We bet you’ll be queueing up for the new MoonSwatch 1965

While previous MoonSwatch models were celebrated for their vibrant colours and celestial themes, the new MoonSwatch 1965 is set to make waves for its sheer historical significance, vintage cues, innovative design, and feels of being a real astronaut’s companion.

As many of us know, the Omega Speedmaster “Moonwatch” earned its place in history as the first timepiece worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. However, its journey to the stars began four years earlier, on March 1, 1965, when NASA officially qualified the Speedmaster for all manned space missions.

In fact, out of the three brands that submitted their chronographs to the space agency following a formal call for tenders, only the Speedmaster ST105.003 emerged victorious. This year marks the 60th anniversary of that pivotal moment, commemorated by this latest MoonSwatch, which is a unique edition set apart from the collection’s 11-model lineup launched in March 2022.

Non-limited in production, its design is a brilliant tribute to that very Speedmaster tested by NASA. The dial features the Omega logo used at the time, while the hands and typeface echo the mid-century aesthetic of the era. The asymmetrical case, tachymeter scale with the iconic “dot over ninety,” and distinctive Speedmaster counters remain faithful to the original.

But the MoonSwatch 1965 also throws up the unexpected. The dial introduces a clever twist: the chronograph counters at 10 and 2 o’clock have been reimagined to display the numbers “19” and “65,” referencing the year of the NASA qualification.

The counter at 10 o’clock tracks 19 hours, while the one at 2 o’clock counts 65 minutes, creating a subtle yet striking nod to 1965. At 6 o’clock, the small seconds counter remains unchanged, displaying the number “60” to mark the 60th anniversary. Under UV light, these numbers glow, imparting a layer of visual intrigue. The hands and hour-markers are also coated with Grade A Super-LumiNova for optimal visibility in the dark.

The chronograph function itself is a marvel of engineering. Every 65 minutes, the hands of the 10 and 2 o’clock counters perform a synchronised “lap of honour”, rotating to mark the passage of time in a captivating way. This animation, combined with the vintage-inspired design, makes the MoonSwatch 1965 a conversation piece for both horology enthusiasts and space history buffs.

The caseback features the mission statement, while the grey Velcro strap — reminiscent of those used on space suits — gives it moonwalker gravitas. The strap’s contrast stitching complements the case colour, creating a cohesive and stylish look.

As with all MoonSwatch models, the 1965 is crafted from Bioceramic, a high-tech blend of two-thirds ceramic and one-third bio-sourced materials derived from castor oil. Embodying the Omega x Swatch collaboration’s commitment to sustainability, the material bears lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly properties that make it a fitting choice for a watch that celebrates both the past and the future.

The MoonSwatch 1965 is not just a timepiece; it’s symbolic of human ingenuity, the relentless pursuit of exploration, and an enduring horological legacy. As the only watch qualified for spaceflight, the Omega Speedmaster had to pass NASA’s gruelling 11-test regimen that spans temperature, acceleration, vacuum, and shock trials. The watch demonstrated unparalleled precision, reliability, and durability — qualities that continue to define the MoonSwatch collection today.

Available from March 1, 2024 — exactly 60 years after the Speedmaster’s NASA qualification, the MoonSwatch 1965 retails at Swatch Ion Orchard #B2-25/26 and Swatch Marina Bay Sands B2M-204. Only one piece can be purchased per person, per day, and per store.