Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yes, but Swatch watches are beautiful without the Omega branding. :) I own an Irony model that I bought in 2007 and it's quite beautiful just with the Swatch logo.
Swatch owns Omega.
Yes, I know. :)
Omega Swatch Speedmaster
21–30 of 142 posts
Re: Omega Swatch Speedmaster
#22I don’t get why Omega would do this - my initial reaction is it’s dilutive to their brand and I’m happy I’ve never bought one.
I agree, but to be fair:
1. It has generated significant attention- which has value.
2. Like a BMW 1-series, I imagine the idea is that once people have the "beginner" version, they'll aspire to upgrade to the real thing. It gets people "on the boat".
3. Rolex sells a cheaper version of their flagship watch under the Tudor brand- it's virtually identical and hasn't diluted Rolex's brand value.
4. The funky colors is probably less to do with style and more a guarantee it'll never be confused for the "real" version.
That all said, I would definitely still be salty if I owned a Speedmaster. But I applaud Swatch for making bold and interesting moves- which doesn't exactly happen much in the luxury industry.
Re: Omega Swatch Speedmaster
#23these watches are gorgeous, but so are "real" omega watches.
unpopular opinion but crossing over these brands only makes sense if you think youre capable of targeting a lower income customer without risk of damaging your existing luxury brand, or if your existing luxury brand is floundering.
I suspect its the latter, and i suspect its confirmation that the last decade of rennaisance for Rolex is starting to impact the bottom line at Swatch. younger customers are going to gravitate to a smart watch, older customers are going to look for the pedigree of the movement and its lineage so where does this even fit?
Bioceramics and bioglasses are ceramic materials that are biocompatible, full stop. throwing this in is just a buzzword Swatch hopes its customer wont take the time to investigate too thoroughly. theres no real reason to have it on a timepiece.
call me a cynic, but mark my words...in 10 years time youll see the same phenomenon with these watches as you saw with Timex. repair shops wont touch them, and they exist as a valueless testament to disposable faux luxury.
Re: Omega Swatch Speedmaster
#24Wish I had heard about this sooner. Are they going to produce more or is this it?
Re: Omega Swatch Speedmaster
#25used to wear lots of automatic watches but switched to apple watch completely 4 years ago
I have a two nice mechanical watches, one which used to be a daily wear. Once I got my Apple Watch I just never wear them anymore. The few times I'm at a black tie event and wear the nicer mechanical one I feel slightly limited. It's a dumb little problem, but I kinda feel like my Apple Watch ruined other watches for me.
I've got a few bands I rotate on it to make it feel a little more special though.
Re: Omega Swatch Speedmaster
#26used to wear lots of automatic watches but switched to apple watch completely 4 years ago
Still all I wear. I have one very simple auto that I wear every day, and no desire for anything much more complex. It’s a Maratac Mid-Pilot.
I kinda-sorta want a Hamilton with a day/date complication, but I’m not in a hurry for it.
Re: Omega Swatch Speedmaster
#27I don’t get why Omega would do this - my initial reaction is it’s dilutive to their brand and I’m happy I’ve never bought one.
Omega (along with all other luxury Swiss watches) have had record years/sales since the the lockdowns started in 2020.
Omega specifically can’t meet demand and while that might sound like a good problem to have, they can print these moonSwatches, I’m sure the upside to this is significantly greater than any perceived knock on their luxury brand.
The industry is talking about this as a marketing tactic to get new watch buyers in the market, but I think that is a bigger unknown than any potential perceived dilution of the brand only if because retail has prepurchased Omega’s future production for the foreseeable future.
Re: Omega Swatch Speedmaster
#28Wish I had heard about this sooner. Are they going to produce more or is this it?
It's not a limited release.
Re: Omega Swatch Speedmaster
#29Apparently there was a huge queue outside the Swatch store here in Melbourne and they sold out all of those "Omega" models in less than 7 minutes. As far as I can tell, this is just another Swatch with quartz movement. Does anyone know why this is so popular apart from the Omega branding?
I’m a huge fan of the moonwatch both for its beauty and history with the space program. Ever since I was 10 I’ve wanted one. However, I’m a PhD student and there’s no way I can afford to get a “real” one. The Swatch release is really attractive to me since it captures the spirit of the watch while making it accessible. For reference, there’s a very popular variant of the Speedmaster Professional that uses a sapphire…
Fair enough. I totally understand. I'm employed full time as a data analyst and I still can't afford an Omega. But it's the engineering behind the manual movement that fascinates me.
Just like the mechanical/automotive engineering behind petrol/diesel engines fascinate me more compared to electric motors on EVs. I'd still own an EV as that's the future but I'll always appreciate those mechanical gasoline powered engines. I get you analogy! :)
Re: Omega Swatch Speedmaster
#30I don’t get why Omega would do this - my initial reaction is it’s dilutive to their brand and I’m happy I’ve never bought one.
I agree, but to be fair: 1. It has generated significant attention- which has value. 2. Like a BMW 1-series, I imagine the idea is that once people have the "beginner" version, they'll aspire to upgrade to the real thing. It gets people "on the boat". 3. Rolex sells a cheaper version of their flagship watch under the Tudor brand- it's virtually identical and hasn't diluted Rolex's brand value. 4. The funky colors is…
Salty about what exactly? Put it in words please.