MoonSwatch: what is the Omega x Swatch bioceramic and where to buy it

The Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch collection is based on the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, the first wristwatch worn by astronauts on Apollo missions to the moon. Pictured is an Omega Speedmaster.

Two of the world’s luxury watchmakers, Omega and Swatch, have collaborated to create a new Bioceramic Moonswatch collection of 11 watches.

So, why have the watches been created, where are they on sale, and how much do they cost?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch?

Omega and Swatch have united to create a set of solar system-inspired watches - the .

The Swatch x Omega Bioceramic Moonswatch collection is based on the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, the first wristwatch worn by astronauts on Apollo missions to the moon.

The new collection was created to bring a more affordable version of the iconic watch to the market, to enable more people to own a piece of history.

What are the names and designs of the watches?

Each of the 11 watches is named and designed after a different aspect of our solar system.

The model named after the moon emulates the design of the original Speedmaster Moonwatch and shares original details such as the white hands and the tachymeter scale.

Other models in the collection include watches named after the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Mars, Pluto and Neptune.

There’s also one named after the sun. Each one has the name “Mission to”.

Most models are distinguished by their colours, so expect golden colours for Mission to the Sun, icy blue for Mission to Neptune and fiery red tones for Mission to Mars.

The back of each MoonSwatch features a battery cover decorated with an image of the part of the solar system which the model is named after.

They are also all inscribed with "Reach for the Planets, Enjoy the Mission, Dream Big, Fly Higher, Explore the Universe" around the edge of the caseback.

There are similarities with the original Speedmaster Moonwatch on all of the models. Each watch has a 42-mm case and comes with a Velcro strap which colour matches the theme of each model. A similar strap was used on the Omega Speedmaster because this is what would fit on top of the astronauts’ spacesuits.

They also all have the signature ‘dot over ninety’ detail on the tachymetric scaled bezel and the distinctive Speedmaster subdials.

There are some differences, however, when compared to the original model. The new watches are made from a blend of ceramic and bio-sourced plastic, whereas the original was made from steel.

Where can I buy the watches?

All 11 watches from the Bioceramic Moonswatch collection are available to buy now.

Right now, you can only buy them in selected stores. , but they are expected to be available to buy on the official Swatch website soon.

The watches may only be available for a brief amount of time, though they are not limited edition, according to a statement on the Swatch website - so act quickly if you want to buy one.

The statement also tells us that there is a one watch per customer policy.

“There will be watches available in the selected Swatch Stores in the coming weeks as it is not a limited edition. For the moment, we have to update the purchase limit to one watch per person until further notice. We will revert back to two watches per person as soon as possible.”

In the UK, the watches are available at the following stores:

Covent Garden, 31 James Street, London
Carnaby Street, 21 Carnaby Street, London
Oxford Street, 313 Oxford Street, London
Swatch Store, 99a Princes Street, Edinburgh

How much are the watches?

The watches in the Bioceramic Moonswatch collection are all priced at $260 (around £197.92).

In comparison, the original Speedmaster Moonwatch costs $6,400 (around £4,871.78).

In case you’re interested, various versions of the original Speedmaster watch are still available to buy on the official Omega website.