Swatch Automatic Chronograph

The AM Take

Pub. 2009-12-04

Swatch, typically known for low-cost quartz watches, impedes on its sister brands by releasing a new line of automatic mechanical movement-based chronograph watches. As part of the Irony collection, these men's watches feature new movements as well as the brand’s typical lightweight and airy style -- not to mention standard plastic and metal construction that the famed Swiss brand is known for. Five new timepieces with the new movements fill out the collection, while specs for the watches are impressive given the low prices. Still, the question remains: Why mechanical when Swatch does quartz so well?

Uniqueness

Oddly enough, it was the creation of low-cost quartz watches by Swatch that inspired the Swiss mechanical watch industry. Then, a few years ago, Swatch started to come out with more mechanical movements. This new Irony Chrono Automatic collection features the new ETA caliber C01-211 movement with a 46-hour power reserve. It is based on the famed Lemania 5100 movement from the 1970s.

The watch itself takes five forms -- each very much the same with only cosmetic differences on the outside. Still, they each have their own personality arriving with model names like “Blunge,” “Silver Class” and “Sign in the Sky.” Note the use of sapphire crystals. Swatch watches are known for colourful displays and visual games with classic watch styles. The new Swatch Automatic Chronographs are no exception, playing with classic looks like a diver, world timer and racing watch. Strap options include leather, metal and rubber.

Durability

One reason the Lemania 5100 movement was so famous was its durability, whose quality should have transferred to the new movement in these watches. Given the value of the watches, the movement and case does have a significant level of plastic as part of the construction, but they aren’t cheaply made. This material will have a serious effect on wear and tear of the watch itself, but hasn’t been shown to effect the quality of the movement much.

No Swatch has ever really been considered a serious timepiece in style or composition, but are known to provide a satisfying ownership experience. For those days when you aren’t feeling too serious and want to have fun, a Swatch watch is an enjoyable companion. Even though Swatch designs can be considered busy, they are almost always in style, and with a commendable new ETA movement, the Swatch Automatic Chronographs are a new reason to notice a brand you may have recently forgotten about.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.