Finally got my hands on one of these bad boys
Hi guys & girls!
Today I finally got my hands on the highly demanded MoonSwatch in my favorite version: the Jupiter. And before everybody is asking, I didn't pay more than retail for it. And I think thats the right thing.
After wearing and playing with it for around 6-7 hours now, I can say with confidence that in my book this watch is maybe worth the 250 retail, but not a cent more. It does wear pretty comfortable which most likely comes from the nearly unnoticeable weight (or shall I say lightness?). Despite many people calling the strap bad and uncomfortable, I have to say that it wears 8/10 on my wrist. I barely notice the whole watch and it doesn't itch or the like. It is just a bit inflexible, but many Velcro straps are, so that's fine. Also if I wanted to change it, I can put on every regular 20mm strap out there.
On the other side of the scale we have to recall that it is made entirely from plastic. The "glass" is plastic, the strap is made from some kind of plastic/Nylon and the case is plastic... I know I know, it is called "Bioceramic", but in all seriousness, it has nothing to do with ceramic.
The movement is a solid ETA G10.212 quartz that is being used in a ton of watches made by the Swatch company and also others. At this point I don't want to torture you with boring specs. I mean it is accurate, costs 50€ to replace and uses a standard 394 cell.
All in all I am very happy with the watch, but I didn't expect much from it in the first place other than being a fun and light quartz Swatch. I do own the real Speedy Professional and I'm 100% certain nobody expects them to be on a virtually close level, because they simply aren't.
Don't get tempted and fooled by the absurd prices that are still being demanded for these watches. I can tell you with confidence, that if you really want one, just wait or buy it directly from Swatch. It is not worth a 100-500% premium.
Finally got my hands on one of these bad boys
Yes
No
- Low weight
- Same dimensions as the Speedmaster Professional
- Cool color
- Cheap built quality
- Absurd gray market prices
- Only has a 60 minutes counter
- Availability
🇨🇭 + 🇩🇪 ...with a weakness for precision and craftsmanship
One thing to add: It is very relieving to know that the glass can be easily polished with a bit of Polywatch. I already have some tiny scratches in it despite handling it with care the whole day.
I swear I wasn't gonna ask how much you paid! 🤣
Thank you for an honest review. I sometimes feel the hype is influencing some of the reviews and comments I see about the Moonswatch. Don't get me wrong, I think it is cool and fun and I might be considering getting one if there was a Swatch store near me.
Having said that, I am still not sure if I understand all the hoopla over this watch. Yes, it is Omega and an affordable version of the Speedmaster. But all the issues I have been hearing about (plastic case, cheap strap, limited chronograph, etc.) haven't seemed to dampen the enthusiasm people have for this watch that much. Granted, I have the other affordable Moon Watch, the Lunar Pilot, and that may be biasing me, because that is a solid watch with an excellent quartz chronograph. 😀
If I am correct you CANT change the mechanism as the whole case is made of plastic. You can only change the battery.
I swear I wasn't gonna ask how much you paid! 🤣
Thank you for an honest review. I sometimes feel the hype is influencing some of the reviews and comments I see about the Moonswatch. Don't get me wrong, I think it is cool and fun and I might be considering getting one if there was a Swatch store near me.
Having said that, I am still not sure if I understand all the hoopla over this watch. Yes, it is Omega and an affordable version of the Speedmaster. But all the issues I have been hearing about (plastic case, cheap strap, limited chronograph, etc.) haven't seemed to dampen the enthusiasm people have for this watch that much. Granted, I have the other affordable Moon Watch, the Lunar Pilot, and that may be biasing me, because that is a solid watch with an excellent quartz chronograph. 😀
I completely agree with you. I didn’t buy it because I was craving a real Speedmaster and this should be the cheap alternative, as I already own the Speedy Professional for about 8 months now. I mainly bought it because of the opportunity and because I’m hell of a curious guy 😂. That’s why I am not really influenced/blinded by the hype (at least in this review).
If you‘d ask me on the spot if you should buy a MoonSwatch or a Lunar Pilot, without hesitating I’d recommend you the Lunar Pilot. It may cost double the MoonSwatch, but you get at least three times the quality for that money in my opinion.
I‘m sure a lot of people would buy it if it was offered to them at retail price, mainly out of curiosity. That’s what happened to me at least.
If I am correct you CANT change the mechanism as the whole case is made of plastic. You can only change the battery.
https://calibercorner.com/swatch-moonswatch-movement/
This page says otherwise. I think you can in fact take off the whole bottom with a knife. But let’s be hones: If it breaks now, it is covered by warranty. If it breaks in 2-3 years, MoonSwatches will most likely be widely available at or below retail price, so you don’t even consider repairing it. Not very environmentally friendly but that’s where we are in 2022 I guess 🤷🏻♂️
Great review. Even though I know I'd probably never wear one, I'd like to pick up either the Mercury or Jupiter version to add to my Speedmaster collection, as long as I can find out at MSRP.
Great review. Even though I know I'd probably never wear one, I'd like to pick up either the Mercury or Jupiter version to add to my Speedmaster collection, as long as I can find out at MSRP.
Thanks! Trying to be as objective as possible within this highly emotional and individual hobby 😊
A MoonSwatch would certainly be a fitting addition to your Speedmaster collection, that’s for sure, but I not only understand, but even encourage you not to pay more than retail for it. And at this point I’m sure eventually everyone who wants one will get one. If it’s within 2022 or the following Year or even later… That’s at least what Swatch planned with this release. Equip everybody on this planet with an affordable (S)watch.
These are definitely more Swatch than Omega, but there is definitely a niche for them.
https://calibercorner.com/swatch-moonswatch-movement/
This page says otherwise. I think you can in fact take off the whole bottom with a knife. But let’s be hones: If it breaks now, it is covered by warranty. If it breaks in 2-3 years, MoonSwatches will most likely be widely available at or below retail price, so you don’t even consider repairing it. Not very environmentally friendly but that’s where we are in 2022 I guess 🤷🏻♂️
Kinda interesting given the "Bioceramic" marketing...
Kinda interesting given the "Bioceramic" marketing...
I’m not quite sure what the “Bio” in Bioceramic means besides maybe making us believe that it is something environmentally friendly, which it certainly isn’t. The whole term is somehow fishy if you ask me.
I’m not quite sure what the “Bio” in Bioceramic means besides maybe making us believe that it is something environmentally friendly, which it certainly isn’t. The whole term is somehow fishy if you ask me.
I think that it has to do with the use of castor oil in making the plastic -- the idea that the cases are somehow biodegradable. It's noteworthy that they haven't indicated over what period of time that's supposed to happen though.
All the criticism I've seen seems to be about how it's not really a Speedy because of quality. I feel like that's people bringing their own weird preconceived ideas to this. Like if the thing were sold by Omega, fine, I'd expect more out of it. But it's a Swatch. A cheap plastic Swatch. Its whole reason for being is to look cool while not being too expensive, and I think it's hard to argue it's doing that.
My first thought when I saw it was "cool, I can afford a "Speedy" in different colors!" God knows I can't afford any of the special editions or precious metals in a real one. Plus, they can put out the watch in varying colors without making the real thing look silly. At least that's my take.
I stopped at the Swatch store last night and they hadn't received their shipment yet. While I was doing that my wife was at the Omega Boutique around the corner buying an Aqua Terra.
I think that it has to do with the use of castor oil in making the plastic -- the idea that the cases are somehow biodegradable. It's noteworthy that they haven't indicated over what period of time that's supposed to happen though.
I should read the article on the Swatch website it seems. Didn’t knew about the castor oil.
All the criticism I've seen seems to be about how it's not really a Speedy because of quality. I feel like that's people bringing their own weird preconceived ideas to this. Like if the thing were sold by Omega, fine, I'd expect more out of it. But it's a Swatch. A cheap plastic Swatch. Its whole reason for being is to look cool while not being too expensive, and I think it's hard to argue it's doing that.
My first thought when I saw it was "cool, I can afford a "Speedy" in different colors!" God knows I can't afford any of the special editions or precious metals in a real one. Plus, they can put out the watch in varying colors without making the real thing look silly. At least that's my take.
Exactly that
I’m not quite sure what the “Bio” in Bioceramic means besides maybe making us believe that it is something environmentally friendly, which it certainly isn’t. The whole term is somehow fishy if you ask me.
Well the watch industry as a whole is somewhat fishy so…
Was waiting for a long while for an honest review....you nailed it....was it all a hype? I think so.... I am waiting to get the mission to the moon....
I like them and I have a 24 year old son and he and all his coworkers of same age have been trying to get one.
Omega dropped to third in Swiss manufacturers last year and I think rather than do the created exclusivity of Rolex they‘ve embraced a different route to create sales and possibly long time customers.
Face it we‘re a fairly small group of watch freaks and most of the world is cool with their phone or a fashion watch. If Omega can be fashionable to young buyers and recruit them to a wristwatch they can possibly keep them and move them up to a higher end Omega.
I like them and I have a 24 year old son and he and all his coworkers of same age have been trying to get one.
Omega dropped to third in Swiss manufacturers last year and I think rather than do the created exclusivity of Rolex they‘ve embraced a different route to create sales and possibly long time customers.
Face it we‘re a fairly small group of watch freaks and most of the world is cool with their phone or a fashion watch. If Omega can be fashionable to young buyers and recruit them to a wristwatch they can possibly keep them and move them up to a higher end Omega.
That's a really good point. This is potentially a great marketing tool to bring Omega to younger buyers.
In regards to the strap, I swapped sides and it became much more comfortable. You might give it a try, it just sits better on wrist.
I like them and I have a 24 year old son and he and all his coworkers of same age have been trying to get one.
Omega dropped to third in Swiss manufacturers last year and I think rather than do the created exclusivity of Rolex they‘ve embraced a different route to create sales and possibly long time customers.
Face it we‘re a fairly small group of watch freaks and most of the world is cool with their phone or a fashion watch. If Omega can be fashionable to young buyers and recruit them to a wristwatch they can possibly keep them and move them up to a higher end Omega.
You’ve got a good point. I believe the idea behind this watch release was to push sales of both - Swatch and Omega. Using the most popular design of Omega and combine it with the prices of Swatch. This brings money to the pockets of Swatch and possibly fuels the demand for Omega watches especially among the younger generation at the same time. But it think it backfired quite heavily as they cannot keep up the demand. Only a limited amount of ”watch enthusiasts“ is ready to pay the absurd gray market bonus. The should have definitely produced much higher quantities and released them online. I think many potential buyers have already lost all interests in a MoonSwatch as they simply can’t get one.
if you can replace the movement it may change my mind in buying some hmmmm
You’ve got a good point. I believe the idea behind this watch release was to push sales of both - Swatch and Omega. Using the most popular design of Omega and combine it with the prices of Swatch. This brings money to the pockets of Swatch and possibly fuels the demand for Omega watches especially among the younger generation at the same time. But it think it backfired quite heavily as they cannot keep up the demand. Only a limited amount of ”watch enthusiasts“ is ready to pay the absurd gray market bonus. The should have definitely produced much higher quantities and released them online. I think many potential buyers have already lost all interests in a MoonSwatch as they simply can’t get one.
You might be right but if they suddenly “fix“ the supply issue, especially by Christmas, they’ll fly off the shelves.
Especially if offered online. Possibly they were going “Rolex” and trying to create more demand with them only available at their select stores.
I honestly think the response was greater than they ever anticipated.
All the criticism I've seen seems to be about how it's not really a Speedy because of quality. I feel like that's people bringing their own weird preconceived ideas to this. Like if the thing were sold by Omega, fine, I'd expect more out of it. But it's a Swatch. A cheap plastic Swatch. Its whole reason for being is to look cool while not being too expensive, and I think it's hard to argue it's doing that.
My first thought when I saw it was "cool, I can afford a "Speedy" in different colors!" God knows I can't afford any of the special editions or precious metals in a real one. Plus, they can put out the watch in varying colors without making the real thing look silly. At least that's my take.
Perfect attitude and outlook on the watch, IMO.
You’ve got a good point. I believe the idea behind this watch release was to push sales of both - Swatch and Omega. Using the most popular design of Omega and combine it with the prices of Swatch. This brings money to the pockets of Swatch and possibly fuels the demand for Omega watches especially among the younger generation at the same time. But it think it backfired quite heavily as they cannot keep up the demand. Only a limited amount of ”watch enthusiasts“ is ready to pay the absurd gray market bonus. The should have definitely produced much higher quantities and released them online. I think many potential buyers have already lost all interests in a MoonSwatch as they simply can’t get one.
That’s pretty much where I’m at. Had they started selling online, I’d have bought one or two. As it is, I was near an AD when they came out, but I’m not anymore. Too bad for me I guess.
Great review. I wanted one, but now, not so much. I'm a budget watch collector so if one passes my way at retail, I may go for it, but not a penny more. I just bought the Timex Waterbury Ocean and it is made from plastic taken from the Oceans, I kind of like how light it feels, I have a feeling it will wear something like that, but the Timex was only $99.
Thank you for the great review. Those are still a thing? 😀
Thank you for the honest and detailed review.
I totally get that they're all plastic, and that they don't compare to a Speedmaster at all, but in the pantheon of watches that one can get for $250.00, they don't seem like that bad of a choice.
My watches are all even less expensive than that, so even a $250.00 watch would be a bit of a stretch for me.
With that said, my sense is that if someone wanted to try one out, and didn't like it, they might be able to get their money back if they were selling it in the near future.
And I completely agree about the fact that they may very well bring younger buyers into the watch fold, which is always a good thing.
Thanks for the review. I was so on board with this watch after all the hype, lies and negative spects. I found better watches for that price. I aways going like Swatch for the cool styles. If I want a Omega I rather get the real thang.
Nice, wear it in good health.