[Video] Arms-On: The New Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch “Mission to Mars”

Meet the Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch. A watch made from bioceramic (a novel mixture of two-thirds ceramic and one-third materials derived from castor oil) that appears similar to the well-known and iconic Moonwatch by Omega. As we’re fairly keen on Speedmasters ourselves right here at Fratello, let’s take a look at this new MoonSwatch and inform you what we consider it.

Per week earlier than this official introduction, Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek, along with Omega CEO Raynald Aeschlimann and Swatch CEO Carlo Giordanetti, invited us to return to Biel in Switzerland the place they shocked us (and a choose group of different journalists) with a collab that no one anticipated to occur. Ever.

Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch

In whole, there are 11 fashions of the MoonSwatch out there, with each representing a planet, star, or satellite tv for pc in our photo voltaic system. The colour of every mannequin’s bioceramic case corresponds with an interpretation of its celestial inspirator. There’s yellow for the Solar, darkish grey for Mercury, pink for Venus, inexperienced for the Earth, mild grey for the Moon, pink for Mars, khaki for Jupiter, taupe for Saturn, mild blue for Uranus, blue for Neptune, and light-weight grey with a burgundy panda dial for Pluto.

Mission to Mars — Alaska Undertaking

Every of the journalists might decide their favourite model, and evidently, I’ve the “Mission to Mars” MoonSwatch right here. It’s a totally pink bioceramic Omega × Swatch Speedmaster with a white bezel, a white dial, and the well-known pink rocket arms. The rocket arms, similar to these on Omega’s Speedmaster Alaska Undertaking watches, are impressed by NASA’s Mercury rocket. They’ve this form to reinforce visibility for the astronauts. When the rocket shakes and rumbles, these arrow-shaped arms are simpler for human eyes to deal with.

Speedmaster particulars

Once I noticed all 11 MoonSwatch watches, I spotted that this undertaking might have simply been a catastrophe. If Swatch had used metal or aluminum, for instance, or only a common Swatch case with some references to Omega’s Moonwatch, the ultimate product might have missed the mark. Fortunately although, it’s been accomplished in one of the simplest ways doable, in my view, utilizing bioceramic for the case and honoring the Speedmaster Skilled’s actual dimensions. Meaning the MoonSwatch measures 42mm in diameter and has the identical 13.58mm top. And sure, the lug width is certainly 20mm. On the dial, you’ll find each the Omega and Swatch logos, in addition to the wording “Speedmaster” and “MoonSwatch”.

I questioned if it was good to place Speedmaster on the dial. Had it not been there, nevertheless, individuals might need insinuated that this watch tries to be one thing it’s not. And now, it’s an official Speedmaster collab between Omega and Swatch. The phrase MoonSwatch wants no rationalization. As you’ll be able to see, the 3-6-9 sub-dial format is just not the same old one we discover on the Moonwatch. As a substitute, it’s the Swatch chronograph format, that includes working seconds at 6 o’clock, the minute recorder at 10 o’clock, and the 1/Tenth-of-a-second indicator at 2 o’clock. That’s proper, the Swatch × Omega collab makes use of a quartz chronograph motion that may also be present in different Swatch chronographs.

On the crystal, you’ll find an “S” etched into it the place the Hesalite crystal of the Moonwatch usually reveals the Omega brand. The bezel options the well-known dot over ninety, and the sub-dials have a round graining motif. And sure, the hour markers and arms are luminous. The sub-dials are recessed, and there’s the well-known step within the dial as properly, all to create not solely extra depth but additionally a resemblance to the Omega authentic Moonwatch.

Battery cap

The case again of the Omega × Swatch Speedmaster “Mission to Mars” reveals a battery cap with a picture of the planet Mars. The opposite MoonSwatch fashions depict their very own planet, star, or satellite tv for pc. Moreover, there’s loads of textual content engraved within the case again. Although there’s a sign of the watch’s water resistance, it doesn’t state any particular ranking. Sadly, it is going to be solely 3 bar (or 30 meters). There’s additionally a small ETA brand, indicating the producer of the four-jewel motion.

Velcro strap

The Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch “Mission to Mars” comes on a white Velcro strap with a pink keeper. On the Velcro strap, you’ll discover the“Speedmaster” brand, in addition to “MoonSwatch” and “Mission to Mars”. The Velcro straps on the opposite 10 fashions point out their very own missions, in fact. And sure, this contains the one to Uranus (sorry, I couldn’t assist myself). The MoonSwatch “Mission To Venus”, with its pink bioceramic case, comes with a shorter strap for extra petite wrists and a normal-length strap as properly.

Pricing and the place to purchase your MoonSwatch

This light-weight MoonSwatch shall be out there as of March twenty sixth, solely in bodily Swatch boutiques. Though you may see a few of the Omega × Swatch mission circumstances in shows at Omega boutiques, the watches received’t be out there there. The mission case can also be for show functions solely, and every MoonSwatch will are available in its personal sq. field in a colour comparable to the watch you select. We’ve been informed that the Swatch boutiques shall be instructed to promote solely two of those watches to every buyer. So, if you would like all 11 MoonSwatch watches, you recognize what to do. The worth of the Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch is CHF 250 / $260. It’s vital to know that, for now, Swatch is not going to provide these watches on-line.

Some afterthoughts

Final week, the query was raised in my Instagram inbox whether or not I believe it will damage Omega as a model, and even worse, make the Speedmaster much less fascinating. I don’t suppose so, to be trustworthy. It’s only a enjoyable watch. It’s a timepiece to have enjoyable with and revel in. It isn’t a alternative for the Speedmaster, and it’ll not fulfill the need to personal one. Nevertheless, as a Speedmaster fanatic and collector, I’m extremely excited by this Omega × Swatch collaboration. On the finish of the day, it’s nearly having enjoyable.

Swatch picked an iconic watch from Omega to recreate in its personal bioceramic materials and funky interpretations. If the MoonSwatch upsets you, I believe you’re taking this fashion too critically. What it would do, nevertheless, is set off a brand new (younger) viewers who will aspire to personal the true deal sooner or later sooner or later. Who is aware of? What I do know is that it makes for one hell of a advertising and marketing case examine.

I believe it’s a cool undertaking, and though I’m very proud of this Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch “Mission to Mars”, I would like a number of of the opposite variations as properly. Once I confirmed it across the Fratello workplace final Monday, it was an enormous shock to everybody, and there wasn’t one adverse remark. Each particular person on the staff picked a favourite and had enjoyable attempting the “Mission to Mars”.

I’m positive it is going to be a meme fest on Instagram, and there’ll really be some humorous ones, I’m positive. However that won’t forestall or cease me from shopping for and carrying one (and no, it’s not a restricted version). General, I believe it is a genius transfer by Swatch. The query is, which iconic watch shall be subsequent? And can its model have the heart to go play with Swatch?

#gallery-1 {
margin: auto;
}
#gallery-1 .gallery-item {
float: left;
margin-top: 10px;
text-align: middle;
width: 33%;
}
#gallery-1 img {
border: 2px stable #cfcfcf;
}
#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {
margin-left: 0;
}
/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */