Strap Guide: MoonSwatch

A Brief History

The MoonSwatch was launched in March 2022 as a landmark collaboration between Swatch and Omega as the Bioceramic MoonSwatch Collection. Inspired by Omega's iconic Speedmaster Pro, dubbed the Moonwatch, the MoonSwatch reimagined one of horology's most iconic designs in a far more accessible and playful form. 

Instead of steel and a mechanical chronograph movement, the MoonSwatch uses Swatch's proprietary Bioceramic material and a quartz chronograph movement, allowing it to retail at a fraction of the Speedmaster's price. Each model in the collection is themed after a celestial body, for example the Moon, Earth, Mars, Uranus, and more, with colours and details tied to astronomical characteristics and Speedmaster lore. 

The release sparked unprecedented hype, with long queues forming worldwide and many boutiques selling out within hours. Beyond the hype, the MoonSwatch marked a significant moment in modern watchmaking: it blurred the lines between luxury and mass-market watches, introduced a new generation to the Speedmaster's legacy, and demonstrated the power of collaboration in a traditionally conservative industry.

Today, we’ll be pairing several straps with the Mission to Mercury model, exploring how different materials and colours can transform one of the most understated and versatile variants in the MoonSwatch lineup.

Mission to Mercury: A Subtle Standout

Among the many colourful options in the MoonSwatch range, Mission to Mercury stands out for doing the opposite: it’s restrained, monochromatic, and quietly confident. Finished in a dark grey Bioceramic case with a matching dial, it feels closer in spirit to a traditional tool watch than many of its more vibrant siblings. This neutrality makes it an excellent canvas for strap experimentation, as it pairs easily with a wide range of materials and colours without clashing.

Out of the box, the stock Velcro-style strap does its job well enough, but swapping it out is where the MoonSwatch really comes alive. A simple strap change can dramatically alter the watch’s personality, taking it from casual weekend wear to something far more refined.

Retro Rubber Strap

One of the easiest ways to elevate the Mission to Mercury is with a Retro Rubber Strap. Designed with a flush integrated fit, this strap helps the watch sit more cohesively on the wrist, making the head and strap feel like a single, intentional design. The added structure and clean lines instantly make the watch look more expensive than it actually is, without compromising on comfort.

Rubber also plays nicely with the MoonSwatch’s lightweight nature. It keeps the overall package sporty and wearable, making this pairing ideal for daily use, especially in warm or humid climates where leather might not be practical.

Trimfit Sports Rubber Strap

The Trimfit Sports Rubber Strap remains a crowd favourite for good reason. Cut precisely to your wrist size, it eliminates the long tail ends that tend to jut out and ruin the silhouette of an otherwise clean watch. On the Mission to Mercury, this creates a sleek, modern look that feels purposeful and well thought out.

Functionally, the Trimfit strap also improves comfort and stability on the wrist. The MoonSwatch is light to begin with, but a properly sized rubber strap helps it stay centred and secure, whether you’re typing at a desk or moving about throughout the day.

Foldfit Rubber Strap

To stay true to the MoonSwatch’s Omega roots, pairing it with an Omega-inspired Foldfit Rubber Strap feels especially appropriate. The foldover clasp adds a touch of refinement that you don’t often associate with Swatch-branded watches, subtly bridging the gap between the MoonSwatch and its luxury counterpart.

This pairing works particularly well with the Mission to Mercury’s subdued colour scheme. The added heft and structure of the clasp give the watch more wrist presence, making it feel closer to a “serious” sports chronograph while still retaining the fun, accessible spirit of the MoonSwatch.

Classic FKM Rubber Strap

For those who prefer a no-frills approach, the Classic FKM Rubber Strap is a solid option. Durable, comfortable, and visually understated, it does exactly what a rubber strap should do, no more, no less. On the Mission to Mercury, this keeps the watch firmly in tool-watch territory, emphasising practicality over flair.

This pairing is ideal if you want something reliable and versatile that you can wear without thinking too much about it. It may not draw attention, but that’s precisely the point.

Classic Croc Embossed Leather

Yes, you can dress up a MoonSwatch. Pairing the Mission to Mercury with a Classic Croc Embossed Leather strap transforms it into something altogether different. The contrast between the playful Swatch origins and the traditionally formal leather texture creates an interesting tension that actually works surprisingly well.

While it won’t replace a proper dress watch, this combination is perfect for evenings out or occasions where you want something a little more refined, yet still unconventional. It’s also a reminder of just how adaptable the MoonSwatch design really is.

Honourary Mention: Steel Case & Bracelet Mod

If you’ve ever wanted the look and wrist presence of a Moonwatch without committing to the full luxury price tag, this clever MoonSwatch mod might be right up your alley. A user on Reddit recently shared detailed photos and step-by-step instructions showing how they transplanted their MoonSwatch into a stainless steel case and paired it with a matching steel bracelet. The transformation is striking: the familiar Speedmaster-inspired dial suddenly feels more substantial, more balanced, and far closer to the experience of wearing the actual Moonwatch. While Swatch’s Bioceramic material is lightweight and fun, it undeniably lacks the cold, reassuring heft and tactile satisfaction of steel. This mod bridges that gap beautifully, retaining the playful accessibility of the MoonSwatch while elevating its look and feel into something that wouldn’t feel out of place alongside traditional steel sports chronographs.

Final Thoughts

The MoonSwatch may have started life as a hype-fuelled collaboration, but it has proven to be far more than a novelty. Especially in understated variants like Mission to Mercury, it offers a versatile platform for experimentation, self-expression, and fun, things that are sometimes forgotten in a hobby that can take itself a little too seriously.

Whether you prefer rubber, leather, or even a full steel conversion, the right strap can completely change how the MoonSwatch wears and feels on the wrist. At its core, that’s what makes this watch so appealing: it invites you to play, customise, and enjoy the design legacy of the Moonwatch in your own way. And in a hobby built around personal taste, that’s something worth celebrating.