This is actually pretty fun
So last night I was showing my wife some “new watch alerts” and chortling to myself that people didn’t take long to get buying in 2024. “Bunch of enablers,” I said out loud.
Then I was in the mall today, Chinook, Calgary, and walked past a Swatch store. Moonswatch display case in the window. Told the family I’d catch them up, went in and asked what they had. “All of them except the newest one.” Went back to the window to look at the Colors, picked the grey (Mercury) and bought it on the spot.
Having handled a speedy pro at a jewelers 48 hours ago I can tell you that, of course, this is nothing like the real thing. But it’s fun. I love technical watches, the white on dark grey contrast, the whole thing is just great. I feel a bit of glee when I look at it. 100% not worth standing in line or paying a scalper, but a fun piece that I will wear with pleasure. And if/when it breaks, I’m more likely to seek out the real speedy, not less.
It isn’t an amazing watch, but it is a lot of fun, and a stroke of genius from a marketing perspective. I can’t be mad about that…
I had to Google the watches. I didn't understand when reading Omega, that if it breaks you'd get the real thing.
I understand now.
I've never quite understood the Omega Swatch thing.
Guessing it reads Omega, looks like the "real"? thing, but has cheap internals.
Does that make it an officially licenced in house homage!?
I had to Google the watches. I didn't understand when reading Omega, that if it breaks you'd get the real thing.
I understand now.
I've never quite understood the Omega Swatch thing.
Guessing it reads Omega, looks like the "real"? thing, but has cheap internals.
Does that make it an officially licenced in house homage!?
Basically it’s an official watch that looks like a Speedmaster but is made of “bio-ceramic” (plastic) and has a quartz movement. Much internet wrath has been spent on Omega/swatch’s decision to ‘sully’ the Speedy in this way, and I’d probably have agreed with those comments before owning the piece. Now that I do, I don’t really see anything wrong with it. No one would mistake it for the real thing.
Thank you. 👍
Congratulations Mike. It can happen that quickly😉. The watch looks 🔥. Wear it in good health.
I got the Pluto for Christmas and I’m wearing it right now. I am absolutely loving it! Is it the finest watch I own? No. But it’s not supposed to be! You’re thinking about this exactly right. It’s just for fun. And I’m having FUN!
Basically it’s an official watch that looks like a Speedmaster but is made of “bio-ceramic” (plastic) and has a quartz movement. Much internet wrath has been spent on Omega/swatch’s decision to ‘sully’ the Speedy in this way, and I’d probably have agreed with those comments before owning the piece. Now that I do, I don’t really see anything wrong with it. No one would mistake it for the real thing.
It does still beg the question, why? And if the answer is, "fun" - what is fun about it? Because I bet if this was a plastic, quartz watch without that Omega logo on the dial, less than 1% of people who bought one would still be interested. So is the Omega logo the fun part? Because again, if you remove that, would people still be buying it? I don't think so.
Anyone desiring this style of watch, and a 'moon watch' no less, could pick up a Bulova Lunar Pilot and have all the looks, the heritage, etc, in a watch that will last decades.
It does still beg the question, why? And if the answer is, "fun" - what is fun about it? Because I bet if this was a plastic, quartz watch without that Omega logo on the dial, less than 1% of people who bought one would still be interested. So is the Omega logo the fun part? Because again, if you remove that, would people still be buying it? I don't think so.
Anyone desiring this style of watch, and a 'moon watch' no less, could pick up a Bulova Lunar Pilot and have all the looks, the heritage, etc, in a watch that will last decades.
I can't answer for him, but what is "fun" about my MoonSwatch is:
It's a classic watch done in interesting colours with an interesting material, officially licensed by the original manufacturer.
It makes me smile when I look at it.
It confuses/annoys people online who take watches too seriously...
If someone has to explain why it's fun to you, you unlikely to every consider it fun, in exactly the same way that if someone has to explain why something is funny to you, you are unlikely find it funny.
I can't answer for him, but what is "fun" about my MoonSwatch is:
It's a classic watch done in interesting colours with an interesting material, officially licensed by the original manufacturer.
It makes me smile when I look at it.
It confuses/annoys people online who take watches too seriously...
If someone has to explain why it's fun to you, you unlikely to every consider it fun, in exactly the same way that if someone has to explain why something is funny to you, you are unlikely find it funny.
Which returns us to the crux of my question - if it didn't have the Omega logo on the dial; if this was just some weird AliExpress quartz watch in an 'amusing' colour, would it do anything like the same sales? I don't think it would - and yet it would be 99.9% the same watch. So in that scenario, where did all the fun go? It's something to think about.
Which returns us to the crux of my question - if it didn't have the Omega logo on the dial; if this was just some weird AliExpress quartz watch in an 'amusing' colour, would it do anything like the same sales? I don't think it would - and yet it would be 99.9% the same watch. So in that scenario, where did all the fun go? It's something to think about.
I explained it in point one, it's an officially licensed product. That's part of the fun. It's akin to asking if you removed the set-up for a joke if the punchline would still be funny.
You don't buy a Rolex because it's a steel mechanical watch, you buy it because it says Rolex on the dial. We don't question that, so why should we question the MoonSwatch?
I explained it in point one, it's an officially licensed product. That's part of the fun. It's akin to asking if you removed the set-up for a joke if the punchline would still be funny.
You don't buy a Rolex because it's a steel mechanical watch, you buy it because it says Rolex on the dial. We don't question that, so why should we question the MoonSwatch?
OK, so for you at least, it is about what's on the dial. This is what I'm getting at. In theory, a plastic AliExpress quartz watch in a 'zany' colour should be exactly the same amount of fun... because it's exactly the same thing... yet it wouldn't be. People would ignore it.
Hence why I asked, in my original comment here, "So is the Omega logo the fun part?" And based on this exchange (although, granted, you aren't the OP), I guess it is?!?
Basically it’s an official watch that looks like a Speedmaster but is made of “bio-ceramic” (plastic) and has a quartz movement. Much internet wrath has been spent on Omega/swatch’s decision to ‘sully’ the Speedy in this way, and I’d probably have agreed with those comments before owning the piece. Now that I do, I don’t really see anything wrong with it. No one would mistake it for the real thing.
Bio-ceramic is used in industrial applications such as metal manufacturing and aerospace tech. It's primary application is in medical and dental implants as well as bone replacement and regeneration. It's used in pacemakers and other critical applications. It's highly resistant to wear due to its low friction and high hardness. It has very low deformation, which makes it harder to work with than plastic, similar to how titanium is harder to work with than steel.
Bio-ceramic is found in very high-demand applications that were once reserved for surgical-grade steel and titanium; both materials we praise when used for watch cases.
So to the haters that tell you your watch is 'plastic' they're flat out wrong.
Bio-ceramic is used in industrial applications such as metal manufacturing and aerospace tech. It's primary application is in medical and dental implants as well as bone replacement and regeneration. It's used in pacemakers and other critical applications. It's highly resistant to wear due to its low friction and high hardness. It has very low deformation, which makes it harder to work with than plastic, similar to how titanium is harder to work with than steel.
Bio-ceramic is found in very high-demand applications that were once reserved for surgical-grade steel and titanium; both materials we praise when used for watch cases.
So to the haters that tell you your watch is 'plastic' they're flat out wrong.
Maybe fun and maybe worth collecting...
..but these watches are not made from high end materials, bio or not. I handle plastic surgical devices for my job and have handled this watch, they are very different quality wise. There have been issues with pushers breaking off (Adrian Barker to name one!) and issues with color coming off on peoples wrists to name some specifics beyond feel.
---
To OP - congrats! I tried the lineups that fateful first day and then told myself never again. It was insane!!! So very interesting to note it's now simply a case of walking in and picking one up.
I've got some purely 'fun' watches in my collection as well (see below) and very much agree with having a couple in that category 👍
OK, so for you at least, it is about what's on the dial. This is what I'm getting at. In theory, a plastic AliExpress quartz watch in a 'zany' colour should be exactly the same amount of fun... because it's exactly the same thing... yet it wouldn't be. People would ignore it.
Hence why I asked, in my original comment here, "So is the Omega logo the fun part?" And based on this exchange (although, granted, you aren't the OP), I guess it is?!?
But it's more than just the name on the dial. "Fun" is an emotional descriptor, and emotions don't tend to break down into neat individual components.
Also, AliExpress sells a lot of "fun" cheap plastic and steel watches, so clearly there is a market for those as well. I just don't happen to be one of the people that gets that form of "fun".
I hear you...my wife pushed me to purchase one over the holiday...so it became a Christmas gift from my daughter.
Decided to go with the Mission To The Sun since the bold yellow really kinda knocked me out...paired it with a nice Aliexpress MoonSwatch replacement strap...and voila...
Agree...a very fun watch!
It looks amazing. Wear it in good health and enjoy it. Don’t let haters tell you what is right or wrong. I own the Speedmaster and also the MoonSwatch and I enjoy wearing them both.
Maybe fun and maybe worth collecting...
..but these watches are not made from high end materials, bio or not. I handle plastic surgical devices for my job and have handled this watch, they are very different quality wise. There have been issues with pushers breaking off (Adrian Barker to name one!) and issues with color coming off on peoples wrists to name some specifics beyond feel.
---
To OP - congrats! I tried the lineups that fateful first day and then told myself never again. It was insane!!! So very interesting to note it's now simply a case of walking in and picking one up.
I've got some purely 'fun' watches in my collection as well (see below) and very much agree with having a couple in that category 👍
That's an interesting anecdote. I haven't seen amy one complaining of broken case components, but I wonder what the actual rate of warranty return is.
I also know there are a ton of replicas out there and some scary good 1:1 clones. Unless I bought it at a Swatch store, I would be leery of it's provenance.
I don't own a MoonSwatch, I don't hold a strong opinion on them, and I have no skin in the game, btw. I just did a little research because people calling it "cheap plastic" seemed overly reductionist and, no surprise, it was. I'm sure there are many grades and compositions of bio-ceramic, and I don't know what Swatch is using. But based on just some simple research, I know that calling bioceramic "just plastic" isn't accurate as it's a whole different composition.
OK, so for you at least, it is about what's on the dial. This is what I'm getting at. In theory, a plastic AliExpress quartz watch in a 'zany' colour should be exactly the same amount of fun... because it's exactly the same thing... yet it wouldn't be. People would ignore it.
Hence why I asked, in my original comment here, "So is the Omega logo the fun part?" And based on this exchange (although, granted, you aren't the OP), I guess it is?!?
Great question. Here’s my journey on this:
I’ve always liked chronographs. Half my watch box is chronos. Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer (quartz) to celebrate getting my pilot license. Dressy Tissot white dial chrono. Seagull 1963 hand wind. Helgray meca-quartz blue dial.
So basically, i love chronos. I’ve always been aware of the Speedmaster, how could I not? But I also always thought “I don’t really see what the fuss is about. Watch is big and visually complex. It seems a bit much.” Even trying one on in person I kinda felt the same way.
Enter the Moonswatch. I think it’s 40mm instead of 42, it’s light and thin. It’s a Speedmaster, at least it’s design cues are firmly speedy. It’s 30x cheaper than a ‘real’ one and it’s officially licensed, not a knock-off with dubious supply chain practices (I’d rather not support criminal counterfeiting gangs regardless of whether they actually exist or this is just hyperbole). So it was dead easy for me to say ‘yes’ to.
Now that I’ve had it on wrist for a day or so, the fun part is that “I get it.” I finally understand why people go nuts for the Speedmaster. I love the silly little thing and I understand why others do too.
The Bulova Speedy-alike is nice and a much better watch, in terms of build, quality, movement, case, everything. But it doesn’t have the mystique of the Speedy. It’s not an icon in the same way. We could argue it deserves to be, I wouldn’t disagree. But it’s not. The Speedmaster is the iconic moon watch. And now I have one (sort-of). And I understand the allure. And that’s what I find fun.
So yes, in a way, it’s fun that Omega licensed the name, logo, and design, because those are the elements that make the moon watch the moon watch. This is a MoonSwatch and I find it fun.
Maybe fun and maybe worth collecting...
..but these watches are not made from high end materials, bio or not. I handle plastic surgical devices for my job and have handled this watch, they are very different quality wise. There have been issues with pushers breaking off (Adrian Barker to name one!) and issues with color coming off on peoples wrists to name some specifics beyond feel.
---
To OP - congrats! I tried the lineups that fateful first day and then told myself never again. It was insane!!! So very interesting to note it's now simply a case of walking in and picking one up.
I've got some purely 'fun' watches in my collection as well (see below) and very much agree with having a couple in that category 👍
It really annoys me when people use those two examples. Please name me one other person that has had pushers come off! From the million plus moonswatches sold, there was one picture of the Neptune blue having colour issues and Adrian had a pusher break.
I have three moonswatches, and they all get worn and treated like any other watch. They are not delicate, they don't need to be babied, and people should stop citing those two instances. /rant
It really annoys me when people use those two examples. Please name me one other person that has had pushers come off! From the million plus moonswatches sold, there was one picture of the Neptune blue having colour issues and Adrian had a pusher break.
I have three moonswatches, and they all get worn and treated like any other watch. They are not delicate, they don't need to be babied, and people should stop citing those two instances. /rant
Yikes!
No skin in the game here, and as stated, I tried to buy one back in the days of crazy stampede style lineups.
I entered this fray when someone else said that these watches were as sturdy as surgical medical devices.
Having direct experience and having handled the watch I wanted to pipe up that they aren’t the same, at all. But cost is completely different so not a realistic comparison.
You’re right, I don’t really pay attention to swatch QC issues on the pushers, other than what I hear in general watch media, and we all heard of Adrian’s issues.
Since you asked, I simply googled
.. so maybe more than 1? But maybe it’s a tiny percentage, I don’t know.
I’m glad that you have a few and love them 🤙. BTW - love your Farer 👌
Yikes!
No skin in the game here, and as stated, I tried to buy one back in the days of crazy stampede style lineups.
I entered this fray when someone else said that these watches were as sturdy as surgical medical devices.
Having direct experience and having handled the watch I wanted to pipe up that they aren’t the same, at all. But cost is completely different so not a realistic comparison.
You’re right, I don’t really pay attention to swatch QC issues on the pushers, other than what I hear in general watch media, and we all heard of Adrian’s issues.
Since you asked, I simply googled
.. so maybe more than 1? But maybe it’s a tiny percentage, I don’t know.
I’m glad that you have a few and love them 🤙. BTW - love your Farer 👌
Yeah, sorry, that wasn't specifically a rant against you, it's more often than not people just winging about them with no experience just because they've decided they don't like them.
Thanks for the kind words about the Farer, it's a stunning piece!