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Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Mission On Earth Polar Lights Watch Review - SO33L103

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Polar Lights Watch Review - SO33L103

July 10, 2024 Nick Lehner

In my review of the Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Earth, I wondered if the brand would be adding more models to the lineup. Swatch has released some very limited edition Moonshine Gold models, but I was hoping that it would add more standard models like it did when the Blancpain Ocean of Storms was released last year.

Recently it has! In addition to the Mission to Moonphase White and Black models, it has now released three new Earth variants along with the original "standard Earth." The red Lava, tan Desert and the turquoise Polar Lights model shown here are now (sometimes) available in Swatch stores. I was able to pick one up on a recent trip to New York.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Polar Lights Watch Review - SO33L103

If you're not familiar with the Moonswatch line, I recommend reading the review of my first Moonswatch, the Mission to Mars review. There I discussed why I wanted the Mars version to help make up for big regret and how it might compared to a real Speedmaster.

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.

Moonswatch Mission On Earth Polar Lights First Impressions

Compared to the original Earth, I really liked the brighter color of the case on the Polar Lights. A friend pointed out that the color is very similar to an IWC/Petronas F1 colorway.

Its blue dial also is infused with small silver sparkles. Like the Mars with the Alaska Project, the Polar Lights dial is supposed to evoke images of Speedmasters with Aventurine dials. In person, it's very subtle, but I think it looks great.

Moonswatch Mission On Earth Polar Lights Details

This version also features white rings around its recessed subdials. This provides a good blend of legibility and visual interest on the dial.

All Moonswatch versions have the same dimensions, Unlike the Mars, other variants like this Mission On Earth feature stick hands without lume for the chronograph subdial hands. The Arabic numbers are oriented in a radial format which Swatch says is "a nod to the Speedmaster Alaska II and III projects."

The tachymeter scale is color-coordinated with the dial and case, of course with the "dot over 90," another nod to vintage models.

Polar Lights also features the same Swatch S engraved in the underside of the crystal as other Moonswatches, similar to the Omega Greek symbol you'd find on a "real" Moonwatch.

The crown is dual-signed to represent both brands.

Wearing the Moonswatch Mission on Earth Polar Lights

Despite being on the larger side at 42mm wide (the same as a Speedmaster), all Moonswatch variants are quite comfortable due to the ergonomic case shape and low weight.

The turquoise hour and minute hands stand out against the dark blue dial, and create good legibility (although I still wish that they were thicker. The hour markers are easier to see than on other versions though, due to the dark dial color.

The lume is similar to other Moonswatch models and bright if a bit thin.

Interestingly, all of the lume glows green in the dark, but hands only are blue under a UV flashlight. This is the only Moonswatch model that I recall doing this.

Moonswatch Mission On Earth Polar Lights Original and Replacement Straps

The nylon Velcro strap is of the same design as other Moonswatches, this time in dark blue with turquoise accents. It's lightweight and comfortable, if a bit bulky and cheap feeling.

I've been wearing it on several StrapHabit straps, and have found the dark blue Deployant Rubber to look great on it.

Here is a list of some other 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.
-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
-Waffle Rubber
-Epsom Leather
-Elastic

Moonswatch Mission On Earth Polar Lights Movement

All versions of the Moonswatch use the same Swatch quartz chronograph movement. And of course, the battery cover on the Earth features a photo of our home planet. I believe that all versions have the same text molded into the caseback.

The pump pushers are easy to operate.

Conclusion:

The Mission on Earth Polar Lights turned out to be one of my favorite Moonswatch variants. I like its color and distinctive Aventurine-style dial, plus the subdial designs more than the original Earth. Expect a direct comparison between those two models on the blog soon.

To learn more about it, you can see it on the Swatch website here.

Specifications:

Name: Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission on Earth Polar Lights
Reference Number: 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