Few thought that when the internet-breaking MoonSwatch debuted 3 years ago (to the date, actually) that the collaboration between the luxury watch legend and the funky budget brand would yield a whopping 30 (!) variants. Well, it’s time for number 31, and it’s possibly the wildest yet. Marking April’s “pink” micromoon, the upcoming release (with an apropos April 1st drop date) is dressed in bright pink, which isn’t just limited to the case and strap.
Luxury Meets Budget
The worlds of luxury and budget watchmaking collided with a series of significantly more affordable BioCeramic quartz versions of Omega’s iconic and expensive (and not quartz-powered) Moonwatch. Collectively dubbed the MoonSwatch, they were available in 11 different variants, each released in a different color — one for each planet, plus the Sun and Moon. However, the Moon variant has easily gotten the most play in the last three years, with the differences being as large as the case color to as small as a pattern on the second hand.
By the Way, Which One’s Pink?
Named after the pink moss phlox, a pink moon is the misleading name given to the full Moon that happens every April. This year, it’s also a micromoon, which is actually a descriptor given to any full Moon during the time when the Moon is farthest from the Earth.
For the “Mission to the Pink Moonphase” variant, Swatch uses the same methods it’s used to color past MoonSwatch variants. The case colors were often used to distinguish each of the planetary watches, and has been used for some of the Moon variants as well.
The honest truth is, it’s much more difficult to color ceramic than it is to just coat stainless steel. However, when it comes to Swatch’s BioCeramic material, the cases can be colored more like plastic, allowing for a wider array of options and more freedom when picking a color for the watch. Nevertheless, we’ve seen a preponderance in pink watches over the past couple of years, with brands from Tudor to H. Moser to even TAG Heuer getting in on the action.
Mission to the Pink Moonphase Basics
For the most part, the new pink version is the same as past MoonSwatches. Obviously, the pink (42mm) case is a dead giveaway, making this arguably the most outlandish of the pack, but there are a few changes on the dial as well. With the same chronograph dial layout, the watch now has plenty more pink detail, including on the register hands, the center hands, and even the hour markers. However, the coolest element are the pink-colored Moons on the moonphase indicator.
Under UV light, the hour markers, hands, and Moons glow pink, while the words “PINK MOON” show up on the moonphase subdial. Also, only seen on a few MoonSwatches, there’s a pulsation scale on the bezel where the tachymeter usually is. This can be used to keep track of your heart rate, and is denoted by a subtle pink heart on the topmost pusher.
On top of the caseback is a large pink Moon as well. Meanwhile, the standard quartz caliber used in previous versions. Lastly, the watch is adorned with a pink version of the Velcro strap found on the other MoonSwatches.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 42mm
Lug-to-Lug: 47.3mm
Case Thickness: 13.75mm
Case Material: BioCeramic
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Quartz
Band: Pink fabric Velcro strap
Limited Edition?: Yes, limited time
Pricing & Availability
Available for a “limited time,” but not in a specified edition size, the MoonSwatch Mission to the Pink Moonphase will be at select Swatch stores on April 1 for just $310 — a major selling point of these timepieces. Head over to Swatch’s website to learn more.
Recap
Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to the Pink Moonphase
Omega and Swatch’s groundbreaking MoonSwatch is now colored pink to pay tribute to April’s pink Moon.
