Do we really love the Moonswatch?

I was actually very ecstatic when I got the news of MoonSwatch release. I was so ecstatic that I called my sister to get it for me, but alas the line got so busy it was impossible.

I remember thinking about the actual (substance) worth of the watch. It's true, for a similar 260 USD you can get a beautiful Seiko Cocktail with Stainless Steel Case and Caliber 4R35 Auto movement or a historical Seagull 1963 with Sapphire Crystal and Seagull ST21 Manual movement. That would absolutely dwarf the 'Bioceramic', Quartz movement, and Velcro strap specification of the MoonSwatch.

But, in my opinion, the excitement many people have towards this MoonSwatch is what it represent to the swiss watch brands. As I know of, Omega never had any collaboration with other brands before. It's a statement and a step towards a new direction for swiss watches that Omega has the confidence to innovate and reach-out to a younger audience with this collaboration. Oh, and also the model, who wouldn't want to own a budget Speedmaster?

Personally, I wanted the watch because I wanted to be part of this historical step, when Omega 'gave away' their historical & arguably most popular design--the Speedmaster. I wanted to have that piece of history when humanity reach for the stars (moon), for a very reasonable price.

So.. that's my take. And to be honest, I'm re-evaluating my decision now, after failing to get it on the launch date. Should I still try to get a MoonSwatch? I'll think about it in 3 month or so.

It sounds like you've got the age-old problem of 'heart vs head'. At the end of the day, only you know the criteria of watches that appeal to you. And if you don't, sometimes it's better to go with your heart and see where this leads you. Often times, through this process, you'll discover what you really love and what you really dislike.

The good news is that the MoonSwatch does not appear to be a limited release and at under $500, (relatively speaking, might seem massive) the penalty for getting it wrong, is not too onerous.

If there's any advice I can give you is collect what makes you happy. If you're buying a mechanical watch for 'cred', but don't really like it, then no amount of kudos can ever fill the void that you feel, every time you stare down at your wrist. 

Honestly, I think the long term solid bet for a younger enthusiast is a stainless steel, automatic watch from Seiko, Orient or a number of microbrands that are putting out terrific pieces on a budget.  

Ten years from now, you can have a ten year old Swatch or you can have a ten year old piece that can remain in your collection quite comfortably along side any higher end models you choose to add along your journey.  A Seiko or Orient automatic can last your lifetime with proper service.  I can't say the same for Swatch.

Throughout this hype phase, I've been trying to point out that this is not an Omega.  It is a Swatch, literally being sold in Swatch boutiques.  They have Swatch cases, Swatch movements and above all, Swatch quality.  There are objectively better watches to spend money on than Swatch watches.

It's fine...

@thorhodes It doesn’t matter what the rest of us think in this instance. We’re not you. It’s not our money. If you you have any doubt then its a no. This watch will still be around in a year’s time. It’s not going anywhere. If you want it, there’s plenty of time to either save up or think about it some more. If you like a watch and everyone in the world hates it, that’s their problem not yours.

Also start dropping hints to those around you around your birthday and Xmas time 😉…

my only advice is never buy anything on impulse. take it from this 40 year old guy who is still making the same mistake as i am saying it! that said, i realised that if after a few nights of sleep sometimes i totally don't think about the watch anymore, and it's a telltale sign that i don't really want it...

I am so glad to see your interest in watches. I’ve enjoyed wearing a watch since I was six. I strongly think you should pick something lease for your watch. A Timex weekender or Seiko Essential Chronograph would be great choices for less money. Both would be better daily wears. Enjoy the hobby!

@Chunghauphoto @Nanday @allthegearandnoidea  Thank you so much for your insight, I keep failing to make myself trust that these will still be around in the future. I totally agree, these decisions take time, and i shouldnt act faster than I need to! 

That is a great point, it makes sense to see what the watch will mean in the future, if it’s something you bought for just the hype around it, or if you bought it to appreciate.

Its always a good idea to sleep on it! 😂👍

I love the idea of the MoonSwatch and what it means for both the Omega and Swatch brands but I don't kid myself and think that the watch itself is intrinsically worth $260 in terms of quality. I'm looking to pick up the Mission to Mars version because I'm a big fan of the Alaska Project and it would be a fun complement to my Speedy but I have no intention of paying more than retail.

My advice to you would be to get the best bang for the buck watch you can at your budget.  If $260 is a stretch for you (and there's absolutely no judgment in that), there are other high quality watches from Orient, Citizen, Seiko and other brands that are well worth your hard-earned money. 

For example, you can get the Seiko Flightmaster at the same price but IMO it's 5x the chronograph the MoonSwatch is in terms of value.

Thanks for the advice! It helps to know what else is in the price range 👍

I don't think anyone can put it better than Mr. Talking Hands as to the value on offer here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTBblMeFoOU

Good luck!

I asked myself the same question. Do i like it because it looks like an omega for less money or do i like it because of what it is?

But i still wanna get an Mission to Mercury. I just love the look of it and think this is a fun piece.

Exactly! Good luck on your mercury 👍

Gotta love Mr. Talking Hands! 🤣

I'm roughly the same age as you so I understand your plight. It's awesome and yes I want one, but a (essentially) plastic case, velcro strap and quartz movement for £250 in today's market? There are plenty of other watches (and things in general) higher on my priority list in this price bracket. Wait for the sales I say

Thats the plan im leaning towards now as well 👊

Thanks mate!

My advice, and for this watch it's simple, due to availability... just wait a month, and if you are still thinking about it every day, then order one off the Swatch website.

One thing people often overlook is design. In the 3,000-10,000 range, all of them are pretty much the same. If you melted them down, you would get the same base materials. The only difference is a small level of quality and design.

Watches are an emotional purchase. No one needs one. We just love them. They are often loved for one of 3 reasons. Design, history, or status.

To think, that for $260, you get two of those.

My 0.02 - you’ll be ultimately disappointed with a plastic quartz if your goal is a quality mechanical.  Also, if swatch keeps pumping them out they will quickly have less cachet

That is a good way to look at it! Thanks for your input 🙏

No.  Swatch f'd up.

After seeing real world,not marketing, pictures of this Swatch I am less inclined to get than I was not inclined to get one a week ago.😕

The blue ones will probably be recalled for color leaching. Otherwise your buying a Swatch chrono and paying extra for the Omega label. The velcro strap will catch on everything because on smaller wrists the strap overshoots and will hook on things and undo. They will be on Jomashop before long and thats where i might get one but probably not. For the money get a Casioak and bling it out with an aftermarket bracelet.

Personally, I think they’re pretty cool. Don’t buy one if it’s a financial burden though (that goes for any watch purchase) and definitely don’t buy one above the MSRP. The retail price is already somewhat inflated due to the Omega name being attached. That said, they’ve done a rather impressive job of preserving those iconic Speedmaster aesthetics in a (relatively speaking) inexpensive watch. Damned if it doesn’t look like an actual Speedmaster on the wrist at a glance - especially the mission to the moon. Then there’s the mission to mars version which evokes the Alaska project - a nice tip of the hat to Speedmaster fans.