatch” on your wrist’s bottom side and the branding on either side of the dial. They are welcome additions. It is a faithful recreation, like everything else, and I do find it appealing. 

You have a part of yourself that daydreams about the Moonwatch. A watch is a space tool, and it fits in with the watch’s theme. 

The colours, which are specific to each of the “Missions,” complete the watch’s mood. 

But, the strap’s quality is plain as soon as the watch is opened. When it is brand-new, it is very uncomfortable due to its extreme stiffness. It doesn’t feel like soft fabric. 

Within the first ten minutes of owning the watch, I began looking for nato replacements. Due to the velcro design and branding.

I ended up sticking it out with the original strap, and as it softens, it has become more comfortable. Guys be prepared to initially be underwhelmed.

Fortunately, the lug width of 20 millimetres. It means that many replaceable straps are available if this strap doesn’t appeal to you.

How does it feel to wear Moonswatch?

The watch’s lightness is the first thing you notice about it. You are aware of how difficult it is to put on before even putting it on your wrist. 

Although the BioCeramic case and stiff strap present a challenge. I have now discovered what works best for me. I will be speaking about how the watch fits on the wrist now that the strap has been broken in.

When I put the watch on, the first thing that surprised me was how well it fit. I have before attempted to wear a regular Moonwatch, but it felt too big.

This might be because the watch feels heavier because of the bracelet. But, wearing the MoonSwatch made me feel great and compelled me to look at it again! 

Beyond the size, you also like the design. The Speedmaster design has before impressed me, but it has never impressed me. Now that I see it on my wrist every day, I can fully appreciate its allure. 

My admiration for the Speedmaster has increased significantly. Due to the precision of all the straight lines, the font used for the text, and the hands. The velcro strap comes next.

Although I have never owned one, I struggle to find a strap size that fits my wrist perfectly. Depending on the heat. 

I use the Rolex Milgauss’ quick extension many times throughout the day. My Tudor is a little too tight. 

But, I was able to put it on and find the right size thanks to this. Due to its weight, it disappears into the background, and you won’t even notice the watch unless you glance at it. 

It has been a pleasant surprise to wear, and I have no complaints about it for what it is.

Conclusion 

The MoonSwatch is a one-of-a-kind product. This is the first time in watches that two well-known brands from opposite sides of the spectrum have come together in this way. 

That was without a doubt demonstrated by the excitement and anticipation. 

You are creating a sought-after product by combining Swatch’s fun and colourful aesthetic. That too with one of watch history’s most recognizable designs.

It still baffles me, but I am so thankful that it exists. Is the MoonSwatch truly flawless? Of course not, no. If this watch will be your only watch, you should not buy it.

But, it achieves far more than I could have imagined. Omega was careful with this project, as shown by the specifics. Instead of being a weak copy. They wanted to give fans something they could be excited about. 

It’s the first item I’ve seen in a long time that makes me feel like a collector. In most cases, I’m content with only owning one thing, so I’m not going to rush out and buy every CasiOak colour. But this time, it’s different. 

It is pretty cool and getting the opportunity to have a Speedmaster in red or khaki or child blue. It is a particularly thrilling suggestion. 

Even if you only want to appreciate the design. They are worth purchasing if you have the opportunity.

The MoonSwatch is well-known all over the world. The Speedmaster is now being talked about more than it has in a long time. One of the most successful marketing strategies ever maybe this collaboration.