Hands-On With The MoonSwatch 1965 — The 30th Version Of The Bioceramic Speedmaster

In total, Swatch has introduced 30 MoonSwatch models since 2022. First, there were the original 11 MoonSwatch variants, and then, a year later, we saw 11 others with a Moonshine Gold-plated hand. In 2024, we got two MoonSwatch Snoopy models, three new MoonSwatch Mission on Earth variants, a Mission to the Super Blue Moonphase, and a Mission to Earthphase. Now Swatch brings us the first edition of this year, the MoonSwatch 1965.

MoonSwatch FOMO

Some of us in the watch media received a private showing one week before the first 11 MoonSwatch models debuted. When I asked Nick Hayek (CEO of Swatch Group) about further plans for the MoonSwatch, he told me Swatch had not developed the concept just for those 11 variants. That makes perfect sense, so whenever I see comments like, “Swatch is just milking the cow,” I wonder what people expected. Of course, we would likely see a range of MoonSwatch models or similar projects, like the Blancpain × Swatch collaboration. Brands always need something to show; otherwise, attention will fade. Plus, when making investments like these, it’s natural to want to realize their full potential.

In the MoonSwatch factory

That said, 30 MoonSwatches in roughly three years is a lot! I also believe that if the MoonSwatches with the Moonshine hand were limited to just one edition (instead of 11) or not at all, the reception of the models in 2024 would have been less critical. But hey, you can say what you want about the MoonSwatch, but every time Swatch introduces a new edition, traffic goes wild, and there are still people queuing up for these watches.

Queues from the 2022 MoonSwatch release remain unparalleled.

When Swatch dropped the news about the MoonSwatch 1965, it started again. The article received many views on the announcement day, and there were queues on the day it became available in stores. Nacho and I went to the local Swatch boutiques and checked it out for ourselves.

The display at the Swatch boutiques with replicas of the NASA-tested watches

“Mistake” on the MoonSwatch box

Here is the introduction story I published on February 27th, so if you are looking for all the background information on the MoonSwatch 1965, I suggest you read that article. This article is about the MoonSwatch 1965 itself, my thoughts on it, and my feelings about the NASA qualification story. We got our hands on the version with the printing “mistake” on the box, which said “Speedamaster” instead of “Speedmaster.” I can’t imagine nobody saw this spelling error, so I assume it was an intentional move to get more people lining up for this batch of MoonSwatch 1965 watches. Interestingly, even a day after the launch, there was not a single MoonSwatch 1965 for sale on the biggest Dutch online market platform. It seems all the available MoonSwatch 1965s here in the Netherlands found their way to proud owners and wearers, at least from the first delivered batch.

Hands-on with the MoonSwatch 1965

Let’s take a closer look at the MoonSwatch 1965, the 30th variation in the Omega × Swatch MoonSwatch collection. This one debuted nearly a year after Omega introduced its white-dial Moonwatch on March 5th, 2024. There’s no way to ignore that Swatch indeed made a nod to the popular Moonwatch with its white-lacquered dial.

Vintage Speedmaster elements

Of course, the dial layout is different. The MoonSwatch has the typical ETA quartz chronograph caliber found in many Swatch models. From a distance, though, it will be quite challenging to tell whether someone is wearing a MoonSwatch or a Moonwatch. Talking about the dial, the new MoonSwatch 1965 has an applied (black) Omega logo. It’s the same shape and size as the one Omega used on the Speedmaster ref. 105.003 from 1965. That’s the watch that NASA qualified (not certified!) for use in space. And then, of course, there’s the characteristically shaped chronograph seconds hand that Omega used on the 105.003, 105.012, and 145.012 — basically, all the watches that NASA used. As you know, Omega reintroduced this hand in the current Moonwatch in 2021.

Quick-release MoonSwatch strap

A few months ago, Swatch introduced a new set of MoonSwatch straps. We covered that release here. I would have thought Swatch would throw in one of the new rubber MoonSwatch straps, but instead, this watch comes on a matching gray Velcro strap. This time, however, it has quick-release spring bars, which I’ve not seen on any previous MoonSwatch models. The strap matches perfectly with the gray MoonSwatch case.

The battery cap (yes, the battery can be replaced, contrary to some comments I’ve read suggesting otherwise) is printed with the Moon’s surface. Battery replacements are free at Swatch’s boutiques, by the way.

Marking 60 years since NASA’s flight qualification

As you can see in the above image, under a UV flashlight, the 19, 65, and 60 on the dial light up. These numbers refer to the Speedmaster’s NASA qualification in 1965, which was now 60 years ago.

Only the lume on the indexes and hands glows after removing the UV light. This is the same technique Swatch used for the MoonSwatch Snoopy variants and identical to Omega’s Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday “Ultraman” and Snoopy models.

MoonSwatch 1965 packaging

I am a fan of the MoonSwatch packaging. It is not over the top, yet it does deliver a lot of “goodies.” The folding box is excellent for keeping the watch stored; at least that’s what my daughter uses it for when she is not wearing her Mission to Venus. Inside are some booklets on the MoonSwatch collection, the MoonSwatch 1965 itself, and a warranty certificate.

As I mentioned earlier, it’s here that we find the “Speedamaster” spelling mistake. It also indicates two important dates for the Omega Speedmaster — June 3rd, when Ed White wore Speedmaster 105.003 on his wrist during a spacewalk, and March 1st, when NASA qualified the Speedmaster.

I have two comments to make here. First, it would have been cool to mention that Ed White wore two Speedmaster 105.003 watches during that spacewalk. Second, the official NASA qualification happened on June 1st. Only the tests ended on March 1st. Receiving an official qualification is different from the tests simply ending. I touched upon this in the introduction article of the MoonSwatch 1965, including a copy of the NASA letter from June 1st (which I got from Omega’s website).

The most serious MoonSwatch variation?

If you don’t know about the numerals that will illuminate under UV light or the special functionality of the chronograph (as covered in our introduction), the new MoonSwatch 1965 is one of the most serious-looking editions of the 30 introduced thus far. When discussing this watch in our offices, my colleague Daan said, “It’s the perfect alternative for those who can’t afford the white-dial Moonwatch.” I don’t think the MoonSwatch is a proper alternative, but I can see his point.

That said, I also think this MoonSwatch 1965 is one of the best variations. The white dial brings something fresh, and the little nods to the 1965 Speedmaster and NASA flight qualification are great for those in the know. I’m not sure whether Swatch should celebrate Omega’s milestone rather than Omega itself, but then again, I don’t see an Omega Speedmaster special edition marking this occasion either.

Will I buy the MoonSwatch 1965? I have more than a handful of MoonSwatches in my Swatch collection, but the only one I find myself wearing is the all-white Snoopy. Nevertheless, seeing and trying this new MoonSwatch 1965 was very tempting.

The price of the MoonSwatch 1965 is the same as that of all other MoonSwatch models (€275 / £240 / US$270). It is now available for sale at selected Swatch boutiques worldwide.