Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

Nick Lehner

When the original Omega x Swatch Moonswatch collection was released, all of the planets were covered, including Earth. Swatch then released some very limited edition Moonshine Gold models. They were almost impossible to get, but three more standard variants were also released, and the Earth models became a sub-collection. The Desert and the Polar Lights models have already been reviewed on StrapHabit. To complete the trio, recently I was also able to pick up the very cool Lava model at the Swatch store in Times Square.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

If you're not familiar with the Moonswatch line, I recommend reading the review of my first Moonswatch, the Mission to Mars review. There I discussed why I wanted the Mars version to help make up for big regret and how it might compared to a real Speedmaster.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

If you'd like to learn about some other great watches under $500, you can read the StrapHabit Top 10 list, or view other reviews of watches under $500.

Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava First Impressions

The reddish-orange case with a black dial is a striking colorway. It also looks great with the cream-colored lume application. I also appreciate that a number of the Moonswatch variants pay homage to past Speedmaster limited edition models. It shows that the brand is paying attention, and allows those of us who can't afford all of the real things to experience a taste of it.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

The Lava model is a tribute to the Omega 60th Anniversary Speedmaster "Speedy Tuesday" Ultraman, 1968.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Details

This version also features an all-black dial with square orange hour indices outside of the lume plots The Arabic numerals on the subdials are oriented in a radial format, a nod to the Speedmaster Alaska II and III projects.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

The tachymeter scale is traditional white on black with the "dot over 90," another nod to vintage models.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

The crown is dual-signed to represent both brands.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

Unlike my recent Mission to Moonphase models, Lava does have the Swatch S logo engraved on the under side of the crystal (a nod to the original Speedmaster). If you'd like some extra protection for your Moonswatch crystal, check out our Crystal Film Protection kids.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

Wearing the Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Mission on Earth Lava

Despite being on the larger side at 42mm wide (the same as a Speedmaster), all Moonswatch variants are quite comfortable due to the ergonomic case shape and low weight.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

The orange hour and minute hands stand out against the black dial, and create good legibility (although I still wish they were thicker). The hour markers also provide contrast to the dial and are easy to see.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

Most Moonswatch models use white or black lume, but the Lava's features an aged radium appearance.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

Unlike all other Moonswatch variants, a stick second hand is used with no lume at the tip.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Original and Replacement Straps

The nylon Velcro strap is of the same design as other Moonswatches, this time in black with orange accents. It's lightweight and comfortable, if a bit bulky and cheap feeling.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

I've been wearing it on several StrapHabit straps, and have found the black Deployant Rubber to look great on it.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

Here is a list of some other straps that would fit and we think look great with this watch. At the end of the article, you'll also find more photos.
-Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through
-
Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth and Sailcloth Colorway Collection
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-
Vented Rubber
-
Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Epsom Leather
-Elastic

Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Movement

All versions of the Moonswatch use the same Swatch quartz chronograph movement.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

And of course, the battery cover on the Earth features a photo of our home planet. Swatch doesn't provide any movement specs on the website.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
The pump pushers are easy to operate, and the chronograph can measure increments from 1/10 second to 60 minutes.
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Mission on Earth Lava Conclusion:

The Omega x Swatch Mission on Earth Lava is another of my favorites. The case color is fun and attractive, but the black dial still gives somewhat of a serious appearance. I also liked the Ultraman edition, so it's fun to be able to experience a bit of that.

Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100

To learn more about it, you can see it on the Swatch website here.

Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Mission on Earth Lava Specifications: 

Name: Omega x Swatch Moonswatch Mission on Earth - Lava
Reference Number: SO33O100
MSRP: $270
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 47.2mm
Thickness: 13.75mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Weight: 29g
Movement: Swatch Quartz Chronograph Movement
Water Resistance: 30m
Crystal: Acrylic
Crown:  Push-pull
Bezel: Fixed, tachymetre
Strap: Velcro

 

Shop Replacement Straps for the Omega x Swatch

Moonswatch Mission on Earth Lava:

Deployant FKM Rubber


Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
Omega x Swatch Speedmaster Moonswatch Mission On Earth Lava Watch Review - SO33O100
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