MoonSwatch-mania never seems to end; indeed, the two Maisons continue to pay homage to the good old Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. This latest collaboration harkens back to March 1, 1965, when the Omega Speedmaster was awarded the prestigious flight-worthiness designation by NASA, becoming the first and only watch to have passed the U.S. space agency’s rigorous tests.
Now, sixty years later, Swatch and Omega are celebrating this remarkable feat with the launch of the new MoonSwatch 1965, a timepiece that combines the vintage appeal of the original Speedmaster with modern technical innovations.
The quest for precision and reliability for spaceflight
In the early 1960s, at the beginning of the manned space program, NASA recognized the importance of providing astronauts with a reliable watch, not only as a timekeeping tool, but also as an essential backup in case of onboard electronic system failures. In 1964, the agency issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to major watch manufacturers, requesting a mass-produced chronograph capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of space.
Three models were tested: theOmega Speedmaster, the Longines Wittnauer 235T and the Rolex Cosmograph ref. 6238 (Pre Daytona). The watches were subjected to 11 harsh tests, simulating the conditions of a space flight.
Only one came out on top: theOmega Speedmaster ref. ST105.003, 1964 , which demonstrated superior accuracy, readability and ease of use. On June 3, 1965, legendary astronaut Ed White wore the Speedmaster during NASA’s first extravehicular activity, cementing the unbreakable link between the brand and space exploration. The Speedmaster passed 11 consecutive tests, demonstrating exceptional endurance:
High temperature test: 70°C for 48 hours, then 93°C for 30 minutes in a partial vacuum.
Test at low temperature: -18°C for 4 hours.
Vacuum testing: heating and cooling cycles in a vacuum chamber.
Humidity test: exposure to humidity conditions above 95%.
Corrosion test: exposure to pure oxygen at 70°C for 48 hours.
Shock test: six 40 G shocks in six different directions.
Acceleration test: progressive increase to 16 G.
Low pressure test: exposure to a pressure of 10^-6 atmospheres.
High pressure test: exposure to 1.6 atmospheres for 60 minutes.
Vibration test: three-axis vibration with acceleration of 8.8 G.
Sound test: exposure to a noise level of 130 decibels.
An aesthetic homage to the iconic 1965 Omega Speedmaster
The new MoonSwatch 1965 takes the aesthetic lines of the original NASA-qualified Speedmaster and enriches them with exclusive details. The Omega logo used at the time is featured on the dial as well as the crown and strap, while the hands and typography are directly inspired by the historic model. The white dial is reminiscent of the2024 Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, creating a refined blend of past and present.
We can certainly say that this time “the insiders” paid a lot of attention to details, making this watch more sophisticated. One of the most innovative elements of the MoonSwatch 1965 is the personalization of the chronograph counters; the counter at 10 o’clock shows 19 (instead of 60), while the counter at 2 o’clock shows 65 (instead of 10), a clear homage to the year 1965.
The counter at 6 o’clock retains the value 60, representing the 60 years since the historic qualification to fly. The numbers 19, 65 and 60 are also visible in UV light, a detail that adds an exclusive touch to the design. In short, the saying that “details make a difference” is not wrong.
The hands and indexes are coated in Super-LumiNova grade A, ensuring optimal readability even in low-light conditions. In addition, the MoonSwatch 1965 features a tachymeter scale with the characteristic dot above 90 called“dot over ninety,” a detail sought after by collectors.
Once again the material used for the 42 mm diameter case of the MoonSwatch 1965 is Bioceramic, an innovative blend of ceramic and biosourced materials derived from castor oil. The gray Velcro strap with quick release is designed to fit perfectly over space suits, paying homage to the watches used by astronauts during NASA missions. Its contrasting stitching picks up the color of the case, emphasizing the model’s space-age style.
Conclusions and availability
Like all models in the Omega X Swatch collaboration, the MoonSwatch 1965 is not a limited edition, but will be available, at a list price of EUR 275.00, exclusively in selected Swatch boutiques starting March 1, 2025, exactly sixty years after the historic NASA qualification. To maintain exclusivity, purchase will be limited to one watch per person per day per store.
The MoonSwatch 1965 is more than just a “toy watch”-it is a tribute to the history of space exploration and the extraordinary legacy of the Omega Speedmaster. With a design rich in historical references and state-of-the-art materials, this model is a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors.
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