Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Moon vs. Mercury Watch Review - What are the Differences?

I recently noticed a number of searches landing on the StrapHabit site for "Moonswatch Moon vs. Mercury." It makes sense, since the Moonswatch Mission to Moon and Mercury are the most similar of the Omega x Swatch collaboration. I thought that I would put together a quick comparison to help people to differentiate.

In my original review of the Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars and discussed why I wanted the Mars version to help make up for big regret. If you're looking for a full review of the Moonswatch and a comparison to the original Omega Speedmaster. I recommend reading that article first.

This article will focus on the specific differences between the Moon (on the left in all photos) and Mercury (on the right). You can also visit this link to read all other Moonswatch reviews on the StrapHabit blog.

If you'd like to learn about some other great watches under $500, you can read the StrapHabit Top 10 list, or view other reviews of watches under $500. And be sure the check out our new NASA straps! They look great on a Moonswatch.

First Impressions:

The Swatch Mission to the Moon takes on the most traditional look, as its light gray case can appear to be steel at a quick glance. The Mercury case is all black, giving it a stealthy look.

Some of the variants have contrasting panda-style subdials. While Mercury's subdials don't have a ton of contrast, they are black against a dark gray dal. The outer edge is also black.

Like an original Omega Moonwatch, the Moon dial is all black.

White markers break up both dials and indicate the essentials. Both tachometer scales are black with white numerals.

The Mission to Moon and Mercury Details:

All Moonswatch versions have the same dimensions, The Mission to the Moon and Mercury both have conventional stick hands the chronograph subdials (only the Mars has the unusual Alaska Project-style hands with lume). Also like all other Moonswatches, both of these the Swatch S engraved in the underside of the crystal, similar to the Omega Greek symbol you'd find on a "real" Moonwatch.

If you'd like some extra protection for your Moonswatch crystal, check out our Crystal Film Protection kids.

Both have the same dual-signed crown as other variants as well as pump pushers, one in gray and one in black.

Wearing the Moonswatch:

I find the Moonswatches quite comfortable due to the ergonomic Speedmaster case shape, and lightweight construction.

On both variants, the white hour and minute hands stand out very well against the dial, providing great legibility. As with all Moonswatch models, I wish the hands were thicker, but quartz movements tend to require lightweight hands. Other versions use different colors for the chronograph hands vs time hands, but all hands are white on both the Moon and Mercury.

As with all Moonswatches other than Pluto, these models use white lume that glows green at night. It's not extremely bright or thick but usually does the job.

The Strap

The strap is same design on all Moonswatches, just in different colors. The Moon's is black, while Mercury's strap is colored in dark gray like the element of its namesake.

Because it lacks any colors, the Moon looks great on a wide variety of straps. It has 20mm lugs like the other versions, so there are many great options.

Here is a list of some of the straps that would fit and we think look great with this watch. At the end of the article you'll also find photos of some of our favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Deployant Rubber
-Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through
-Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth and Sailcloth Colorway Collection
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Epsom Leather
-Elastic
-Seatbelt

The Movement

All versions of the Moonswatch use the same Swatch quartz chronograph movement. It can record minutes, seconds, and tenths of a second, as well as lap timing. It does have a phantom date position despite lacking a date display.

The battery cover features an image of the respective celestial body, and the caseback has the same text on all models.

 

Conclusion:

The Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to the Moon is the most versatile version in the Moonswatch range. Additionally, it gives the closest experience to wearing an Omega Moonwatch. Whether you don't own one of those, or do, but would like to have a cheaper version to wear occasionally, it's a great option in the Moonswatch range.

The Mercury is the most stealthy, and coolest way to experience the phenomenon of the Moonswatch. If you're looking for something a bit different, but not as bright as some of the other colors, it's a great option.

You can learn more about each by visiting the Swatch Moonswatch website.

Specifications: 

Name: Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to the Moon and Mission to Mercury
Reference Number: SO33M100 and SO33A100
MSRP: $260
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 47.2mm
Thickness: 13.25mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Weight: 29g
Movement: Swatch Quartz Chronograph Movement
Water Resistance: 30m
Crystal: Acrylic
Crown:  Push-pull
Bezel: Fixed, tachymetre
Strap: Velcro

 

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

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

Full Grain Epsom Style Leather:

 

 

Slim Ridge Rubber:

 

Tropical FKM Rubber:

 

 

Locking Keeper:

 

Ridge Rubber:

 

Premium Sailcloth

 

 

Premium Sailcloth Colorway

 

Hybrid Sailcloth and FKM Rubber