By Vann van Staden a.k.a @winewheelsandwatches
Just when we thought the MoonSwatch mania might finally be settling down, Swatch and OMEGA have decided to launch yet another piece of celestial temptation. And honestly? We’re not even mad about it.
Introducing the MISSION TO EARTHPHASE – MOONSHINE GOLD. Yes, that’s a mouthful, but so is a glass of vintage Champagne, and we’d never turn that down either.
This newest edition drops on August 9, perfectly timed with the full moon, which means the lunatics (read: collectors, fans, and flippers) will be out in full force, queueing at Swatch stores around the globe. And for good reason, this one’s got all the bells, whistles, moon phases, and earth phases you could dream of.
Wait, What’s an Earth Phase?
Good question. While we’re used to watches showing us the phases of the Moon (you know, for all those spontaneous werewolf alerts), Swatch has gone a step further. The Earth phase is a reverse moon phase that shows us how the Earth would look if we were standing on the Moon. Yep, it’s got a cosmic twist: while the Moon spins clockwise on your standard moon phase, this little Earth does the opposite.
Basically, it’s the horological equivalent of moonwalking in reverse while staring back at home. Trippy, right?
Snoopy and Woodstock are Astronauts Again (Because Why Not?)
It wouldn’t be a MoonSwatch without a bit of playful charm, and this one delivers. On the dial, you’ll find Snoopy and his ride-or-die bird buddy Woodstock chilling on the Moon, gazing longingly at Earth like philosophers pondering their next cheese platter.
And if you thought that was cute, wait until you whip out a UV light. Hidden on the dial is a secret phrase that only appears under ultraviolet rays, a little Easter egg that pays tribute to the original Moonwatch and everyone who’s ever dared to imagine something wildly impossible.
(Or at least imagined what wine tastes like in zero gravity. Just me?)
Moonshine Gold & The Sturgeon Moon
OMEGA’s signature Moonshine™ Gold (yes, it’s a thing, no you can’t drink it) makes a sparkly return, coating two full moons on the moon phase subdial. One of them even has a net-like pattern, a cheeky nod to the Sturgeon Moon, which happens to be the full moon during August. Apparently, it’s named after the big fish people used to catch this time of year. How’s that for lunar luxury meets lakeside folklore?
Let’s Talk Looks
The whole watch is wrapped in a deep navy Bioceramic case, a patented Swatch material made from ceramic and biosourced goodies (castor oil, anyone?). It’s light, it’s smooth, and it’s blue in a way that makes you want to whisper, “The sky isn’t the limit.”
On the wrist, it’s 42mm of retro-futuristic cool. You get that iconic Speedmaster silhouette, recessed subdials, a chunky asymmetrical case, and a VELCRO® strap that screams “astronaut, but make it fashion.”
Oh, and the battery cover? Earth-themed. Because, of course, it is.
The Fine Print (AKA the Collector’s Panic Button)
Available only on August 9, and only in-store at selected Swatch boutiques around the world. And yes, it’s still one per person, so bring your charm, not your crew.
Final Verdict?
This isn’t just a watch, it’s a ticket to a whimsical little universe where luxury meets fun, where gold glitters under UV light, and where Snoopy gets more frequent flyer miles than you do.
It’s quirky, clever, and a total conversation starter. And if you, like us, enjoy a good story on your wrist (preferably paired with a bold Syrah and a V8 engine roaring in the distance), then MISSION TO EARTHPHASE – MOONSHINE GOLD might just be your next horological crush.
See you on the dark side of the Swatch store.
@winewheelsandwatches
Watches. Wine. Wheels. And a little moon magic now and then.