The stars align in a new collaboration between Omega and Swatch, with the new MoonSwatch watch collection drawing on their shared interest in space.
Eleven watches named after the planets rethink the familiar form of Omega’s Speedmaster Moonwatch chronograph, here interpreted in Bioceramic. The material, crafted two-thirds in ceramic and one-third in a castor oil derivative, is recognised as a more environmentally friendly option than plastic. Silky smooth to the feel but reassuringly tough, it makes a hard-wearing base for the plethora of bright colours it comes in.
Classic Speedmaster design cues – the generous size, familiar hands and hour markers and an asymmetrical case – are given a bold twist in the 11 new versions, drawn in a variety of bold hues. The appropriately named Mission to the Sun features a fiery yellow dial, while Mission to the Moon goes to the dark side in steel grey with a black Velcro strap. Mission on Earth strikes a verdant tone, Mission to Neptune leans more towards the aquatic.
‘Omega’s long and distinguished history may have been cut short if it wasn’t for the vision and the courage taken by Swatch,’ says Omega president and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann on Swatch’s role in revitalising the watch industry with its quartz movement in the 1970s. ‘The MoonSwatch collection salutes the saviours of our industry in a witty and accessible way.
‘The Swatches are perfect for budding Moonwatch fans and I can’t think of a more appropriate icon for our shared project,’ Aeschlimann adds. ‘We went to the moon, now we’re exploring the whole Milky Way. They’re great watches, in fantastic colours and they make me smile.’
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