Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Earth vs. Polar Lights Watch Review and Differences?
I recently picked up the new Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission on Earth Polar Lights edition. It looks similar to the original Moonswatch Earth, so I decided to put together a comparison.
If you're not already familiar with these watches, I recommended reading the original review of the Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars.
This article will focus on the specific differences between the Earth (on the left or top in all photos) and Polar Lights (on the right/bottom). 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.
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission on Earth and Polar Lights First Impressions:
The Swatch Polar Lights watch case is much brighter and more saturated. Swatch calls it turquoise, while the original Earth is described as "earthy green."
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission on Earth and Polar Lights Details:
Both models feature contrasting subdials, but the Earth's are filled in, panda-style. The Polar Lights subdials are white rings with the dial color in the center. The Earth resembles a "regular" Speedmaster, while on the Polar, the Arabic numbers are oriented in a radial format which Swatch says is "a nod to the Speedmaster Alaska II and III projects."
Both have dark blue dials. While the Earth dial is a solid, matte blue, the Polar dial is glossy and includes small sparkles intended to look like a Speedmaster with an Aventurine dial.
White markers break up both dials and indicate the essentials. Both tachymeter scales are blue. Earth has white numerals, while Polar has turquoise.
All Moonswatch versions have the same dimensions, and both of these Earths 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 have 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 matching the case color.
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission on Earth and Polar Lights Wearing and Legibility:
I find the Moonswatches quite comfortable due to the ergonomic Speedmaster case shape, and lightweight construction.
On both variants, the contrasting hour and minute hands stand out very well against the dial, but I find the Polar's slightly easier to read as they are different than the subdials. As with all Moonswatch models, I wish the hands were thicker, but quartz movements tend to require lightweight hands. The Earth uses brown for the chronographs and subdial hands, while all hands are turquoise on the Polar.
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 does the job.
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission on Earth and Polar Lights Original Strap and Replacement Straps:
The strap is the same design on all Moonswatches, both are different shades of dark blue matching each dial, while the accents match the case. The Polar also has color-coordinated stitching.
Both look great on a variety of straps. They have 20mm lugs, so there are lots of 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
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission on Earth and Polar Lights Movements
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 earth, and the caseback has the same text on all models.
Conclusion:
These are two of the funkier Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission. While I like both of them, I prefer the brighter color and unique dial of the Polar. The Swatch store that I visited had both available, so it's worth checking out both if you're able.
You can learn more about each by visiting the Swatch Moonswatch website.
Specifications:
Name: Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission on Earth and Mission on Earth Polar Lights
Reference Number: SO33G100 and SO33L103
MSRP: $270
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 on Earth and Polar Lights:
Deployant FKM Rubber
Ribbed FKM Rubber Pass-Through
Ridge FKM Rubber
Premium Sailcloth Colorway Collection
Tropical FKM Rubber
Premium Sailcloth
Smooth FKM Rubber
Slim Ridge FKM Rubber:
Elastic Straps
Full Grain Epsom Style Leather:
Distressed Canvas:
Tropical FKM Rubber:
Locking Keeper:
Smooth Rubber:
Ridge Rubber:
Premium Sailcloth
Hybrid Sailcloth and FKM Rubber
Elastic