"Swatch's Lunar Charm: The Moonshine Gold Edition Moonswatch" - A Limited Edition Sensation from Swatch Group
When CEO Nick Hayek of Swatch Group gazed upon the Moonswatch, he knew it would be a hit. However, even he was taken aback by its rapid ascent to becoming one of Swatch's most popular products (learn more in our exclusive interview here). The anticipation surrounding this quirky timepiece led throngs of people to gather outside Swatch boutiques worldwide, where the watch remains unavailable for global distribution today.
Although Swatch made it clear the watches were not limited in quantity, buyers still snapped up every batch that arrived. Aside from the initial frenzy, the market has remained somewhat subdued for popular models such as the "Mission to the Moon" or the "Mission to Mercury." Despite the market's cooling, the gray market still lingers around these models, albeit in a less lively manner.
Almost the last Moonswatch with a gold twist
There is a caveat to this holdover: There are actually limited Moonswatch models. Case in point is the "Mission to the Moon Moonshine Gold," unveiled in March 2023. These are just regular Moonswatches adorned with a gold-plated hand, which Swatch claims is plated with "Omega Moonshine Gold" - marketing speak for a thin layer of recycled gold. Swatch adds an extra layer of exclusivity by stating that the hand is only affixed when the moon is full.
Recently, Swatch displayed a photo on their Instagram profile, showcasing the ten limited Moonshine Gold watches to date. A single space, watch number eleven, is considered sold out, indicating it will house the last model of the Gold series.
As always, the "Mission to the Moon Moonshine Gold" sales event is limited to just one day and select boutiques. This model features an icy hand decoration, representing the "Cold Moon" - the final full moon of the year. Swatch touts an additional "secret detail" that only comes to light in the dark when the watch's hands emit light.
Date and location set
The final "Mission to the Moon Moonshine Gold" will be available on December 27, exclusively through four German Swatch stores:
- Hanover, Georgstraße
- Hamburg, Jungfernstieg
- Cologne, Schildergasse
- Munich, Sendlinger Straße
According to "Hodinkee," it's unclear if the "secret detail" on the full-case will mark the end of the gold-hand series or if Swatch will continue exploring this concept in upcoming models.
Additional Insights:
It should be noted that the Moonswatch is part of a collaboration between Swatch and Omega. The "Mission to the Moon Moonshine Gold" is no exception, incorporating a gold-plated hand and an icy decoration to give this limited edition watch an added charm and sophisticated allure. This specific model served as a featured item in a charity auction held in collaboration with OMEGA, which took place on February 12, 2024, in Geneva. All ten pieces sold during this auction were decked with unique enhancements, making them highly sought-after collector's items.
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The Moonswatch collection, which includes the "Mission to the Moon Moonshine Gold," is the outcome of a collaboration between Swatch and Omega. With its icy decoration and gold-plated hand, this limited-edition Moonswatch appeals to collectors and fans of quirky, luxurious designs.
