Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

New MoonSwatch from Omega and Swatch is inspired by tonight’s blue moon event – and you can’t buy it online

Google "Swatch store" if you want to buy one

Close up Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch
Swatch / Swatch

Everyone who knows watches knows about the MoonSwatch, the chronograph wristwatch collection from Swatch and Omega that has been seriously hard to find. Now they’re back with another limited release that pays homage to tonight’s blue moon: The “Mission to Neptune” MoonSwatch.

The MoonSwatches originally included 11 watches — all variations of the popular Omega Speedmaster watch, with a quartz movement, a fabric strap, and names that paid homage to celestial bodies — back when the collection debuted in early 2022. Since then, there have been more releases of these watches featuring the brand’s Moonshine gold. And now it’s Neptune’s turn.

Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch black background
Swatch / Swatch

The “Mission to Neptune” MoonSwatch embraces the full moon

At the heart of this remarkable timepiece lies a unique and exquisite feature–the seconds hand, which is crafted from Omega’s exclusive Moonshine Gold. This captivating gold alloy was introduced by Omega in 2019, drawing inspiration from the radiant glow of moonlight against the backdrop of a dark blue sky. As a testament to its exclusivity, the Moonshine Gold seconds hand is meticulously produced just once a month, coinciding with the full moon. This is no ordinary gold—it’s an alloy that symbolizes luxury and elegance, perfectly mirroring the magic of a moonlit night.

The MoonSwatch “Mission to Neptune” watch embraces the mystical influence of the full moon, a phenomenon known to have a profound effect on various aspects of life, including humans. As the moon exerts its gravitational pull, it stirs tides and emotions alike, adding a touch of enchantment to the world. This timepiece encapsulates that essence, allowing wearers to carry a piece of lunar magic on their wrists.

The watch features a 42 mm bioceramic blue case, a dark blue dial, and a black velcro strap. Against this dark backdrop stands the gold seconds hand.

The “Mission to Neptune” MoonSwatch is not available for purchase online. Instead, it can be acquired at select locations worldwide during the rare and auspicious occasion of the Blue Moon on August 30th. Specifically, it can be bought for one day only at 99 stores across 86 cities.

This limited availability adds an air of exclusivity, making the watch even more desirable to luxury connoisseurs and horology enthusiasts. If you don’t get your hands on one today, these watches will likely be pretty hard to find, even by MoonSwatch standards. The watches retail for about $300 (or less), and a quick peek at the secondary market shows that while other iterations of the MoonSwatch go for a little higher than that, the original Neptune MoonSwatch costs more than double that.

Learn More

Sarah Veldman
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
Omega, Seiko, and Rolex: These are the best GMT watches you can get
Add a GMT watch to your collection
Seiko Prospex GMT

Choosing the right watch becomes an art form in a world where time is both a luxury and a necessity. Enter the realm of wrist sophistication with Omega, Seiko, and Rolex – the triumvirate of GMT watches that redefine fashion and function. These aren't merely timepieces; they're coveted by those who appreciate the intersection of exactness and flair, representing the ideal fusion of artistry.

Regarding watches for men, it's not just about telling time; it's about making time on your own. GMT watches, the globetrotter's essential, are companions on the journey through life's different time zones. Rolex, the epitome of luxury; Omega, the symbol of innovation; Seiko, the embodiment of reliability – each brand represents a chapter in the horological saga of excellence.

Read more
You can now carry the moon on your wrist with one of these moon watches with actual moon dust
There are 3 different models in this watch collection
Yanko Design Moon Dust watch

Humans are nothing if not explorers, and watches have helped them do it from day one. From discovering the New World to diving into the depths of the seas, we have always reached for the unknown. One of the most triumphant discoveries of our world was reaching beyond it entirely, as we sent brave explorers into space and put a man on the moon. The Apollo 11 mission sparked imagination and wonder in the entire world as they watched Neil Armstrong drop from the lunar module ladder and utter his famous phrase, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Accompanying Armstrong, and almost every explorer across the globe, are some of the best and most durable men's watches on the planet.

Now, you can wear a watch that commemorates Armstrong's walk on the moon and the entirety of the Apollo missions, as Yanko Designs releases the Interstellar LUNAR1,622 watch. Not only is it a gorgeous piece of horological engineering, but it features multiple callouts and aspects that will make you want to reach for the stars and follow in the footsteps of the most famous explorers in history. Or at least talk about it at your next party when someone asks about the striking piece on your wrist.

Read more
Everyday carry label The James Brand has a new collab for something you definitely shouldn’t carry daily
The James Brand's latest collab involves a hatchet
The James Brand Hatchet

The James Brand is well-known for its sleek pocket knives and minimalist multitools. This Black Friday, they're breaking new ground, unveiling a collaboration that might just be the coolest ever. It's a pleasant surprise to us that The James Brand has teamed up with Adler, a renowned German hatchet and axe maker, for their newest collaboration. And no, you read that right—it's not your typical pocket-friendly gear.
The James Brand reveals a new everyday carry hatchet for their lineup
Set to launch just in time for Black Friday, The James Brand and Adler are introducing the TJB x Adler hatchet. Crafted with precision, this collaboration embodies the ethos of both brands — a commitment to quality, functionality, and timeless design. Priced at $149, this hatchet features an American Hickory handle with a non-slip coating, offering a firm grip even in the most challenging conditions. The forged steel head, complemented by a protective sheath, ensures durability and sharpness, ready to tackle any task at hand.

If you're thinking of gifting this baby to a friend or loved one, this hatchet nestles within a stunning wooden box which is perfect for gifting and secure storage.

Read more