Swatch is no stranger to a viral moment. From sold-out Snoopy references to the (internet-breaking) pocket watch collaboration with Audemars Piguet, the Swiss watchmaker’s designs regularly inspire a frenzied response, especially when the launch comes from the ongoing MoonSwatch program with Omega.
Still, there’s a difference between your run-of-the-mill Speedmaster-inspired MoonSwatch and a surprise 18K gold edition. For the latest in its lunar lineup, Swatch is dropping the Mission to the Moon 1969 MoonSwatch, an ultra-limited, gold-ornamented chronograph that pays homage to the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969.
Partly inspired by the golden Speedmasters made to commemorate that mission, the new MoonSwatch features a resplendent design: utilizing Omega’s 18k Moonshine Gold alloy, the timepiece sports a satin gold dial with recessed counters set in a matte black Bioceramic case with a matching bezel and rubber strap; the gold accents extend to the hands, pushers, crown and moon battery cover; also on the battery cover is a footprint graphic and date inscription commemorating the moon landing (since these are Swiss brands, the date is noted as July 21 instead of July 20). Notably, the metal alloy included in each piece adds up to a whopping 11 grams, a nod to the Apollo mission number.
There are more Easter eggs to be found. The watch is limited to an on-the-nose run of 1,969 pieces, with each individual number displayed in golden lacquer on the side of the case, while the dial typography and Omega logo are period correct to 1969. What’s more, Swatch says it priced this watch according to the value of 11 grams of 18k gold on July 21, 1969 — which comes out to $570.
This makes the inclusion of Moonshine Gold notable for a few of reasons: the aesthetic value, of course, but also the sheer amount included, which is typically reserved for pricier references. (Hodinkee estimates that, at its current market value, the watch contains well over $1,000 worth of gold.) And that’s without considering the alloy’s origins — the gold was reportedly extracted from spare Omega parts dating back to the ‘60s.
The Complete MoonSwatch Buying Guide
The history and specs of the most collectible watch series of the 21st centuryWhile this watch certainly offers a serious value proposition, acquiring one will most likely run you well over its retail price. Not only is the golden timepiece the brand’s most limited MoonSwatch release to date, but you’ll have to apply to get the chance to purchase via Swatch’s cleverly named, 32-question Electronic Swatch Timepiece Application, which is available to complete through July 21.
In other words, scoring one will be about as easy as landing on the moon.
Omega x Swatch Mission to the Moon 1969 MoonSwatch
Diameter: 42mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 30m
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