Why the Omega Speed Master Moon Swatch is so much more than a cheap thrill….

Initially, I thought the Mission to Moon version was all I needed. Yet, I found myself equally intrigued by the “Mission to Mars” variant, which I also purchased. However, it was quickly claimed by my cousin, leaving me no time to truly appreciate or explore it. The “Mission to Moon” felt like the next best thing to an actual Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch, but at a snip of the price.  Since it was so hot commanding quite the premium, I entertained the idea of selling it, thinking I could always repurchase it later. Fortunately, an irresistible offer came my way, making it seem imprudent not to sell. As 2022 passed, I found myself without either Moon Swatch, barely giving it a second thought—out of sight, out of mind. Then, unexpectedly, my cousin called, expressing a hesitant desire to return my “Mission to Mars” Moon Swatch. Having not previously explored it, I felt like a child discovering his favorite new toy for the first time. I delved into its details with endless fascination and was utterly amazed by what I found.

The design felt familiar to me—a white dial Omega Speedmaster with distinctive red rocket-style hands, reminiscent of a model I’d seen before. In 2008, Omega unveiled the Speedmaster “Alaska Project,” which clearly served as the inspiration for the Omega Speedmaster X Moonswatch “Mission to Mars.” This limited edition, with only 1970 units produced, drew its design cues from an Omega Speedmaster 1972 prototype known as Alaska II. The Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project was originally presented on a bracelet but also included a white velcro strap, mirroring the design choice for the strap on the Omega Speedmaster X Moonswatch “Mission to Mars.”

Every glance at the rocket-style hands of my “Mission to Mars” Moonswatch fills me with the kind of excitement that of a kid in a candy store, inspiring me to chase the impossible dream and believe in endless possibilities. It’s rare for a watch to stir such deep emotions in me. Interestingly, I found history unappealing in my younger years, yet over the past three decades, I’ve grown deeply passionate about it, to the point where I now have the privilege of teaching it through the fascinating world of watches.

Beyond the Mars and Moon: Expanding the Horizon

So, what’s the story with my other three Moon Swatches? I genuinely appreciate each one, as they all have their unique roles, yet they don’t quite capture my heart the way the Mission to Moon and Mission to Mars do. My collection also includes the Mission to Jupiter, Mission to Mercury, and Mission to Uranus (admittedly, not the greatest name). These watches find their moments in my rotation, adding diversity to my Moon Swatch lineup.

Despite their modest $270 retail price and bio-ceramic construction, they feel far from the disposable or budget-friendly vibe typically associated with standard Swatch watches. To me, these Moon Swatches are exceptional, holding their own against more luxurious timepieces in my collection. It’s notably impressive how often I opt for these over my pricier Rolex Submariner and other iconic watches, which speaks volumes about their special appeal.

A lunar phenomenon beyond the price tag