Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Watch Review

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Watch Review

Nick Lehner

Although many watch enthusiasts are die-hard fans of mechanical movements, two affordable quartz chronographs were released in 2022 that have become quite popular with the collecting crowd.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

So popular, in fact, that both of them became fairly difficult to purchase. We are, of course, talking about the Swatch x Omega Moonswatch, and the Q Timex Chronograph.

The Moonswatch is not sold online. Buying one requires traveling to a Swatch store in just a handful of cities and hoping that they have one of the 11 available colors that you like left when you get there.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

The Q can be purchased on the Timex website (and other online and physical retailers) but is frequently sold out. Diligence is required to obtain one. 

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

I tend quickly sour on watches when I feel that they are being overhyped, but both of these watches piqued and maintained my interest. I ended up tracking down a few colors of each for review (and my enjoyment), and to use with some different straps including StrapHabit's new TQ18 straps.

Because they are so similar in price and specifications, I thought a comparison was in order. This article will focus on the differences, but if you like to know more about each watch, please visit the links above.

First Impressions

While both watches take their inspiration from vintage racing chronographs, the Q Timex looks more authentically vintage. This is due to the colors and materials chosen. Polished and brushed stainless steel with angular finishing, along with polished dial hardware give it a distinctly 60s look.

 Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Despite its clear Speedmaster inspiration, the Moonswatch looks much more modern. This is, of course, due to its use of plastic (err...Bioceramic), and bright colors. Depending on which version you choose, the Moonswatch can look downright wild.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Otherwise, each watch features all of the classic styling elements. Pump pushers, large subdials, and muscular-looking cases provide the look. Being vintage racing-style chronographs, both watches also feature external tachymeter bezels.

Wearing The Q Timex Chronograph and Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars

The Moonswatch takes the nod in comfort due to its low weight, and flatter design. The thickness measurements are similar, but the Timex looks thicker due to its shape. The Q still wears well, and has a smaller diameter too.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Both watches used vintage-style boxed crystals that create pleasing distortions., the Timex being more extreme. Timex says its is mineral, while Swatch uses acrylic. More prone to scratches, but also easier to polish.

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

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

The legibility nod goes to the Moonswatch, especially for the Mars version. The black hands stand out against he white dial better than the fully polished Q hands.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

The same is true at night. The lume on the Moonswatch is much brighter and longer lasting.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Straps

Other Q Timex models are a bit lacking in the strap department, but the Chronograph has the nicest OE straps of any of the Q Timex watches I've evaluated. The leather looks and feels much nicer than the (likely) silicone rubber straps, or hair-pulling bracelets of the Q Reissue 38mm, M79 Automatic, and Three Time Zone Chronograph

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

I did not have access to a bracelet version of the chronograph, but that is another option for the black dial version. They appear to be of good quality. 

The Moonswatch, on the other hand, has a lackluster Velcro strap. It is lightweight and comfortable but feels cheap, and is bulky. The Timex takes the win in this category.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Of course, I've been wearing the Q on StrapHabit TQ18 Q Timex straps. They offer a higher quality aftermarket option in a variety of colors.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Additionally, the Moonswatch, with its 20mm lugs can be easily upgraded in the strap department. Many straps look great on it, and the different Mission models offer fun color pairing options. Because they are so light, it makes any strap very comfortable too.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Scroll down to the end of the article to see more photos of both watches on different straps

 

Movements

While both watches have triple register chronographs, the functionality is different. The Swatch displays tenths of a second in its upper right register, while the Timex has a 24-hour hand that is linked to the main hour hand and acts as an AM/PM indicator.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

The Q Chronograph has the simpler chronograph movement but adds a sweeping chronograph second hand. Some might also find its 3-6-9 layout more visually appealing than the Swatch, which has two of its subdials shifted toward the top of the dial.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

The Timex also packs a date display, hidden at 4:30. Some collectors don't prefer this layout, but it adds a useful feature, and it blends in well.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Both watches have a handy port on the back to allow for quick and easy battery changes. Some also might also find it important to note that the Swatch is Swiss made, while the Timex has a Japanese movement.

Conclusion

If we're comparing these two watches on paper only, the Q Timex gets the clear nod. It looks and feels more expensive than the plastic Moonswatch. The metal case, polished markers, and sweeping second hand give it a more upscale appearance, not unlike wearing an expensive vintage mechanical chronograph. It is also $61 less expensive, has a nicer strap, date, and is easier to purchase outside of a large city.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

The Moonswatch however, is a more significant watch, and will likely be remembered in the future. The Q, while helping to revive Timex, did not have the cultural impact of the Moonswatch, which seems to have spread watch enthusiasm to new people. Plus, with its variety of available colors, it's super fun to wear.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

Both of them provide a lot of character and fun for the price. They are also practical, providing "grab and go" functionality, and quick battery changes when needed. I plan to keep at least one of each in my watch collection for a while, as I wear them at different times, and find different kinds of fun in each.

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.

Q Timex Chronograph vs. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars Watch Review

  Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Mars
Reference

TW2V42800ZV

SO33R100

MSRP $199 $260
Case Material Stainless Steel Bioceramic
Width (mm) 40 42
Height (mm) 46 47. 2
Thickness (mm) 13.5 13.25
Lug Width 18mm 20mm
Movement Japanese Quartz Chronograph Swiss Quartz Chronograph
Features Minutes (60), seconds (sweep hand), 24-hour indicator, lap timer, running seconds Minutes (60), seconds (1s tick), 1/10s, lap timer, running seconds
Date Yes No
Water Resistance (m) 50 30
Crystal Mineral Acrylic
Strap Leather Velcro
Weight w/ Strap (g) 76g 29g

See different looks and purchase StrapHabit straps for these watches:

 

 

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

Q Timex Chronograph 40mm Watch Review (TW2V42700ZV and TW2V42800ZV)

 

Premium Sailcloth Colorway Collection Watch Straps for Moonswatch Mission to Mars

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100
Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

 

 

 

Premium Sailcloth Watch Straps for Moonswatch Mission to Mars

 

 

Distressed Canvas and Leather Watch Straps For Moonswatch Mission to Mars

 

 

Vented FKM Rubber Watch Straps for Moonswatch Mission to Mars

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100
Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

 

Ridge RKM Rubber Watch Straps for Moonswatch Mission to Mars

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

 

Smooth FKM Rubber Watch Straps for Moonswatch Mission to Mars

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

 

 

Hybrid Sailcloth and FKM Rubber Watch Straps for Moonswatch Mission to Mars

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

 

 

Slim Ridge FKM Rubber Watch Straps for Moonswatch Mission to Mars

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

 

 

Elastic Watch Straps for Moonswatch Mission to Mars

Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100Can the Moonswatch Mission to Mars Make Up for My Biggest Watch Collecting Regret? Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mars Watch Review - SO33R100

Premium Sailcloth Colorway:

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100

 

Distressed Canvas:

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100

 

Locking Keeper FKM Rubber:

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100

 

Tropical FKM Rubber

 

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100

 

Vented FKM Rubber:

https://straphabit.com/products/vented-fkm-rubber-quick-release-watch-straps

 

Slim Ridge FKM Rubber:

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission to Jupiter Watch Review SO33C100

Distressed Canvas:

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 distressed canvas brown replacement strap

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 distressed canvas dark blue replacement strap band

 

 

Tropical FKM Rubber:

https://straphabit.com/products/tropical-retro-style-rubber-quick-release-watch-straps tropic replacement watch strap brown fkm rubber

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 retro vintage tropical strap blue fkm rubber
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 tropical fkm watch strap white replacement quick release
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 camo blue tropical fkm rubber replacement strap band

 

Locking Keeper:

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 brown fkm rubber replacement watch band strap
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 blue rubber replacement watch strap fkm
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 white rubber watch strap replacement fkm

 

Smooth Rubber:

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 blue fkm rubber watch strap
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 brown rubber replacement watch band fkm

 

Ridge Rubber:

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 white rubber fmk replacement watch strap
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 blue fkm rubber 20mm replacement watch band
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 brown rubber watch strap fkm
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 blue camouflage fkm rubber watch strap

 

Premium Sailcloth

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 blue sailcloth watch strap band 20mm

 

Hybrid Sailcloth and FKM Rubber

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 hybrid fkm rubber sailcloth blue watch band strap

 

Canvas:

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 blue canvas watch strap

 

Elastic

Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Mission On Earth Watch Review SO33G100 blue and white stripe elastic nato style watch strap band 20mm

 

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