I recently purchased a 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 "real" Omega Speedmaster. I recommend reading that article. Later I also obtained and reviewed a few other Moonswatch models.
Most recently, a friend visited a Swatch boutique and helped me to obtain a Mission to Pluto. This is a fun Moonswatch variant, without being too ostentatious.
If you're specifically interested in the Pluto and have already formed your own opinions on the Moonswatch line, this review will talk about the details specific to the Mission to Pluto version.
You can also visit this link to read all other Moonswatch reviews on the StrapHabit blog.
First Impressions:
It's quite interesting how Swatch has been able to create such a different vibe with each version of the Moonswatch just by changing to colors that correspond to a celestial body.
The Pluto features an attractive combination of a cream-white dial, with burgundy subdials and tachymetre scale. Its Bioceramic is nearly white but with a hint of gray. An interesting contrast with the dial, but it makes it a fun summer watch.
The Mission to Pluto Details:
All Moonswatch versions have the same dimensions, The Mission to Pluto has conventional stick hands the chronograph subdials (only the Mars has the unusual Alaska Project-style hands with lume).
Also like all other Moonswatches, the Pluto features the Swatch S engraved in the underside of the crystal, similar to the Omega Greek symbol you'd find on a "real" Moonwatch.
But unlike all other versions, the Pluto has black centers to its hour and minute hands (more on this later). The chronograph hands themselves are all rendered in black, while the time-telling hands (including running subdial seconds) are in white.
Wearing the Moonswatch Mission to Pluto:
All Moonswatch variants are quite comfortable due to the ergonomic Speedmaster case shape, but also their extremely low weight.
The white hour and minute hands can blend in with the cream-white dial, meaning this is not one of the most legible versions. The black hour markers are easier to see than on the Mars, however. I wish that all of the Moonswatches had thicker hands, but this is likely a result of the inexpensive quartz movement powering them.
The lume on other Moonswatch versions that I have reviewed is not thick but is bright enough to read at most times when needed. I hadn't noticed in photos that the Pluto is the only version with black lume. Black lume doesn't work well on any watch that I've evaluated, and the Pluto is no exception. The lume is visible in the dark after a fresh charge but is very weak.
The Strap
The Pluto's strap is of the same design as the other Moonswatches, but this time in dark gray. It feels flimsy as the others do, and a bit bulky, but it is otherwise lightweight and comfortable.
I've been wearing it on several StrapHabit straps, and have found the Sailcloth Stay Classy Burgundy straps to be such a good match that it almost looks like I designed this strap for the Pluto (I didn't). Scroll to the end of the article to see how some other straps look on it.
The Movement
All versions of the Moonswatch use the same Swatch quartz chronograph movement.
And of course, the battery cover on the Pluto features a photo of the dwarf planet farthest to the sun.
All versions that I have owned have the same text molded into the caseback.
Conclusion:
My time with the Pluto continues to prove the versatility of the Moonswatch platform, and how many fun combinations Swatch can create merely by changing colors. It's one of the classier options, yet still unique, as you don't see many watches with this combination of colors.
Should I continue to try to review every Moonswatch colorway? Let me know what you think in the comments.
Specifications:
Name: Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Pluto
Reference Number: SO33M101
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 Pluto:
Full Grain Epsom Style Leather:
Slim Ridge Rubber:
Premium Sailcloth Colorway
1 comment
I bought the Pluto for the style though I had gone to the store to buy the mars originally. My Pluto’s lumen does not show at all in the dark. If I am in a dark place I can not see the time. I have had swatch watches since 1990 never had a problem looking at the face in the dark . In your opinion, What would be a reason for that? . I purchased the watch a week ago and now I’m suspicious of it. It was purchased at a swatch store in Miami Beach. Do you know why the lumen is not showing? I notice it is very obvious in your photos and it is not in mine. Love you article by the way.