I thought I understood how big a deal Omega and Swatch’s MoonSwatches were when they were first released in March 2022. I mean, someone almost got shanked in line for one! I saw it as a massively important collaboration: a bridge sturdy enough to connect two brands that, on paper, could not be further apart in terms of the watches they produce. Still, I don’t think I foresaw just how big and lasting the MoonSwatch phenomenon would be.
Two-and-a-half years later, Omega and Swatch are still releasing exciting new versions that push the MoonSwatch collection forward. July’s Super Blue Moonphase added a pulsometer to the mix, while the Snoopy MoonSwatches released in the spring debuted a moonphase complication. Omega and Swatch keep finding ways to keep their collaboration in the news. The brands have long promised that the MoonSwatches would become available online, and they finally delivered on that last week – at least in the US and China.
There are now nearly 25 variations of the MoonSwatch if you include all the Mission to Moonshine Gold iterations. That means that if you’re still in the market for one, you might need a little guidance. With that in mind, I’ve wrangled up some of the biggest fans of and experts on the original Speedmaster to share their favorite pieces from Omega and Swatch’s collaboration.
Robert-Jan Broer, @rjbroer
Mission to Mars
“My favorite MoonSwatch is the Mission to Mars from the first series. This watch was heavily inspired by the Alaska Project watch that Omega made for NASA. The original had hands in the shape of capsules, a white dial, and a red protective outer case made of aluminum. The latter doesn’t work for Swatch, of course, so instead they made the bioceramic watch case in red. Where most other MoonSwatch executions are fantasy editions, I think the Mission to Mars is a very cool nod to that Alaska Project watch.”
Roy and Sacha Davidoff, @davidoffbrothers
Roy, Mission to Neptune
“I like blue dials – and, in fact, have started a collection of blue-dial watches – so this one fits right in. It was the hardest to catch of the 11 original models.”
Sacha, Mission To Moonphase (the white Snoopy)
“White dials are a bit of a fetish among Speedmaster collectors, since they’re usually predominantly black. Also, the Snoopy collab just makes it a must-have for me. It’s the ideal summer watch to go with a nice tan.”
Daan de Groot, @fliptheparrot
Mission to Saturn
“Mission to Saturn was my favourite right from the start. Its colours are not too vibrant so it’s quite a wearable model. At the same time, it’s still quirky enough with that [depiction] of Saturn on the 6 o’clock sub dial. I also really like Panda dials in general, and this is a great variation on that theme.”
Niki, @viennawatchenthusiast
Mission to the Moonphase – Full Moon
“For me, the ‘Mission to the Moonphase – Full Moon is the model that [best represents] the cooperation between the brands and the history of the watch. The MoonSwatch itself has always been a playful version of a rather serious watch that is deeply rooted in the history of the Omega brand. This version, for me, brings together Omega’s legacy in space exploration, particularly with the Speedmaster’s iconic role in the Apollo missions, and Swatch’s flair for accessibility and fun. The unique touch of Snoopy, a beloved character associated with the Apollo missions, adds a whimsical yet meaningful element to the watch.
“As I am also a huge fan of the various Silver Snoopy award versions of the Speedmaster, this MoonSwatch offers an attainable option to take part in this important part of Omega’s history. Finally, even if none of that matters to you, with its fully white case and strap, it’s just a great-looking summer watch that never [feels] out of place.”
Niels, @WatchMyPiece
Mission to the Super Blue Moonphase
“As an Omega Speedmaster owner, I was immediately excited by the release of the MoonSwatch. I think it’s cool that you can change between colours and straps for a fraction of the price of a Speedmaster.
“This August, Swatch released the Super Blue Moonphase. The combination of a blue case with a white dial, blue subdials, and a moonphase complication makes it the best and most beautiful MoonSwatch for me. Have you checked this one out under UV light yet?”
Michael, @BetweenLugs
Mission to the Moon and Mission to Mars
“I’m a big fan of the MoonSwatches, although I didn’t start out as one. As a proud owner of a OG Speedmaster, I was a bit worried that they might cheapen owning a Speedmaster. I was happy to discover it definitely didn’t. If anything, it made them more popular. Now owning two Moonswatches myself (Mission to the Moon and Mission to Mars), I am in love with them. Swatch absolutely nailed the design. These perfectly mimic the Speedmaster look with some awesome colors. That being said, the strap looks and feels terrible. The saving grace are the aftermarket straps. Total game changer. They take the MoonSwatches to the next level and make them so much more desirable and cool. After swapping the strap, I really enjoy wearing the Mission to the Moon, but the Mission to Mars probably snatches the most compliments.”
Paxton Wong, @wwpax2049
Mission to Neptune
“I like all the MoonSwatches. My go-to is Neptune. It has the Speedy DNA. Comfortable and light. Strap on and go. The blue has space and sky vibes and a connection to the cosmos.”
Where and when do you wear it?
“All the time. Right now.”
Matteo Paoletich, @doc.o.clock
Mission to Jupiter, Mission to Pluto, and Mission to Mars
“The Mission to Jupiter is the first MoonSwatch that I got as soon as they were announced. As a Speedmaster fan, I was thrilled by the announcement and did everything I could to get one. I chose this model as my first since I was always into the 'Ultraman' model [with its unique orange seconds hand] and that touch of orange on the chronograph seconds hand reminded me of that. The sand-colour case makes this one of the most versatile in the collection!
“The Mission to Pluto is the second version that I got. It fascinated me with its fun color scheme and the fact that it has what I see as a Panda dial. It ended up being the one that I wore the most on a rubber strap, despite it being so different from a classic Speedmaster. It makes me smile every time I look at it – perhaps precisely because of its uniqueness.
“The Mission to Mars is the third MoonSwatch that I got, but it’s certainly not the least in terms of importance. The Mission to Mars is the model that I wanted as soon as Swatch announced the collaboration with Omega – the almost shuttle-like chronograph hands on the subdials and the overall colour scheme, with its clear callbacks to the famous Speedmaster Alaska Project, made my Speedy fan heart race. It was love at first sight. I always wear it on #speedytuesday with a big smile on my face.”