With MoonSwatch models already dedicated to all of the major celestial bodies in our solar system including the Sun, the Moon, and Pluto — not to mention various limited editions with the addition of Moonshine gold-plated seconds hands or Snoopy — it was slightly unclear what inspiration Swatch and Omega might use for their next batch of MoonSwatch models. Well, a trio of MoonSwatch references has just been announced, and rather than looking to the stars, the three new Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission on Earth watches are inspired by our home planet, and they are dedicated to the lava, polar lights, and desert regions that can be seen when looking at the Earth from outer space.
Aside from their different colorways and a few small updates relating to their sub-dials and printing, the new trio of Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission on Earth watches are largely the same as the original MoonSwatch chronograph models, which means that they have Bioceramic cases emulating the design of the Omega Speedmaster. They measure 42mm in diameter and are 13.75mm thick, with 20mm lugs and an overall lug-to-lug distance of 47.3mm. Additionally, just like the rest of the MoonSwatch models, the Mission on Earth watches feature domed “bio-sourced” plastic fronts, 4-jewel Swiss quartz chronograph movements, Velcro straps, and a not exactly confidence-inspiring 30-meter water resistance rating. Plus, the easy-access battery doors on the casebacks of the MoonSwatch Mission on Earth watches all feature photorealistic prints of the Earth, and their sub-dials show radially-oriented markings as a nod to the Speedmaster Alaska II and Alaska III projects. Because what would be a MoonSwatch without the democratization of at least a few coveted Moonwatch details?
The first of the three new MoonSwatch models is the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission on Earth Lava (reference SO33O100), which features a bright orange and black colorway that also serves as a tribute to the highly collectible “Ultraman” Speedmaster models. Orange Bioceramic case components are paired with a matte black dial, a bright orange handset, and matching orange accents throughout the dial and bezel. Beige Super-LumiNova applied to the hands and hour markers create a green-glowing display in the dark. Additionally, to maintain its largely black and orange color profile, the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission on Earth Lava is completed by a black Velcro strap that has orange contrast stitching and a loop made from the same bright orange Bioceramic that is used for the case, crown, and chronograph pushers.
Next among the trio of new MoonSwatch models is the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission on Earth Polar Lights (reference SO33L103) with a turquoise and blue colorway inspired by the Aurora Borealis. While its case components are crafted from a bright and saturated hue of Bioceramic (which is more than slightly reminiscent of the popular “Tiffany Blue” color that’s been trending in luxury watches), the dial fitted to the MoonSwatch Mission on Earth Polar Lights features a dark blue surface with small silver speckles that is intended to be reminiscent of the aventurine glass dials that can be found on certain luxury Omega Speedmaster models. To further lean into its colorway, the hands fitted to the Polar Lights MoonSwatch are also finished in a saturated turquoise hue while green-glowing Super-LumiNova is applied to its hands and hour markers. The watch is completed by a dark blue Velcro strap with turquoise contrast stitching and a matching turquoise Bioceramic loop.
The third and final model from the trio of new MoonSwatch models is the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission on Earth Desert (reference SO33T103), which draws its inspiration from the expansive desert sands that account for more than a fifth of Earth’s dry land. Embracing a colorway of different shades of tan and brown, the case components are made from sand-colored Bioceramic, while the dial and bezel appear in a warm shade of taupe. The sand-colored hands and hour markers are finished with green-emission Super-LumiNova, although the luminous material is beige-colored in the daylight to further complement the largely tan and brown appearance of the watch. Similar to the other two Mission on Earth models, the Desert MoonSwatch receives a strap that matches its dial, and its lugs are fitted with a taupe-colored Velcro strap with tan stitching and a loop made from the same sand-colored Bioceramic that is used for the case.
While some collectors and enthusiasts are starting to grow somewhat tired of the general MoonSwatch concept (myself included), I find this latest trio of Mission on Earth models to be some of the best-looking renditions of this mega-popular collaboration. Additionally, despite their different colorways and Alaska Project-themed dial details, the new Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission on Earth watches cost the exact same as their chronograph siblings with an official retail price of $270 USD. Last, unlike the various Moonshine gold versions that were all produced as limited editions, the three new MoonSwatch Mission on Earth watches will be joining the catalog as standard-production offerings, and they will be available for purchase exclusively from select Swatch stores starting on June 15th, 2024. For more information on the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission on Earth collection, please visit the brand’s website.
