OMEGA and Swatch have recently launched a new version of the MOONSWATCH, which diverges from the typical Moonphase, Earthphase, and Snoopy editions. Introducing the MOONSWATCH 1965, a model that enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting. With its bright white dial, vintage logos, and detailed chronograph features, this watch honours the original Speedmaster ST105.003 from 1964.
Sixty years have passed since the Speedmaster was worn during the landmark Gemini IV mission on June 3, 1965, accompanying astronaut Ed White on the first American spacewalk. As the only watch to successfully undergo NASA’s rigorous testing, the Speedmaster was flight-qualified on March 1, 1965, establishing itself as the reliable timepiece for all crewed space missions. Although this Bioceramic version won’t face the extreme environments of its predecessor—like enduring temperatures between 93°C and -18°C for four hours—it presents a beautiful and budget-friendly alternative to the original, which now exceeds $9,000 USD in the secondary market.
The MOONSWATCH 1965, priced at $270, will be exclusively sold in select Swatch stores worldwide, beginning on March 1, 2025. In the U.S., it will be available at Swatch locations in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Note that there is a restriction of one watch per person each day at every store.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- This model is a new collaboration between OMEGA and Swatch, inspired by the legendary Speedmaster Ref. ST105.003.
- The MOONSWATCH 1965 pays tribute to the Speedmaster’s historic flight qualification from 1965.
- This 42mm grey Bioceramic watch features OMEGA’s precise quartz chronograph movement.
- The MOONSWATCH 1965 is a non-limited edition watch and will retail for USD $270, available in boutiques and online.
- Brand: Swatch
- Model: OMEGA x Swatch MOONSWATCH 1965
- Diameter: 42 mm
- Thickness: 13.25 mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial Color: White Dial
- Calibre: Quartz Chronograph
- Water Resistance: 3 Bar (30 metres, 100 feet)
- Price: USD $270
The MOONSWATCH 1965 honours its predecessor with a clever mix of timeless design elements and distinctive features on the chronograph display. The legendary OMEGA logo adorns the dial, strap, and crown, enhanced by vintage-inspired hands and typography that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The highlight is the white dial, which draws inspiration from the highly anticipated 2024 Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional.
A closer look shows various enhancements to the chronograph counter display, including:
- The 10 o’clock counter displays “19” instead of “60.”
- The 2 o’clock counter displays “65” instead of “10.”
- The small seconds counter at 6 o’clock displays “60,” representing the 60th anniversary.
- The numbers 19, 65, and 60 are visible under UV light.
To improve visibility at night, the hands and hour markers are coated with the same Super-LumiNova treatment. The strap showcases a Gray VELCRO design that evokes those used on space suits. Additionally, the brand offers rubber strap alternatives for greater comfort, enabling you to replace the original strap with a more comfortable option easily.
The new MOONSWATCH 1965 is debuting on the anniversary of the original Speedmaster ST105.003’s NASA flight qualification. In celebration of its legacy, let’s review the rigorous durability tests the original model underwent:
- High temperature: Exposure to temperatures as high as 93°C.
- Low temperature: Endures temperatures as low as -18°C for 4 hours.
- Vacuum test: Temperature cycling in a vacuum chamber.
- Humidity test: Withstands 95% humidity at temperatures ranging from 25 to 70°C.
- Corrosion resistance: Exposure to oxygen at 70°C.
- Shock resistance: Withstanding six 40G shocks.
- Acceleration test: Endurance against forces of up to 16 G.
- Low-pressure test: Exposure to a 10⁻⁶ atmosphere at 93°C.
- High-pressure test: Endurance at 1.6 atmospheres for 60 minutes.
- Vibration test: Endurance to 5–2000 Hz random vibrations.
- Sound test: Exposure to 130 decibels for 30 minutes.
While the new Bioceramic variant won’t endure the same extreme conditions as the original (which would be amazing), it does offer water resistance up to 3 Bar (30 Metres, 100 Feet ). This makes it suitable for wearing in the shower or during light rain without any issues.
If the captivating white dial has caught your attention, the MOONSWATCH 1965 (priced at USD $270) will be available in select Swatch stores around the globe starting March 1, 2025. This exclusive in-store launch gives fans a unique chance to acquire a piece of history. Whether you’re an avid collector, a Speedmaster aficionado, or just someone enchanted by the classic design of this tribute, the MOONSWATCH 1965 is a must-have for any collection.
This latest release upholds the Speedmaster legacy, providing an affordable yet fashionable choice for those desiring a hint of space exploration history on their wrist. Seize the opportunity to possess a fragment of watchmaking history that merges the reliability and precision of OMEGA with Swatch’s groundbreaking Bioceramic technology.
