Wow! This has to be the longest we’ve gone without covering a MoonSwatch release. But after the black Snoopy version that came out in April, there hasn’t been one worth talking about. Luckily, Omega and Swatch have gone from its one-per-month average of 2022/2023 to only a handful of models. Nevertheless, this new MoonSwatch might be our favorite yet — or at least our favorite in a while — as it reflects back on the Earth from our closest neighbor in space.
An Earth Phase Indicator?
We’ve all seen moonphase indicators on watch dials. You know, those really cool graphic discs that show us which lunar phase we’re currently experiencing today. Well, few have considered that, if you’re on the Moon, the Earth will also have its own phases. (I imagine Buzz Aldrin always asking Neil Armstrong, “Is there a full Earth tonight?”) This would especially be helpful if you were on the back side of the Moon and couldn’t actually see the Earth.
Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to EarthPhase Basics
Based on the Speedmaster chronograph like the other MoonSwatches, the Mission to EarthPhase shares the same specs, from the 42mm case made of affordable bioceramic material — which is one of the ways that Swatch is able to get the cost of the luxury Omega watches down to just $325 — dial configuration. However, instead of the minute subdial at the 10, there’s a really cool earth phase indicator.
Compared to the moonphase indicator, which is on the opposite side of the dial, the earth phase subdial rotates in the reverse direction. I really love the lunar horizon below the colorful Earth graphic above it, as a reminder of the implied perspective here. I’m not too sure of the minutiae involved in exactly which part of the Earth is exposed and if it matches up with the actual time on the dial like it should.
If you’re wondering if the watch is powered by some haute horological complication, it’s not. Again, this model is just north of $300 and, thus, is operated via a quartz movement.
With a gray dial and matching case color to mimic the Moon’s surface, the watch retains the black tachymeter bezel of other MoonSwatch models. It’s paired with a black fabric strap with a Velcro fastener.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 42mm
Case Thickness: 13.75mm
Case Material: Bioceramic
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Quartz
Band: Black fabric Velcro strap
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Not limited in edition size, the MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase is an in-store exclusive, however. Priced at just $325, the watch can be yours if you visit a Swatch boutique starting November 2.
Recap
Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to EarthPhase
Omega and Swatch put an earth phase indicator on the MoonSwatch so you can see how the sun shines on our planet from the Moon’s surface.
