Omega Speedmaster Professional vs. Swatch Moonswatch Watch Review

Despite having covered almost every Moonswatch variant on this blog, I've never gotten my hands on an original Omega Speedmaster Professional - until now. With the release of StrapHabit's Hook and Loop Elastic Watch Straps with the NASA logo, I had to see how they look on a real Moonwatch. Luckily, a friend owns one and loaned it to me for photographs and a review.

This review will mostly focus on comparing the Speedmaster to the Moonswatch Mission to the Moon, as they have the most similar appearance. I have sprinkled in a few other photos, however. I didn't have photos of the Moon from every angle, so I've borrowed a few photos from other StrapHabit Moonswatch reviews (all of which can be seen here). If you'd like a more detailed into to each watch, I recommend reading the full review of the Omega Speedmaster, and the first Moonswatch review that I wrote, the Mission to Mars.

Moonwatch vs. Moonswatch Details

While the lugs are slightly different, the dimensions and appearance of both cases are very similar.

The pusher and crown designs are also very close. Of course, only one is dual-signed.

Both use a similar tachymeter scale design and a domed crystal.

Wearing the Moonwatch vs. Moonswatch 

As the dimensions are so close between the watches, they command a similar wrist presence. The polished surfaces on the Omega reflect a lot of light, however, while the Swatch is completely matte. Of course, other variants of the Moonswatch will also draw their own attention, as some of them are brightly colored.

Because the hand designs and layout are so similar, the legibility of the Mission to the Moon is very similar to that of the Omega (other variants do suffer in this area, however. The "real" Moonwatch does have longer hands, which I appreciate aesthetically, but it has minimal impact on reading the time.

While the Moonswatch has decent lume, the Omega has a thicker and much brighter application, giving it the win at night. It's stronger than the Moon and especially brighter than other variants with black lume, such as Pluto and the New Moon.

The weight is the other big differentiator. You feel the steel Omega on your wrist, while the Bioceramic (a.k.a. plastic) Swatch tends to disappear (as other Swatch watches tend to do).

Moonwatch vs. Moonswatch Bracelet and Straps

The differences here should be obvious, as the Speedmaster has a beautifully finished stainless steel bracelet.

Moonswatches all come with a lightweight textile Velcro (a.k.a. Hook and Loop) strap.

The Omega takes the win here, but I would wear either of them on a Lunar Hook and loop strap, or a Deployant Rubber as it is possible to fit an original Omega clasp to it. Our upcoming Deployant Sailcloth straps look great on it too!

Here is a list of some other straps that would fit and we think look great on these watches, both of which require 20mm. At the end of the article, you'll also find more photos.
-Hook and Loop Elastic Watch Straps with NASA logo
-STANDARD H x StrapHabit Taupe
-Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through
-Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Epsom Leather
-Elastic

Moonwatch vs. Moonswatch Movements

This version of the Moonwatch is powered by Omega caliber 1863. It is hand-wound, and the chronograph mechanism is cam-operated. It beats at 21,600 vph and provides a 48-hour power reserve when fully wound. This variant also allows a view of it through a sapphire caseback.

On the other hand, the Swatch is powered by a quartz chronograph movement. Besides the obvious that one is powered by a battery, and the other is powered by a spring (and the wearer's fingers), there are other differences.

The Speedmaster features a more traditional subdial layout with the registers at 3, 6, and 9. The Swatch models move two of the registers up higher on the dial. Probably a better use of space, but I think the Speedmaster looks more balanced.

The quartz model can measure tenths of a second (displayed on a subdial) for up to one hour, and its chronograph hands require a bit of time to make it back to zero up a reset.

The mechanical movement snaps back and has a twelve-hour register. Measurements of less than one second are a bit by eyeball on the Omega, however, as the large hand operates at 6 beats per second.

You'll never need to wind the Swatch, but the battery will need to be replaced every few years (luckily through the easy access panel on the caseback).

Moonwatch vs. Moonswatch Conclusion:

We've all read the comments that the Moonswatch cheapens the Omega brand, or diminishes the iconic Speedmaster. I'm happy that Swatch created this homage, however. No, it won't fill a Speedmaster-shaped void in your life, but I find the Moonswatches fun to wear and collect. It's brought new people into the hobby and brought a lot of positive attention to the Swatch brand.

Have they overdone it with hype and releases? I don't think so, but I can see how people come to that conclusion. Unfortunately, all it has done for me is make me want a Speedmaster even more!

Specifications

Shop Replacement Straps for the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3573.50.00

NASA Hook and Loop Elastic Watch Straps

Deployant FKM Rubber

Deployant Sailcloth

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Full Grain Epsom Style Leather:

 STANDARD H x StrapHabit Taupe Straps

Ribbed FKM Rubber Pass-Through

Tropical FKM Rubber

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Shop Other Straps for the Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to the Moon:

Elastic Straps

Ridge FKM Rubber

Slim Ridge FKM Rubber:

Smooth FKM Rubber

Vented FKM Rubber

Premium Sailcloth Colorway Collection

Premium Sailcloth

Full Grain Epsom Style Leather:

Tropical FKM Rubber

Locking Keeper FKM Rubber

Hybrid Sailcloth and FKM Rubber

Distressed Canvas