In total, Swatch has introduced 30 Moonswatch models since 2022. First there was the original 11 Moonswatch variant. Then, a year later, I saw the other 11 people with Moonshine’s gold-plated hands. In 2024, I got two Moonswatch Snoopy models, three new Moonswatch Mission on Earth Variants, a mission to Super Blue MoonPhase, and a mission to Earthphase. Currently, Swatch presents the first edition of this year’s Moonswatch 1965.
Moonswatch Fomo
Some of us in Watch Media received our private show a week before the first 11 Moonswatch models debuted. When asked Nick Hayek (CEO of Swatch Group) about further plans for Moonswatch, he said Swatch wasn’t developing concepts for just 11 variations. That makes perfect sense, so what did people expect whenever they see comments like, “Swatches are just milking cows.” Of course, you will see a variety of Moonswatch models or similar projects, such as the Blancpain x Swatch collaboration. Brands need to show something at all times. Otherwise, the attention will disappear. Furthermore, when making such investments, it is natural to want to fully realize their potential.
At the Moonswatch factory
That being said, there are plenty of 30 moonswatches in about three years! We also believe that receiving the 2024 model isn’t that important if the Moonshine Hand moonswatch was limited to one edition (not 11). But hey, you can say what you want about Moonswatch, but every time Swatch introduces a new edition, the traffic is shattered and there are people still in line for these watches.
The queue for the 2022 Moonswatch release remains unparalleled.
It started again when Swatch dropped news about Moonswatch 1965. This article received a lot of feedback on the day it was published and there was a queue on the day it became available in stores. Nacho and I went to our local swatch boutique and checked out ourselves.
Swatch boutique display with replicas of NASA tested watches
“Mistake” in Moonswatch box
The introductory story released on February 27th is as follows: If you’re looking for all the background information for Moonswatch from 1965, we recommend reading that article. This article is about Moonswatch itself in 1965, my thoughts about it, my feelings about the story of the NASA qualification. Instead of “Speedmaster,” I got a version with a printing “miss” that said “Speedmaster.” I think it was a deliberate move to line up more people for this 1965 batch of moonswatches, as no one could imagine seeing this spelling error. Interestingly, even one day after its launch, there was not a single Moonswatch 1965 sold on the largest Dutch online market platform in 1965. All Moonswatch available here in the Netherlands in 1965 appears to have found a way to proud owners and wearers, at least from the first batch delivered.
I’m practicing Moonswatch 1965
Let’s take a closer look at Moonswatch 1965, the 30th variation of the Omega x Swatch Moonswatch collection. This debuted almost a year after Omega was introduced White dial moonwatch was released on March 5th, 2024. There’s no way to ignore it The sample certainly nodded to the popular moonwatch with its white-covered dial.
Vintage Speedmaster Element
Of course, the dial layout is different. Moonswatch has the typical ETA quartz chronograph caliber found in many swatch models. But from afar it’s very difficult to know if someone is wearing a Moonswatch or a Moonwatch. Speaking of the dial, the new Moonswatch 1965 has an applied (black) Omega logo. Speed - It has the same shape and size as the Omega used in Master Ref. 105.003 Since 1965. This is a watch (not certified!) that NASA has qualified for use in space. And of course there is the distinctive shaped chronograph seconds hand that Omega used in 105.003, 105.012, and 145.012. Basically, all the watches used by NASA. As you know, Omega reintroduced this hand in 2021 with its current Moonwatch.
Quick Release Moonswatch Strap
A few months ago, Swatch introduced a new set of Moonswatch straps. We’ve covered that release here. You’d have thought the swatch would throw one of the new rubber moon watch straps, but instead this watch appears on a matching grey velcro strap. However, this time there is a quick release spring bar, which was not seen in previous Moonswatch models. The strap perfectly matches the grey moon’s watch case.
The battery cap (yes, you can replace the battery, but I suggest other methods, contrary to some of the comments I’ve read) is printed on the surface of the moon. Incidentally, battery replacement is free at the Swatch boutique.
60 years mark from NASA flight qualification
As you can see in the image above, under the UV flashlight, the dials 19, 65, and 60 will light up. These numbers refer to the NASA qualification for Speedmaster 60 years ago, in 1965.
After removing UV rays, only the index and hand room will glow. This is an example of the same technique used for the Moonswatch Snoopy variant, similar to Omega’s Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday “Ultraman” and Snoopy model.
Moonswatch 1965 package
I’m a fan of the Moonswatch package. It’s not on top, but offers a lot of “goods”. The folding box is perfect for keeping your watch in storage. At least that’s what my daughter uses when she’s not wearing her mission to Venus. Inside, there are several booklets from the Moonswatch collection, the Moonswatch 1965 itself, and a certificate of warranty.
As mentioned earlier, it is here that you can find the “SpeedAmaster” spelling error. It also shows two important dates for the Omega Speedmaster. On June 3, Ed White wore a Speedmaster 105.003 on his wrist during a speed walk, and on March 1, NASA qualified the Speedmaster.
Here are two comments. First of all, it would have been cool to mention that Ed White was wearing two Speedmaster 105.003 watches in that outer space. Secondly, the official NASA qualification was held on June 1st. Only the test ended on March 1st. Receiving an official qualification is different from simply completing the test. I mentioned this in a 1965 Moonswatch introduction article, including a copy of the NASA letter from June 1st (obtained from the Omega website).
The most serious variation of the moon’s watch?
If you don’t know about the numbers illuminated under UV light or the special features of the chronograph (described in the introduction), the new Moonswatch 1965 is one of the 30 most serious editions introduced so far. When discussing this watch in our office, my colleague Dern said, “It’s the perfect alternative for those who can’t afford a white dial moonwatch.” I don’t think Moonswatch is a suitable alternative, but I can see his point.
That said, I think this Moonswatch 1965 is one of the best variations. The white dial brings something fresh, and a small nod to the qualifying round for the 1965 Speedmaster and NASA flight is great for anyone who knows. I’m not sure if Swatch should celebrate Omega’s milestones rather than Omega itself, but once again, I won’t see a special edition of the Omega Speedmaster that marks this opportunity.
Would you like to buy a Moonswatch 1965? I have several moonswatches in my swatch collection, but the only thing I wear is an all-white Snoopy. Nevertheless, it was very appealing to see and try this new Moonswatch 1965.
The price of the Moonswatch 1965 is the same as that of all other Moonswatch models (€275/£240/US$270). It is currently available in selected swatch boutiques around the world.
