The Omega x Swatch MOONSWATCH 1965 arrives on March 1st, 2025, to commemorate the six decades since NASA certified the Speedmaster for space flight. Combining vintage design with Swatch’s accessible innovation, this release reinterprets a pivotal moment in watchmaking and exploration.
A tribute to 1965
On March 1st, 1965, NASA completed an exhaustive evaluation of three Swiss chronographs. Omega’s Speedmaster 105.003 emerged victorious, surviving 11 brutal tests ranging from -18°C frost to 130-decibel blasts. Three months later, astronaut Ed White wore two Speedmasters during America’s first spacewalk. The MOONSWATCH 1965 channels this legacy through subtle nods: the original Omega logo, mid-century typography and syringe-style hands that mirror the 105.003.
Critics may question the white dial – a departure from the black-faced 105.003 – but Swatch’s choice is in keeping with Omega‘s 2024 Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, which reintroduced white lacquer dials. The monochrome palette, including a gray bioceramic case and matching Velcro strap, nods to astronaut practicality without losing its vintage appeal.
Hidden details revealed by light and time
UV illumination reveals the MOONSWATCH 1965’s cleverest feature: “19” and “65” replace the standard chronograph markers at 10 and 2 o’clock and glow in blue Super-LumiNova. These numbers refer to the year of NASA certification, while “60” at 6 o’clock marks the anniversary.
The functionality of the chronograph follows suit. Unlike traditional 30-minute counters, the subdial at 2 o’clock tracks 65 minutes. At 64 minutes, both the 65-minute and 19-hour hands complete a full rotation – called a “lap of honor” – before advancing. It’s a quirky yet meaningful twist that ensures wearers engage with the historical context behind each time measurement.
Materials made for Earth (not orbit)
Swatch’s bioceramic blend – two-thirds ceramic, one-third castor oil-based polymer – forms the 42 mm case. While lacking the steel heft of a true Speedmaster, the material offers lightweight durability for everyday wear. The Velcro strap nods to astronaut gear without compromising comfort, though its gray-on-gray stitching may make it difficult to read in low light.
The specs stay grounded: a quartz movement powers the chronograph, water resistance is 3 bar (30 meters), and the case thickness is 13.25mm. This isn’t a tool watch for the extreme, but a wearable homage priced at $275.
Why the collaboration works
Since 2022, the MOONSWATCH series has democratized Omega’s heritage. The 1965 model continues this trend, combining Swatch’s playful accessibility with Omega’s technical rigor. Limited to one per customer in selected Swatch boutiques, it eschews exclusivity while retaining collector’s appeal.
Historical purists may balk at the quartz movement or bioceramic construction, but the success of the collaboration lies in the interest it has generated beyond traditional watchmaking circles. As Nicolas Hayek envisioned when he launched Swatch in 1983, affordability and storytelling can coexist.
The tests that made a legend
NASA’s 1965 tests pushed chronographs beyond earthly limits:
- High temperature: 93°C in near-vacuum conditions
- Vibration: 8.8G forces in three axes
- Shock: six 40G shocks from different angles
The Speedmaster’s endurance in these tests cemented its role in the Gemini, Apollo and Skylab missions. While the MOONSWATCH 1965 won’t face the rigors of orbit, its design language keeps that pioneering spirit alive.
A new chapter for the MOONSWATCH
Previous iterations of the MOONSWATCH leaned toward planetary colorways-Mars red, Neptune blue. The 1965 model shifts the focus to historical milestones, suggesting that future releases could explore other Speedmaster anniversaries.
The decision to avoid numbered editions is also significant. By making the 1965 widely available, Swatch and Omega are inviting a wider audience to engage with the history of watchmaking, not just collectors.
This non-limited edition will be available in Swatch stores from March 1st, 2025, at the same price as other (non-moonphase) Moonswatches: $270 USD.
