Introducing: The MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold

Back in March 2022, the watch world experienced something rarely seen — a global frenzy, not over a mechanical masterpiece or a limited-edition grail but, instead, a battery-powered, (Bioceramic) plastic-bodied chronograph. The original Omega × Swatch MoonSwatch collection dropped without much warning, causing scenes that rivaled those of sneaker releases. People queued overnight outside Swatch boutiques, resellers flipped watches at four times the retail price, and collectors — some seasoned, some new — debated whether it was genius, a gimmick, or both.

Now, three years later, the MoonSwatch has moved beyond its initial hype. It’s no longer a novelty; it’s a category of its own. The latest chapter in this ongoing story is the MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold, available in selected boutiques on August 9th, 2025, under the glow of the Sturgeon Full Moon.

Back to the Moon (and Earth)

While the first MoonSwatch models focused on celebrating celestial bodies in our solar system (all eight planets plus Pluto, the Moon, and the Sun), Swatch introduced a new layer of creativity in early 2024 — complications. That’s when the MoonSwatch Mission to the Moonphase came out, and more recently, the earthphase function debuted, marking the first time Swatch dared to play not just with planetary names but also actual horological storytelling.

The new Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold combines both moonphase and earthphase complications into one watch. At 2 o’clock sits a twin-moonphase display adorned in Omega’s proprietary Moonshine Gold, a yellow gold alloy known for its subtle, paler tone. One of the moons features a net-like design referencing the Sturgeon Moon, bringing a bit of folklore to the wrist.

At 10 o’clock, you’ll find the earthphase indicator, Swatch’s twist on celestial timekeeping. Instead of showing how the Moon appears from Earth, it shows how Earth appears from the Moon. When we see a full Moon, someone standing on the Moon would see a “new Earth,” and vice versa.

Apollo 10 astronaut Tom Stafford and the Snoopy mascot in 1969

Snoopy and NASA

Below the earthphase display is a small but meaningful detail — Snoopy and Woodstock, sitting on the lunar surface, gazing back at Earth. It’s a sweet image rooted in real history.

Following the Apollo 1 fire in 1967, NASA adopted Snoopy as a mascot for safety awareness. The Silver Snoopy Award was later created to honor important contributors to successful missions, including individuals and companies. Omega famously earned this award following its pivotal role in the safe return of the Apollo 13 crew, when the Speedmaster helped time a critical engine burn (read our “Why Is There A Snoopy On The Dial?” article for all the details).

The 2015, 2003, and 2020 Snoopy Editions

Since then, Snoopy has made several appearances on Speedmaster dials, most recently in 2020 with the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary. That model’s mechanical animation on the case back was a horological achievement in itself. On the new MoonSwatch, we find Snoopy once again, as well as a quote from the March 19th, 1969, Peanuts comic strip printed in UV-reactive ink and cheekily hidden unless you know where to look. It’s a playful tribute to both Omega’s lunar legacy and Swatch’s love of hiding surprises right under our noses.

Familiar aesthetic, fresh execution

If you’ve worn or handled a Moonwatch or any of the previous MoonSwatch versions, the shape and size will be familiar. The 42mm Bioceramic case keeps the signature asymmetry of Omega’s Speedmaster Professional. The MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold’s case is dark navy blue, and it houses a white opaline dial that offers a nice contrast.

Like all MoonSwatches, this new MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold is powered by a quartz movement. The added earthphase and moonphase complications provide unexpected depth to the chronograph.

Thanks to an application of Super-LumiNova, the hour markers, main hands, and tip of the chronograph seconds hand glow green in low light. The depiction of Earth emits a blue glow under UV, as does the aforementioned hidden phrase near Snoopy, another Easter egg waiting to be discovered.

The rubber strap, also navy, is part of the collection you can usually only buy separately online. I prefer this type of strap over the original NATO-style straps that came with the other MoonSwatch models. The battery cover continues the collection’s tradition of planetary graphics, this time with an image of Earth.

From disruption to legacy: the MoonSwatch effect

It’s hard to overstate just how disruptive the original MoonSwatch was in 2022. Not since the launch of the original Swatch in the 1980s has a Swiss watch drawn so much attention. The 2022 Bioceramic MoonSwatch models were impossible to keep in stock. At first, the limited availability frustrated many of you (and us). Over time, however, Swatch embraced a slightly different strategy, releasing new colorways, one-offs, and special editions, like models with a Moonshine Gold-plated chronograph seconds hand, which debuted monthly under full moons throughout 2023.

Watch enthusiasts have shown mixed reactions to the MoonSwatch models, but that’s what keeps things interesting. Some may still scoff at the “Speedmaster” name on a Swatch, but others view it as a smart way to bring an iconic design to new audiences.

Final thoughts

The MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold adds a new chapter to the MoonSwatch story. It offers a creative twist on horological complications, visual storytelling, and cultural callbacks. Whether you’re a seasoned Speedy owner or someone just starting to explore the world of watches, there’s something to appreciate here.

Will it become a collector’s favorite? That remains to be seen. Sometimes, a lightweight Bioceramic watch can carry the weight of history, imagination, and a few surprises.

The MoonSwatch Mission to Earthphase – Moonshine Gold will become available on August 9th in selected Swatch stores worldwide. The retail price is CHF 350 / €385 / $380. For more information, visit Swatch online.