The collaboration between
Omega and
Swatch has consistently generated immense excitement, merging the prestige of a legendary watchmaker with the playful accessibility of another. Their latest creation, the Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold, continues this tradition, introducing a host of novel complications and whimsical details that set it apart. This model, identified by the reference number SO33N701L, is not merely a new colorway but a thoughtfully designed timepiece that deepens the narrative of the MoonSwatch collection, blending space exploration lore with charming pop culture references and genuine horological innovation.
The foundation of Omega's legacy is inextricably linked to the cosmos. The Omega Speedmaster, famously worn by Apollo astronauts, earned its moniker "the Moonwatch" after becoming the first watch worn on the lunar surface. Its reliability and robustness made it an essential piece of equipment for NASA, a tool trusted in the most extreme environments imaginable. This history forms the bedrock of the Speedmaster's identity, a story of human achievement and mechanical perfection that has captivated enthusiasts for decades. The Speedmaster represents a pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking, a chronograph that has stood the test of time and space.
Courtesy of Swatch
On the other side of this partnership is Swatch, a brand that represents a different kind of revolution in the Swiss watch industry. Emerging during the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 80s, Swatch countered the wave of inexpensive Asian quartz watches with its own affordable, Swiss-made, plastic-cased timepieces. They were colorful, fun, and treated as fashion accessories, often collected and traded with fervor. Swatch’s success was instrumental in the revitalization of the Swiss watch industry, proving that innovation and accessibility could coexist with traditional craftsmanship.
The fusion of these two distinct identities in the MoonSwatch collection has proven to be a masterstroke. It takes the iconic design of the Speedmaster and reinterprets it through the playful, colorful lens of Swatch. The resulting watches offer the visual appeal of a luxury icon at a price point that makes it attainable for a much broader audience. The Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold is the latest chapter in this successful venture, pushing the creative boundaries even further.
Visually, the watch makes an immediate impression with its cohesive navy blue theme. The case, crown, and chronograph pushers are all crafted from Swatch's proprietary Bioceramic, a material that blends two-thirds ceramic with one-third bio-sourced plastic derived from castor oil. This results in a material that is both durable and lightweight, with a silky, matte finish that feels unique to the touch. The deep navy hue gives the watch a serious, space-faring character, grounding its more playful elements in a sophisticated color palette.
The case dimensions adhere to the classic MoonSwatch profile, measuring 42.00 mm in diameter and 13.75 mm in thickness. A lug-to-lug distance of 47.30 mm ensures that while the watch has a substantial presence on the wrist, it remains comfortable and wearable for a wide range of individuals. The asymmetrical case and the sharp, smooth construction of the lugs are direct design cues taken from the Omega Speedmaster, maintaining that crucial visual link to its historic inspiration. The entire package is rated for a water resistance of 3 bar, suitable for everyday exposure to splashes but not for swimming or diving.
Courtesy of Swatch
The dial of the Mission to Earthphase is a canvas of intricate details set against a clean, white opaline background. This bright surface provides excellent contrast for the navy markings and subdials, ensuring legibility. The layout features the classic three-register chronograph arrangement, but with a significant twist. The dial is adorned with the requisite OMEGA X Swatch branding, along with the iconic Speedmaster and MoonSwatch logos. A fine circular pattern on the outer ring and the recessed subdials adds a layer of visual texture and refinement.
A key feature of the dial is its generous application of lume. The hour markers, as well as the hour and minute hands, are coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova®, which emits a bright green glow in low-light conditions. The tip of the central chronograph seconds hand also features this treatment, allowing for precise timing even in the dark. This commitment to visibility is a practical nod to the tool-watch heritage of the Speedmaster.
The most significant innovation on this model is the introduction of an Earthphase indicator, a novel complication located at the 10 o’clock position. This function displays the Earth as it would appear from the Moon, operating on the same 29.5-day cycle as a traditional moonphase but in reverse. When observers on Earth see a full moon, an astronaut on the Moon would see a "new Earth," a fully shadowed disc. The indicator on the watch beautifully visualizes this celestial dance, with the Earth's oceans designed to glow a vibrant blue under UV light, adding a hidden layer of interactivity.
Courtesy of Swatch
Beneath this captivating Earthphase display lies a charming illustration featuring Snoopy and Woodstock, both clad in space gear, perched on the Moon and gazing up at the Earth. This is a direct and affectionate reference to the long-standing relationship between NASA and Charles M. Schulz's beloved beagle. Snoopy became an unofficial mascot for NASA's safety initiatives, with the prestigious "Silver Snoopy Award" being given to employees and contractors for outstanding contributions to mission success. Omega received this award in 1970 for the critical role the Speedmaster played in the safe return of the Apollo 13 crew.
Adding to the intrigue, the illustration includes a secret phrase that is only revealed when exposed to UV light. The text "I Beat Everybody..." is a nod to NASA's success in getting to the moon first and is also seen again on back of the case. This hidden message speaks to the spirit of exploration and ingenuity embodied by the original Moonwatch and serves as a delightful easter egg for the owner to discover. It’s a detail that rewards close inspection and deepens the connection between the watch and its rich historical context.
The watch also features a moonphase indicator, located in the subdial at the 2 o’clock position. This is where the "Moonshine Gold" element comes into play. The indicator displays two radiant full moons, both of which are coated with OMEGA’s proprietary Moonshine™ Gold. This 18K yellow gold alloy has a paler hue than traditional yellow gold and is known for its high resistance to fading over time. The use of a precious material from Omega's high-end catalog on a Swatch is a remarkable detail.
Courtesy of Swatch
The two moons on the indicator are not identical. One is rendered in the familiar, charming style of the Snoopy universe, reinforcing the watch's main theme. The other moon features a distinct net-like pattern. This is a playful and clever nod to the "Sturgeon Moon," the traditional name for the full moon of August, which is when this watch is scheduled to be released. The name originates from the giant sturgeon fish that were most readily caught in the Great Lakes during this time of year, and the net pattern is a visual pun on this piece of folklore.
Powering these unique functions is a Swiss quartz movement. While purists might prefer a mechanical caliber, the choice of quartz is central to the MoonSwatch concept. It allows for the integration of complex displays like the dual-phase indicators and chronograph at an accessible price point. The movement is reliable and accurate, ensuring that the watch is a practical timekeeper. The chronograph function is activated by the pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, with the central seconds hand tracking elapsed seconds.
The attention to detail extends to components that are often overlooked. The crystal is a box-shaped piece made from a biosourced material, mimicking the look of vintage Hesalite crystals used on early Speedmasters. In the very center of the crystal, a tiny, barely-visible "S" is etched, a signature detail found on many Swatch watches. The caseback features a battery cover decorated with an image of Planet Earth, tying the design together from front to back.
Completing the ensemble is a navy rubber strap equipped with a VELCRO® closure. This design choice is another direct link to space exploration, as astronauts wore their Speedmasters on similar long straps that could fit over the bulky sleeve of a spacesuit. The strap is comfortable, durable, and enhances the "astronaut cool" aesthetic. A matching navy Bioceramic loop provides a cohesive and secure finish.
Courtesy of Swatch
The Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold is a remarkable piece of design that successfully juggles multiple themes. It pays homage to the legacy of the Omega Speedmaster, celebrates the whimsical world of Snoopy and his connection to NASA, incorporates genuine horological novelty with its Earthphase complication, and ties its release to celestial events with the Sturgeon Moon reference. It is a watch that tells multiple stories simultaneously.
As with previous special MoonSwatch releases, availability is a key part of the story. The Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold carries a retail price of $400.00. However, acquiring one will require both timing and luck. The watch will be available for an extremely limited time, sold only on August 9, 2025, to coincide with the date of that month's full moon. This limited release will take place exclusively at selected Swatch stores worldwide. To manage the high demand that is all but guaranteed, sales will be strictly limited to one watch per person, per store. This strategy ensures a level of exclusivity and turns the purchase itself into an event, echoing the frenzy that has surrounded the MoonSwatch collection since its debut. The result is a watch that is both accessible in price and exclusive in its availability, a paradox that has defined the success of this entire collaboration.
Case: Navy Bioceramic case, crown, and pushers. Diameter: 42.00 mm. Thickness: 13.75 mm. Lug-to-lug: 47.30 mm. Water resistance: 3 bar. Box-shaped biosourced glass with etched "S" in the center.
Movement: Quartz movement. Functions include a chronograph, a moon phase indicator at 2 o'clock, and an earth phase indicator at 10 o'clock.
Dial: White opaline dial with printed indexes and recessed subdials. Hour markers, hour and minute hands, and chronograph seconds hand tip feature Grade A Super-LumiNova (green emission). Includes hidden UV ink details.
Strap: Navy rubber strap with a VELCRO® closure and a matching navy Bioceramic loop.
Price: $400.00
Reference Number: SO33N701L
Notes: Features a unique Earthphase indicator showing Earth from the Moon. The moonphase indicator at 2 o'clock features two moons coated in OMEGA’s Moonshine™ Gold. Limited edition available only on August 9, 2025.