Swatch has unveiled the Mission To The Moon 1969, a limited-edition timepiece restricted to 1,969 units that uses recycled 18K Moonshine Gold from Omega spare parts. Retailing for CHF 500, the watch requires prospective buyers to complete an “Electronic Swatch Timepiece Application” (ESTA) on the brand’s website to secure a purchase slot.
The Mechanics of Moonshine Gold Recycling
The Mission To The Moon 1969 (ref. According to Swatch, the brand utilized its in-house foundry to recycle 11 grams of 18K Moonshine Gold sourced from Omega spare parts. This proprietary alloy, characterized by a paler hue than standard yellow gold, is featured prominently on the dial, crown, and pushers.
The pricing structure for the watch ties directly to 1969 historical data. Swatch set the price at CHF 500, representing the cost of 11 grams of gold in 1969, which was approximately US$11 at the time. This contrasts with current market conditions, where the value of 18K gold sits at roughly €75 per gram.
Did you know? The Mission To The Moon 1969 features a vertically brushed dial finish, mirroring the aesthetic of the 2019 Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th-anniversary edition.
Design Details and Historical References
Swatch incorporated several design elements to differentiate this model from the standard MoonSwatch collection. The watch features a Bioceramic case and an antireflective-coated bezel with a gold-printed tachymeter scale. The handset combines black-filled gold hour and minute hands with a black central chronograph seconds hand.
The case back includes a gold-colored Moon graphic on the battery cover, which features the footprint of an astronaut’s boot. Each unit is uniquely numbered from 1 to 1,969 on the side of the case. The timepiece is finished with a black rubber strap, which includes gold lining and gold-printed logos for Swatch, Omega, and MoonSwatch.
The ESTA Application Process
Securing this specific model requires a vetting process. Swatch has mandated that interested buyers complete an ESTA, or “Electronic Swatch Timepiece Application.” The digital form consists of 32 questions, similar to travel authorization forms. Access to purchase is granted based on the application results, limited to 1,969 successful candidates.
Pro Tip: Because the watch is limited to 1,969 pieces, ensure your application details are precise.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How many Mission To The Moon 1969 watches were produced?
Swatch produced exactly 1,969 units of this model.
What is the retail price of the new MoonSwatch?
The watch retails for CHF 500 or €600.
What material is used for the gold components?
Swatch used 18K Moonshine Gold, which was recycled from Omega spare parts in the brand’s in-house foundry.
Does the watch have a moonphase complication?
No, this model shares the same movement specifications as standard MoonSwatch models without the moonphase or earthrise complications.
Are you planning to submit an application for the Mission To The Moon 1969? Share your thoughts on this latest collaboration in the comments section below.
