Review of the Omega Speedmaster X MoonSwatch 1965

A Close Call with the Omega Speedmaster X MoonSwatch 1965

On March 7th, barely a week after the release of the NEW Omega Speedmaster X MoonSwatch 1965, I decided to take an Uber to my local Swatch store—the same one where I had previously purchased five MoonSwatches. The store was about an hour away, and as I made my way there, a sudden wave of buyer’s remorse hit me before I even bought the watch.

To be sure, I called ahead, and the sales associate confirmed it was in stock. But when I arrived, it had already sold out—no surprise, given the high demand and Swatch’s policy against holding pieces. Oddly enough, instead of disappointment, I felt relieved.

I started asking myself: Do I really need another MoonSwatch? Don’t get me wrong—the 1965 edition is a fantastic release and checks all the right boxes. But with my growing collection, keeping up with everything I already own is becoming a challenge.

The Dilemma: A Surprise Interest in the Mission to Earthphase

After dodging an impulse purchase for that moment, I browsed the store when the sales associate, who had helped me with most of my MoonSwatches, asked, “Have you seen the Mission to Earthphase?”

I had passed on it before, but now I was intrigued. While many brands feature moon phase complications, this was the first to display the phases of the Earth, making it a rare and inventive design. Given its limited availability since its November 2024 release, it has become a highly sought-after piece.

I suddenly had a dilemma—I came for the 1965, but now I was seriously considering the Mission to Earthphase. Since the 1965 had sold out, I hadn’t even seen it in person. Still, the urge to buy something lingered.

I asked if another 1965 was arriving, and the associate confirmed one would be in 30 minutes. I told him I’d decide after lunch with my brother, but store policy didn’t allow holds. Reluctantly, he agreed to set both aside for 30 minutes.

Over lunch, we debated my options. Then I said, “Let’s not rush—if it’s meant to be, both watches will still be there.”So, we enjoyed our meal, leaving fate to decide.

Why the 1965?

So, what drew me to the 1965? The inspiration came from the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional with its stunning white lacquer dial, released last year (pictured above). That watch was a dream piece—but nearly impossible to acquire and comes with an $8,100 price tag.

The 1965 shares many of its defining features and characteristics, including the white dial with stepped three-register chronograph counters, and nearly identical printed indices rather than applied ones. In my mind, picking up the 1965 would give me my white lacquer dial Omega Speedy Moonwatch fix—at a fraction of the cost of just $270. 

The decision…

I returned from lunch an hour later, and both watches were still set aside. The moment I laid eyes on the 1965, I knew I had to have it! All MoonSwatches are cool but there was something special about it—unlike any MoonSwatch I had seen before.

The combination of a grey case, grey strap, and crisp white dial made it feel almost like a prototype, something uniquely different from the rest of the collection. It had an undeniable presence, and at that moment, my decision was clear.

 To get the specs and the significance of the 1965, click here.

What I like about it?

The MoonSwatch 1965 sets itself apart with a striking grey and white colorway, flawlessly balancing modern design with vintage appeal. Inspired by the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with a white lacquered dial, it also features an original applied Omega logo and typeface from 1965, reinforcing its heritage feel.

Its bright white dial and high-contrast hands ensure outstanding legibility, while the quick-release strap system makes swapping straps effortless—a long-overdue upgrade that prevents case scratches, a common issue for collectors.

The unconventional 19-hour, 65-minute chronograph is a subtle nod to 1965, the year the Omega Speedmaster was certified by NASA for space missions. Released for the 60th anniversary of this milestone, the MoonSwatch 1965 is limited (but not numbered), ensuring its desirability and long-term collectibility among enthusiasts.

At the end of the day…

The MoonSwatch has become a die-hard pursuit for collectors and passionate enthusiasts alike. Yet, many remain on the fence, either not fully understanding its appeal or dismissing it outright.

At the end of the day, the MoonSwatch 1965 represents more than just a Swatch collaboration—it’s a gateway into the world of horology, blending Omega’s iconic Speedmaster heritage with accessibility and innovation and timeless design. With its limited availability, historical significance, and style, this model is set to be a collectible timepiece over time, proving that the MoonSwatch phenomenon is here to stay.