In complete, Swatch has launched 30 MoonSwatch fashions since 2022. First, there have been the unique 11 MoonSwatch variants, after which, a yr later, we noticed 11 others with a Moonshine Gold-plated hand. In 2024, we obtained two MoonSwatch Snoopy fashions, three new MoonSwatch Mission on Earth variants, a Mission to the Tremendous Blue Moonphase, and a Mission to Earthphase. Now Swatch brings us the primary version of this yr, the MoonSwatch 1965.
MoonSwatch FOMO
A few of us within the watch media acquired a personal exhibiting one week earlier than the primary 11 MoonSwatch fashions debuted. Once I requested Nick Hayek (CEO of Swatch Group) about additional plans for the MoonSwatch, he advised me Swatch had not developed the idea only for these 11 variants. That makes good sense, so each time I see feedback like, “Swatch is simply milking the cow,” I’m wondering what individuals anticipated. After all, we might seemingly see a variety of MoonSwatch fashions or comparable initiatives, just like the Blancpain × Swatch collaboration. Manufacturers at all times want one thing to indicate; in any other case, consideration will fade. Plus, when making investments like these, it’s pure to wish to understand their full potential.
Within the MoonSwatch manufacturing unit
That mentioned, 30 MoonSwatches in roughly three years is so much! I additionally imagine that if the MoonSwatches with the Moonshine hand have been restricted to only one version (as an alternative of 11) or under no circumstances, the reception of the fashions in 2024 would have been much less essential. However hey, you’ll be able to say what you need concerning the MoonSwatch, however each time Swatch introduces a brand new version, visitors goes wild, and there are nonetheless individuals queuing up for these watches.
Queues from the 2022 MoonSwatch launch stay unparalleled.
When Swatch dropped the information concerning the MoonSwatch 1965, it began once more. The article acquired many views on the announcement day, and there have been queues on the day it turned stocked in shops. Nacho and I went to the native Swatch boutiques and checked it out for ourselves.
The show on the Swatch boutiques with replicas of the NASA-tested watches
“Mistake” on the MoonSwatch field
Right here is the introduction story I printed on February twenty seventh, so if you’re on the lookout for all of the background data on the MoonSwatch 1965, I counsel you learn that article. This text is concerning the MoonSwatch 1965 itself, my ideas on it, and my emotions concerning the NASA qualification story. We obtained our fingers on the model with the printing “mistake” on the field, which mentioned “Speedamaster” as an alternative of “Speedmaster.” I can’t think about no one noticed this spelling error, so I assume it was an intentional transfer to get extra individuals lining up for this batch of MoonSwatch 1965 watches. Curiously, even a day after the launch, there was not a single MoonSwatch 1965 on the market on the most important Dutch on-line market platform. It appears all of the obtainable MoonSwatch 1965s right here within the Netherlands discovered their approach to proud homeowners and wearers, no less than from the primary delivered batch.
Arms-on with the MoonSwatch 1965
Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the MoonSwatch 1965, the thirtieth variation within the Omega × Swatch MoonSwatch assortment. This one debuted practically a yr after Omega launched its white-dial Moonwatch on March fifth, 2024. There’s no approach to ignore that Swatch certainly made a nod to the favored Moonwatch with its white-lacquered dial.
Classic Speedmaster components
After all, the dial format is totally different. The MoonSwatch has the standard ETA quartz chronograph caliber discovered in lots of Swatch fashions. From a distance, although, it will likely be fairly difficult to inform whether or not somebody is carrying a MoonSwatch or a Moonwatch. Speaking concerning the dial, the brand new MoonSwatch 1965 has an utilized (black) Omega brand. It’s the identical form and dimension because the one Omega used on the Speedmaster ref. 105.003 from 1965. That’s the watch that NASA certified (not licensed!) to be used in house. After which, after all, there’s the characteristically formed chronograph seconds hand that Omega used on the 105.003, 105.012, and 145.012 — mainly, all of the watches that NASA used. As you understand, Omega reintroduced this hand within the present Moonwatch in 2021.
Fast-release MoonSwatch strap
Just a few months in the past, Swatch launched a brand new set of MoonSwatch straps. We lined that launch right here. I might have thought Swatch would throw in one of many new rubber MoonSwatch straps, however as an alternative, this watch comes on an identical grey Velcro strap. This time, nonetheless, it has quick-release spring bars, which I’ve not seen on any earlier MoonSwatch fashions. The strap matches completely with the grey MoonSwatch case.
The battery cap (sure, the battery might be changed, opposite to some feedback I’ve learn suggesting in any other case) is printed with the Moon’s floor. Battery replacements are free at Swatch’s boutiques, by the way in which.
Marking 60 years since NASA’s flight qualification
As you’ll be able to see within the above picture, below a UV flashlight, the 19, 65, and 60 on the dial mild up. These numbers seek advice from the Speedmaster’s NASA qualification in 1965, which was now 60 years in the past.
Solely the lume on the indexes and fingers glows after eradicating the UV mild. This is similar approach Swatch used for the MoonSwatch Snoopy variants and an identical to Omega’s Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday “Ultraman” and Snoopy fashions.
MoonSwatch 1965 packaging
I’m a fan of the MoonSwatch packaging. It isn’t excessive, but it does ship lots of “goodies.” The folding field is great for holding the watch saved; no less than that’s what my daughter makes use of it for when she will not be carrying her Mission to Venus. Inside are some booklets on the MoonSwatch assortment, the MoonSwatch 1965 itself, and a guaranty certificates.
As I discussed earlier, it’s right here that we discover the “Speedamaster” spelling mistake. It additionally signifies two vital dates for the Omega Speedmaster — June third, when Ed White wore Speedmaster 105.003 on his wrist throughout a spacewalk, and March 1st, when NASA certified the Speedmaster.
I’ve two feedback to make right here. First, it could have been cool to say that Ed White wore two Speedmaster 105.003 watches throughout that spacewalk. Second, the official NASA qualification occurred on June 1st. Solely the assessments ended on March 1st. Receiving an official qualification is totally different from the assessments merely ending. I touched upon this within the introduction article of the MoonSwatch 1965, together with a replica of the NASA letter from June 1st (which I obtained from Omega’s web site).
Essentially the most critical MoonSwatch variation?
In the event you don’t know concerning the numerals that may illuminate below UV mild or the particular performance of the chronograph (as lined in our introduction), the brand new MoonSwatch 1965 is likely one of the most serious-looking editions of the 30 launched so far. When discussing this watch in our places of work, my colleague Daan mentioned, “It’s the right different for individuals who can’t afford the white-dial Moonwatch.” I don’t suppose the MoonSwatch is a correct different, however I can see his level.
That mentioned, I additionally suppose this MoonSwatch 1965 is likely one of the greatest variations. The white dial brings one thing recent, and the little nods to the 1965 Speedmaster and NASA flight qualification are nice for these within the know. I’m undecided whether or not Swatch ought to have fun Omega’s milestone reasonably than Omega itself, however then once more, I don’t see an Omega Speedmaster particular version marking this event both.
Will I purchase the MoonSwatch 1965? I’ve greater than a handful of MoonSwatches in my Swatch assortment, however the one one I discover myself carrying is the all-white Snoopy. However, seeing and attempting this new MoonSwatch 1965 was very tempting.
The worth of the MoonSwatch 1965 is similar as that of all different MoonSwatch fashions (€275 / £240 / US$270). It’s now obtainable on the market at chosen Swatch boutiques worldwide.
