Swatch surprises again! The debut of the new MoonSwatch model coincided with the exact moment of the Saturn V launch for the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 (09:32 AM EDT / 15:32 CEST).
The brand understands historical significance well and has introduced another interesting variation of MoonSwatch - Mission To The Moon 1969.
History and Significance of Mission To The Moon 1969
The launch of MoonSwatch in 2022 was arguably the most striking event in the watch world that year. Swatch continued its success by releasing several variations of MoonSwatch in subsequent years. The concept proved to be extremely successful, attracting many new watch enthusiasts. Today, you can see MoonSwatch everywhere - in the city, on golf courses, in airports - on the wrists of people of all ages. Recently, the brand presented the Royal Pop collaboration with Audemars Piguet, and now it returns with a new MoonSwatch model that is already generating great interest.
Moonshine Gold - The Gold of a New Generation
It's no secret that the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 Moonshine Gold watch is my cherished dream. Purchased in 2019, they have become the most worn in my collection. The new MoonSwatch Mission To The Moon 1969 (reference SSX01B700) is inspired by the Speedmaster Professional "Tribute to Astronauts" from 1969 and the 2019 anniversary version. The dial is made from Moonshine Gold alloy - Omega's proprietary yellow gold, which has a paler shade compared to regular yellow gold.
The Price of 1969 Gold in the New Model
An interesting fact: to create the Moonshine Gold alloy in the Mission To The Moon 1969 model, Swatch used real gold from Omega's spare parts. This gold was remelted in Swatch's own foundry into 18-carat Moonshine Gold. The new MoonSwatch contains 11 grams of 18-carat gold. The gold price is calculated at the 1969 rate - 48 Swiss francs (around 11 US dollars at that time). As a result, the retail price of the new model is 500 Swiss francs. For comparison, the current price of 1 gram of 18-carat gold is approximately 75 euros.
Details of Mission To The Moon 1969
Swatch didn't just stop with the dial and hands made of Moonshine Gold. The 18K gold is also used for the crown and chronograph buttons. The case and bezel are made from bioceramic, and the tachymetric scale is printed in gold. The anti-reflective coating gives the bezel a polished look. Just like in the Speedmaster Apollo 11 Moonshine Gold 2019, the new model features distinctive hands - hour and minute hands in gold with black filling, and the chronograph second hand is black.
The hands of the sub-dials are made in black, and the dial is engraved with a golden Au750 mark. One of my favorite elements on the Speedmaster Apollo 11 Moonshine Gold is the vertical brushing on the dial, and I am glad to see Swatch retained this effect in the Mission To The Moon 1969.
Unique Numbering and Design
On the left side of the case is a unique numbering of the watch (x/1969), similar to how Omega marked its Speedmaster Apollo XI in 1994. This is a nice touch highlighting exclusivity. The back cover of the battery compartment features a beautiful golden image of the Moon with the landing date and the inscription "Mission To The Moon" in gold below. As in Omega Speedmaster Moonphase models with a photorealistic image of the Moon, the golden Moon on the cover includes an astronaut's boot print.
This model is rich with historical references and thoughtful details that will be appreciated by both MoonSwatch fans and Speedmaster enthusiasts.
Strap and Technical Specifications
The Mission To The Moon 1969 comes with a black rubber strap which, in my opinion, is more comfortable than the Velcro straps of previous models. The strap is adorned with the Swatch, Omega, and MoonSwatch logos in gold, and the inner side has a golden lining.
In other respects, the new model retains the same case size and movement specifications as previous versions (without the "Earthrise" or "Moonphase" complications).
Limited Edition and Purchase Process
Swatch will release the MoonSwatch Mission To The Moon in a limited series of 1969 pieces. Getting one won't be easy! To participate, you need to fill out an ESTA (Electronic Swatch Timepiece Application) form on the official Swatch website. ESTA is an electronic application, similar to a travel form for the USA, consisting of 32 questions.
Only 1969 applicants will receive Swatch ESTA approval and be able to purchase this model. The form will be available from July 16 at 15:32 CEST until July 21 at 23:59 CEST. You need to apply during this period to be eligible for purchase. Selected participants will receive instructions on payment and watch pickup at a Swatch boutique.
Conclusion
If you haven't filled out the application yet - we recommend visiting the Swatch website and doing so right now. Good luck! The retail price of the new model is 500 Swiss francs (around 600 euros).
Share your thoughts on the new MoonSwatch Mission To The Moon 1969 in the comments.