On August 9, 2025, watch enthusiasts around the globe will turn their attention to a highly anticipated event: the exclusive release of the new Bioceramic MoonSwatch from the collaborative efforts of Omega and Swatch—MISSION TO EARTHPHASE – MOONSHINE GOLD. This timepiece is more than just the latest addition to the celebrated MoonSwatch collection; it marks a significant leap forward in both function and design. The watch will be available for only one day, sold exclusively at select Swatch stores worldwide, with a strict limit of one watch per person and a retail price around $400 USD. This limited-time release strategy creates an aura of mystery and scarcity, fueling excitement and anticipation among collectors and casual fans alike.
The choice of August 9 is deeply symbolic, coinciding with the full moon known as the “Sturgeon Moon” in many Northern Hemisphere cultures. The Sturgeon Moon takes its name from the traditional fishing season for sturgeon fish in the Great Lakes region of North America, symbolizing abundance and sustenance. This cultural significance has been thoughtfully incorporated into the watch’s design, specifically on the 2 o’clock moon phase subdial. Here, two full moons are depicted, both coated in Omega’s proprietary Moonshine Gold. One moon features the beloved cartoon character Snoopy—an iconic figure linked to Omega’s Speedmaster legacy within NASA’s Apollo missions—while the other draws inspiration from the Sturgeon Moon, incorporating a delicate net-like pattern that alludes to fishing nets and the season’s harvest. This dual moon phase display not only immerses the wearer in astronomical romance but also layers the design with historical and cultural depth.
What truly sets this edition apart, however, is the introduction of the Earth phase complication—a groundbreaking first for the MoonSwatch collection. While traditional moon phase indicators track the waxing and waning of the moon as seen from Earth, the Earth phase complication reverses this viewpoint. It shows the changing phases of the Earth as it would appear to someone standing on the moon. The Earth’s phases progress counterclockwise, mirroring the moon’s 29.5-day cycle but in reverse. This creative celestial perspective provides a fresh and thought-provoking take on astronomical complications. Historically, Earth phase displays have appeared sporadically in high-end mechanical watches, but to see it implemented in an affordable quartz chronograph around $400 is unprecedented. This feature is both a technical achievement and an invitation for wearers to rethink the way we observe and connect with the cosmos.
Adding a warm and whimsical touch to the celestial theme, beneath the Earth phase display sits a charming illustration of Snoopy and his trusty bird friend Woodstock, sitting side-by-side on the lunar surface, gazing up at the distant Earth. This scene conjures feelings of nostalgia and imagination, enhancing the emotional resonance of the watch. Under UV light, a hidden phrase reveals itself within this vignette, continuing the playful tradition of “secret messages” within the MoonSwatch series. This attention to detail fosters a deeper bond between the watch and its wearer, transforming the timepiece into an interactive storytelling device rather than just a functional object.
The choice of materials for the watch reflects both innovation and environmental consciousness. The case, bezel, crown, and pushers are crafted from Swatch’s proprietary Bioceramic—a composite material made from one-third ceramic and two-thirds bio-sourced substances derived from castor oil. This blend offers the scratch resistance and luxurious feel of ceramic combined with the lightness and sustainability of bio-based plastics. The particular navy blue shade of the Bioceramic used in this model was specially developed to evoke the profound depths of outer space, its deep tones contrasting strikingly with the opaline white dial. The bezel features a tachymeter scale, a nod to the Speedmaster’s racing heritage, while the watch glass is made from bio-sourced material etched with the Swatch “S” logo. The case back is engraved with an Earth motif, harmonizing with the Earth phase complication above. A matching navy blue velcro rubber strap with a Bioceramic loop completes the package, offering both comfort and a cohesive aesthetic.
Dimensionally, the watch measures 42mm in diameter, 13.75mm in thickness, and 47.3mm lug-to-lug—sizes that balance modern boldness with everyday wearability. Inside, a quartz chronograph movement powers the timekeeping, the moon phase, and the Earth phase complications. Its water resistance rating of 3 bar makes it suitable for daily wear and casual water exposure. The dial’s hour markers are coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova, ensuring legibility in low-light conditions. Despite its quartz heart, the watch’s complexity and aesthetic finesse position it as a standout piece within its price bracket.
The partnership between Omega and Swatch began in earnest in the spring of 2022 with the launch of the original MoonSwatch series, which sent ripples through the watch industry. Combining Omega’s storied Speedmaster design with Swatch’s material innovation and accessible pricing, the series broke down traditional barriers between luxury and mainstream markets. The initial release was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, spawning queues, sell-outs, and secondary market markups. However, the appeal was more than just affordability—it lay in democratizing a design steeped in historical and cultural significance, making it accessible to a wider, younger audience. The Speedmaster’s association with NASA’s moon landings and Apollo missions is a well-known tale among watch aficionados; Swatch’s role was to translate that legacy into a vibrant, playful, and wearable everyday item.
With the addition of the Earth phase complication, the collection takes its celestial storytelling to new heights. The moon phase complication has long been regarded as a signature feature of high-end mechanical watches, a way to track the lunar cycle with poetic precision. The Earth phase complication reverses this concept, reminding us that the view from space is relative and multi-faceted. For someone standing on the moon, Earth itself becomes a celestial body cycling through phases, a “full earth” mirroring our familiar full moon. This philosophical twist adds depth to the timepiece, inviting wearers to expand their perspective—not just on timekeeping, but on humanity’s place in the cosmos. Wearing this watch becomes an experience that blends scientific curiosity, cosmic wonder, and aesthetic appreciation.
Culturally, the choice to integrate Snoopy into this edition is laden with meaning. Far beyond a cartoon character, Snoopy embodies a unique link to NASA’s Apollo missions and Omega’s historical legacy. The Speedmaster was the first watch worn on the moon in 1969 during Apollo 11. During the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission in 1970, the Speedmaster played a critical role in timing crucial engine burns that helped the astronauts return safely to Earth. In recognition of this, Omega created the “Silver Snoopy Award,” a prestigious honor celebrating the watch’s contribution to space exploration. Featuring Snoopy on the MoonSwatch not only honors this heritage but also serves to inspire new generations, reminding them that even whimsical icons can carry monumental stories.
From a market perspective, Swatch’s strategy of limited, single-day releases effectively creates scarcity and buzz, ensuring intense demand and a sense of event-driven exclusivity. In an era dominated by digital interaction, such physical, time-limited experiences enhance the brand’s appeal, foster consumer engagement, and strengthen brand loyalty. For younger consumers seeking unique expressions of identity, the Mission to Earthphase offers an irresistible combination of astronomical fascination, design innovation, and cultural storytelling, making it a highly coveted collectible.
More broadly, the launch of the Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold highlights several key trends shaping contemporary watchmaking. First, the increasing use of composite and sustainable materials reflects growing environmental awareness within the industry. Second, traditionally complex functions like astronomical complications are becoming more accessible to a wider audience, thanks to technical innovation and clever design. Third, storytelling and brand heritage are being woven into product narratives more intricately than ever, enriching the consumer experience. Finally, the marketing emphasis on exclusivity, community, and participatory engagement marks a new approach to watch launches in the 21st century.
As the full moon rises on August 9, 2025, and lights up the night sky, Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold will shine as a cosmic beacon in store windows around the world. Whether you find yourself amidst the bustling streets of a neon-lit city or in the serene quiet of a countryside, wearing this watch will feel like a personal connection to the eternal gaze exchanged between Earth and Moon. It bridges time and space, history and future, science and art.
This watch offers more than precise timekeeping; it invites wearers on a journey across celestial bodies and human imagination. It provides a lunar vantage point from which to view our home planet anew, and embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation passed down through the Omega and Swatch collaboration. It reminds us that time is not merely measured by ticking seconds but by our endless quest to understand and reach for the stars.