On March 21, 2022, a mysterious veil invaded social networks, intriguing the entire global watchmaking sphere. Swatch and Omega, two pillars of the industry, simultaneously launched a highly enigmatic advertising campaign. On the one hand, Swatch encouraged Omega aficionados to adopt one of their watches. On the other, Omega suggested that Swatch enthusiasts might be tempted, in reverse, by one of their models. A game of advertising ping-pong that set off a whirlwind of rumours. Was it plausible to envisage a collaboration between Swatch and Omega, given their distinctly different price positioning?
Two days later, on March 23, 2022, the first images of a replica closely resembling the model appeared. Omega Speedmaster. The Swatch x Omega was the first Omega, but a singularly different one, signed by Swatch, which wasted no time in breaking the ice by officially announcing the collaboration between the two companies that very evening. The Swatch x Omega : MoonSwatch was born.
In this article, we've taken the time to put together the most comprehensive summary of this exceptional collaboration. You'll find all the technical details of each model in the MoonSwatch collection, a brief analysis of the commercial and marketing impact of this daring partnership, and our best advice on how to avoid the pitfalls and ensure you get the best value for your money. MoonSwatch at the best price in 2023.
The result of a collaboration between Swatch and Omega, the BIOCERAMIC MoonSwatch are the symbol of a strong alliance between two emblematic and complementary brands. Highly esteemed by watchmaking enthusiasts, these two members of the Swatch GroupThis co-branding initiative, which was carried out in the greatest secrecy, enabled both brands to benefit from increased visibility, while combining their strengths and preserving their distinct identities.
Directly inspired by the iconic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. THE watch to have accompanied the Apollo 11 mission, symbolizing the first step on the Moon on July 21, 1969, the name "MoonSwatch" has been given to this new collection of timepieces, a clever fusion of the words "Moonwatch" and "Swatch".
Mission to the Sun
Mission to Mercury
Mission to Venus
Mission on Earth
Mission to the Moon
Mission to Mars
Mission to Jupiter
Mission to Saturn
Mission to Uranus
Mission to Neptune
Mission to Pluto
Introduced in April 2021 by the watchmaker, on the occasion of the new edition of its very popular model Big Bold. Bioceramic is a revolutionary material, the only one of its kind in the world, developed by Swatch, for Swatch. Composed of two-thirds ceramic and one-third biosourced plastic obtained from castor oil, this new material is part of the eco-responsible production approach initiated in 2020 by the watchmaking house with its first collection in biologically sourced plastic, the Bio-reloaded.
In its systematic search for new materials to explore and exploit, the Swiss brand has taken a major step forward in its innovation strategy by proposing a promising new hybrid material.
Ceramic is appreciated and used for its hypoallergenic properties and scratch-resistant surface, but until now it has remained rather fragile. And it is indeed by combining this biosourced plastic that the material gains in elasticity and impact resistance.
In terms of feel, bioceramics provide timepieces with what might be described as a soft touch with its silky, pleasant-to-the-touch surface, and immediately adapts to body temperature when placed on the wrist, gives the object excellent definition. And last, but not leastThe material allows the case to adapt immediately to body temperature, as soon as it is placed on the wrist.
This substantial number of sales has enabled the Group to achieve sales of over CHF 7 billion for the 2022 financial year, representing growth of over 2.5%.
This success is largely due to the fact that its watches appeal to a very broad public, of all ages, initiated or not.
Anyone can afford a watch with a design similar to that of a Omega SpeedmasterThis is the perfect opportunity to see the essence of the iconic model flourish from generation to generation. This new timepiece is the perfect opportunity to see the essence of the emblematic model flourish from generation to generation, if we take the somewhat sentimental example of a parent wearing a Speedmaster and eager to share his passion, offering a MoonSwatch to her child.
The Swatch Group has pulled off a stroke of marketing genius less than a week before the world's biggest watchmaking event: Watches & Wonders 2022. After a major advertising campaign, the group quickly won its commercial bet with deliberately limited quantities to ensure long queues in front of boutiques, in favor of physical sales, as well as considerable press coverage. A chance for Omega to make a name for itself among the young and less fortunate, but also to offer a new "goodie" to regular buyers.
Nevertheless, purists may feel cheated: an Omega for €260, really? When some people spend far more to acquire an Omega, it may come as a surprise to see a watch with the same name sold at such a low price. Nevertheless, the desire to broaden the public's interest in watchmaking can only be beneficial for everyone, and of course for the group.
The commercial success of the MoonSwatch has boosted Omega's sales, particularly of its flagship model: theOmega Speedmaster. According to Nick Hayek's statements According to the American news agency Bloomberg, sales of this reference model have increased by more than 50% at Omega points of sale.
Indeed, many people have begun to take a more detailed interest in watchmaking, starting with an affordable watch (€260), a nod to an iconic model.
Initially available in around 110 Swatch boutiques, demand was so great that Swatch could not keep up.
Today, despite the addition of 70 boutiques for distribution, leading to 180 outlets worldwide, demand is still very high, and it's still difficult to find certain models.
Here are a few tips to help you make the right purchase:
Target large Swatch boutiques likely to receive restocking, such as the Mégastore on the Champs-Élysées.
Introduce yourself in advance of your purchase, and don't hesitate to strike up a conversation with the sales staff, introducing yourself and your desire to buy. Stores prefer familiar faces.
Highlight the fact that you are looking for a MoonSwatch for hobbyists and collectors. Boutiques will prefer to sell their watch to someone who wants to wear it on their wrist, rather than reselling it on Vinted.
Follow the brand's Instagram account Swatcheleven cars bearing the company's colors and offering models for sale are on the road all over France.
If you're a minor, bring a parent with you to "make a good impression" and avoid being relegated to the fence category.
And if getting one of these bioceramic timepieces from a boutique remains mission impossible for you, don't panic! Many pieces are still available on the second-hand market. However, beware of counterfeits and resale prices exceeding the official 260€.
In March 2023, Swatch announced the addition of a new iteration of its MoonSwatch the Moonshine Gold.
This is a direct reference to theOmega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50ème anniversaire. This edition was available in Moonshine Gold, an alloy composed of gold (75%), silver (14%), copper (9%) and palladium (1%).
On this new model, there are no major changes, apart from the addition of the chronograph hand in Moonshine Gold, produced only on the full Moon of February 2023, as attested by the certificate included in the watch set.
This marketing strategy is in line with what the group had already initiated at the launch of the collection, aimed at creating a sense of exclusivity and urgency, with the model only sold on a full moon day and among a very limited list of boutiques (London, Tokyo, Milan and Zurich).
After the release of Moonshine Gold Pink with a rose tip at the end of the seconds hand, made under the full pink moon of April; then the Flower Moon and its floral-patterned hand, this time designed during the full moon of May 5-6, the Swatch group is back with a new variant, the Strawberry Moon.
Released on July 3, 2023, to coincide with the Super Stag Moon phenomenon, this chronograph, designed at the beginning of the month before its launch, owes its new name to the "Strawberry Moon", a nickname given to the June full moon by Native American tribes, in reference to the short season for harvesting the fruit.
Despite its sober and discreet colors - black for the dial and grey for the case - the Strawberry Moon is undoubtedly the most eccentric watch in the collection. Indeed, this latest version of the timepiece features a very special seconds hand, this time adorned with tiny strawberry motifs. A fruity aesthetic already employed by the Swatch brand for its small plastic ladies' model, Miss Strawberry.
After offering us a memorable exploration of the cosmos through his collection MoonSwatch the Swatch Group is now paying tribute to the vastness of the ocean with two unique models, the Swatch Scuba and the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms to finally become one and give birth to their brand new timepiece: the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathomsmodel that we invite you to discover, in detail, through our article dedicated to this subject.
Exclusively available in a selection of Swatch boutiques, the MoonSwatch has largely encouraged speculation on auction sites. Although advertised as non-limited, the models in the collection are taking a long time to be restocked in boutiques, encouraging public frustration.
Quite apart from the fact that it is a real disappointment for customers, the Swatch Group's decision not to sell its products online or within the watchmaking distribution network has unfortunately led to certain abuses in terms of resale.
While creating rarity has been the key to the luxury watch market for many years, it is often difficult to understand, and even disgusting for some enthusiasts, to see the exorbitant resale prices of watches. MoonSwatch. You'll find the latest models, ranging from €500 to €1,500 for certain variants of the collection, on classified ad sites.
Limited to the purchase of two watches per customer during flash sales, the Swatch x Omega collection is seeing certain types of new buyers flocking to its store windows. It's not uncommon to see customers queuing for hours on end, with the sole aim of reselling one of the above-mentioned models at insane prices, a few hours after their purchase. Some have even been observed bribing passers-by to obtain more parts than they are allowed.
To close this half-hearted chapter, we can also mention an event that spoiled the model's launch party. Flower Moon on June 4th, an evening which resulted in the theft of at least three examples and the lodging of a complaint by the (ex)owners of this new Moonshine Gold.
Whether you're a purist, a watchmaking enthusiast, a hobbyist, or simply looking for your first watch, the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch is an ideal model. This watch will win you over with its affordable price, iconic design and choice of 11 configurations and variants.
Far from dethroning its inspiration, the mythical Speedmaster. Nevertheless, this watch makes sense as an excellent, attractive and inexpensive alternative for anyone wishing to discover or rediscover the satisfaction of wearing a watch. Speedmaster on the wrist.
Retaining the same dimensions but weighing considerably less than its predecessor, the MoonSwatch is therefore a very good Toolwatch. Thanks to its ultra-resistant bioceramic construction, it's ideal for anyone worried about damaging their more expensive chronographs.
Please note that we recommend that you purchase a MoonSwatch. It's a good idea to change your bracelet, as it's not very comfortable or of high quality. Opt for a rubber bracelet, solid, pleasant and more adapted to summer periods.
How much does a Swatch Omega Moonswatch cost?
The Swatch x Omega Moonswatch are sold for 260€.
What models are available for the Moonswatch?
Vous avez le choix entre plusieurs missions : Mission to the Sun, Mission on Earth, Mission to Jupiter, Mission to Mars, Mission to Mercury, Mission to Neptune, Mission to Pluto, Mission to Saturn, Mission to Uranus, Mission to Venus et Mission to the Moon.
Is the Swatch Omega Moonswatch a limited edition?
Due to the very high demand from fans of the Swatch x OMEGA collaboration, there is currently not enough stock. The watches are not limited edition
Where to buy a MoonSwatch?
If you're lucky, you'll find them in Swatch stores, listed here: https://www.swatch.com/fr-fr/stores-bioceramic-moonswatch.html
About the author
Mathieu CeliPassionate about timepieces, and everything that revolves around them for many years, my ambition is to share my watchmaking adventure, and help you to enlighten yourself on this world that seems so inaccessible, and yet, is not. Every watchmaking story is initiated by encounters, and continues with an endless curiosity, a real addiction to the very embodiment of time.
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