Swatch Celebrates Apollo 11 With The Extraordinary Mission To The Moon 1969
Credit - Swatch X Omega
Swatch has never been afraid to have a little fun with the MoonSwatch formula, but its latest release takes a far more serious approach. The new Mission To The Moon 1969 celebrates one of the most significant moments in human history, marking the launch of the Apollo 11 mission on 16 July 1969 with what is arguably the most collectible MoonSwatch to date.
Unlike previous special editions that relied on colourful details or playful complications, this model leans heavily into Omega's heritage. Even better, it contains genuine history.
Real Moonshine Gold From The Space Race Era
The standout feature is the extensive use of 18K Moonshine Gold. Rather than producing new material, Swatch has recycled surplus Omega components dating from around the Apollo era, melting them down and transforming them into the dial, hands, crown and chronograph pushers. In total, each watch contains 11 grams of Moonshine Gold, a direct reference to Apollo 11.
The combination of rich gold details against a stealthy matte black case creates one of the most premium looking MoonSwatches we've seen, while still retaining the familiar Speedmaster inspired proportions that made the original collaboration such a success.
Built Around Apollo 11
Every aspect of the watch pays tribute to the historic mission. The caseback features artwork celebrating the Moon landing, complete with lunar imagery, the date of mankind's first steps on the Moon and an astronaut footprint.
Even the launch timing was carefully chosen, with Swatch unveiling the watch at precisely the same time that Apollo 11 lifted off 57 years earlier.
Extremely Limited Availability
Only 1,969 pieces of the Mission To The Moon 1969 will be produced, making it one of the rarest MoonSwatch releases so far.
Rather than the traditional queues outside boutiques, prospective buyers must complete Swatch's Electronic Swatch Timepiece Application (ESTA), a tongue in cheek application process inspired by the United States travel authorisation system. Successful applicants will then be invited to purchase their watch from a selected Swatch boutique.
At £520, this also becomes one of the most expensive MoonSwatches released, reflecting the inclusion of genuine 18K Moonshine Gold.
Specifications
Reference: SSX01B700
Case: Matte black Bioceramic
Diameter: 42mm
Movement: Quartz chronograph
Crystal: Biosourced crystal
Dial: 18K Moonshine Gold
Hands: 18K Moonshine Gold
Crown and Pushers: 18K Moonshine Gold
Strap: Black VELCRO style strap
Water Resistance: 30 metres
Limited Edition: 1,969 pieces
Price: £520.00
Winding Things Up
The MoonSwatch phenomenon has already earned its place in modern watch history, but the Mission To The Moon 1969 feels different. Rather than another playful colour variation, this is a thoughtful tribute to the mission that inspired the original Speedmaster legend.
With genuine recycled Omega Moonshine Gold, meaningful historical details and a production run of just 1,969 pieces, this is easily one of the most desirable MoonSwatches ever created. Expect competition to be fierce, because once these have found their owners, they're unlikely to be leaving their collections anytime soon.
