MoonSwatch
The Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch, or simply MoonSwatch, is a collection of chronograph wristwatches produced by Swatch and designed in collaboration with Omega, two companies of The Swatch Group. The first 11 models were released on 26March 2022. The watches have a diameter and thickness, and Super-LumiNova for the indexes and hands, similar to the Omega Speedmaster. It has a quartz ETA G10.212 movement. The release led to long queues in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Initially, each customer was limited to purchasing two watches, but this was later reduced to one due to demand.
Reception
The launch of the original 11 MoonSwatch models in March 2022 generated global enthusiasm. A collaboration between Swatch and Omega, the MoonSwatch collection combined Swatch's affordability and Omega's iconic Speedmaster design, creating a frenzy among collectors and casual watch enthusiasts. Long queues formed outside Swatch stores in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Zurich. The release quickly gained viral attention on social media, with many praising the collection for making an iconic design more accessible. However, demand far exceeded supply, leading to stock shortages and long-term resale markups on secondary markets.Initially, the watches were available exclusively at select Swatch boutiques, with no online sales option, further heightening their allure. This strategy drew both praise and criticism: some admired the exclusivity, while others expressed frustration over limited availability and lengthy queues. Despite these challenges, the MoonSwatch was widely celebrated for revitalizing interest in the watch industry and attracting a new generation of enthusiasts.
According to CEO Nick Hayek of Swatch Group, the release of the collaboration also boosted sales of the original Omega Speedmaster by roughly 50%.