Hands-on: Swatch x Omega Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold Cold Moon

Text & image: Mia Litström

Swatch have always liked to turn launches into small experiences and the MoonSwatch-series is perhaps the best example of how they manage to create hype. But with the Cold Moon they take it all a step further. After the premiere on 4 December the watch is only sold when it snows in Switzerland. That means that the weather in Biel governs availability until 20 March 2026, which is the last day of the astronomical winter and marks the transition to spring. Eqotime's Mia Litström has taken a closer look at the model.

A wintry moon detail in Moonshine Gold


When I first picked up the Cold Moon it is the moonphase that immediately draws the eye. The dark blue surface has a frosty shimmer, the hands have it too, and the two Moonshine Gold moons make the most of themselves in a lovely way. One of them is a snowflake, the other has a design language inspired by Snoopy. The combination feels playful in a way that suits the MoonSwatch perfectly and every snowflake is unique to each example. At ten o'clock there is also an earthphase indicator, where the earth is shown against a starry sky and glows in blue, the hour markers and hands have Super-LumiNova in green. And under the earthphase Snoopy and Woodstock sit and look at the earth. 

On the wrist


The white Bioceramic case has a matte surface that gives a nice winter feeling. Despite its 42 mm it is light and sits comfortably, the thickness of the case is 13,75 mm. And this watch is for anyone who likes bigger watches because it is big, especially for the narrow wrists. The shape follows the classic Speedmaster line with the tachymeter scale's ”dot over ninety”. On the back the theme is reinforced as well, since the battery hatch is adorned with an image of the earth. 

The rubber bracelet in everyday use


The white rubber bracelet with a VELCRO closure is light, supple and comfortable, but just like earlier MoonSwatch models the bracelet is long. If you have narrower wrists it does not sit completely perfectly and under a tighter sleeve it can get a little clumsy. A nice detail is that the inside of the bracelet has a structured surface that gives a space-like texture and the quick release function makes strap changes smooth. If you want to replace the strap there are always many alternatives at our friends at Wristbuddys.

Summary


The Mission to Earthphase Moonshine Gold Cold Moon feels like a model where Swatch and Omega have really found the balance between playfulness and details that actually engage in wintry garb. The snowflake in Moonshine Gold, the Snoopy-inspired moon, the earthphase indicator with its blue UV effects and the slightly poetic launch tie the whole thing together into a lovely whole. The watch has a quartz movement and is water resistant to 30 m and because it has details with a gold surface it has a higher price that lands at 4 350 kronor. This is a watch that can be appreciated by both collectors and MoonSwatch fans. And if you are looking for a Christmas present with both a fun story and a smile in it the Cold Moon is a lovely good choice if you like white. 

Read more at Swatch and find a suitable strap for the Moonswatch at Wristbuddys.