Aug
If you’re a watch lover, odds are that you’ve heard Swatch has found its way into the luxury market through Omega and, more recently, Blancpain. Inspired by iconic luxury design, these pieces are stylish, come in an array of colors, and most importantly – they’re affordable. At DavidSW we carry both brands so we were curious to see how the Swatch version compares to the original.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch vs MoonSwatch
In 2022, when Omega X Swatch released the MoonSwatch people went wild. Based on the iconic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, the MoonSwatch was an overnight success quickly selling out everywhere. Available in eleven varieties, each watch represented one of the eight planets, plus one for the Moon, one for the Sun, and one for the Solar system divorcée, Pluto.
Designed with cost in mind, the watches were encased in bioceramic, given a Velcro band, and powered by a quartz movement bringing the retail price to a mere $260. Watch enthusiasts and newcomers alike were able to get their hands on a Speedmaster and accessorize it to no end, which despite some purist reservations, is a very exciting opportunity. Is it quartz powered? Yes. Does it feel like a toy? Sure. But for less than $300, it’s a no-brainer for me. If only for the fact that I can never get a red, green, or pink Moonwatch otherwise.
That being said, you can feel the Speedmaster Moonwatch DNA throughout and for those who aren’t quite ready for the stainless steel Speedy from Omega, this can be a nice piece to supplement that need…for now. It’s a great move by Swatch and Omega to make a product at this price point that speaks to the luxury watch market.
Up Next: Mission to the Moonphase and More
The success has been so great, we are already seeing new releases from the partnership including “Mission to the Moonphase,” ”Mission to the Super Blue Moonphase,” and “Mission to Moonshine Gold.” These pieces are going where no watch has gone before (pun intended). It’s a unique space within the industry for affordable timepieces with designer looks from high end brands.
Blancpain X Swatch vs the Fifty Fathoms Diver
The success of the MoonSwatch was so great that they followed up the next year with the Blancpain X Swatch partnership, which launched five colorful bioceramic watches based on the Fifty Fathoms Diver design and represented each of the five oceans. Once again, we saw people lined up outside of Swatch stores everywhere.
While not exactly a diver, it does have a functional rotating bezel, and a depth rating of 50 fathoms (91m/300ft) which gives you just enough resistance to go for a swim. Another noticeable detail is that these watches feature the automatic SISTEM51 movement and while not of the same caliber of the original Fifty Fathoms, it certainly feels more substantial for just $400. And what’s more, the case back is transparent, giving extra eye candy for the wearer. Paired beautifully with NATO straps, the pieces feel intrinsically nautical and rightly so considering the brand’s legacy. These watches are inspired by an iconic diver, and for a reasonable price, they give you a taste of what it’s like to wear one.
We’re excited to see what comes next from Swatch and what they can do for both longtime watch enthusiasts and newcomers who are just starting to learn about the value of a luxury timepiece.