A collector’s take on the Swatch Sistem 51, and a nice story on how he acquired it.
– Editor
As a modest collector of Swatch watches (about 40 pieces to date), I was very excited when Swatch announced that they are going to make a new model done entirely by robots and contain only 51 parts (hence the model number).
With a power reserve of 90 hrs, I find that this is an incredible feat. And to top it all off, the 51 parts are all assembled with a single screw in the plastic case without a regulator!. How fantastic is that !!Enquiries to our local Swatch shops gave an estimated 2nd quarter launch. Felt very disappointed.
I find this model to be a step forward for Swatch. It used to be fun but quartz….battery hassle, battery leak. But now its fun and self-winding. With the subtle difference in color, each of the 4 colors are unique by itself. The side of the round rotor and movement is stamped with the color of the watch which I find very nice as it blends in with the case color. Even the second hand is of the same color of the model, as with the brand name/logo at 12 o’clock. The date numerals on the red model is red whereas the blue one is white and the black model black on a white disc. These small details make the different colors more unique to each and the desire to collect all 4.
![Swatch Sistem 51, black, view of the display case back showing the transparent rotor and psychedelic patterns on the movement.](https://i0.wp.com/deployant.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/swatch-sistem51-black-back.jpg?resize=702%2C802&ssl=1)
Swatch Sistem 51, black, view of the display case back showing the transparent rotor and psychedelic patterns on the movement.
….and now my story
When a trip to SIHH this year took me to Geneva, I told myself that I would not leave without getting one on my wrist. Lo and behold, the Swatch shops had them but seems like the color blue was sold out in the town shop that I was in….more desirable? And blue was my favourite colour! Haiz! Anyway, passion took over and I bought 4 Sistem 51: one red and black for myself, and another 2 blacks for some friends back home.
At the end of the trip, when we were at the Geneva airport, I saw another Swatch shop. Surprisingly, they have one last blue! Immediately I told the pretty sales assistant that I wanted it! But to qualify for the de-tax, I had to buy another one…so be it; I was too excited to think rationally. Too excited that I was, and grabbed a white one. But in my excitement, I did not realise that I had mistakenly taken another black…But never mind that…I had my blue Swatch Sistem 51! And I am a happy man.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year , I decided to wear the red one (red being the auspicious colour for the Chinese). And this is the first time I’m taking the watch out of the box. The first thing that caught my eyes was the clear rotor on the back and immediately it reminds me of my favorite Vianney Halter classic. The rotor is a bit rough when its twirling on your hands but you can’t feel anything when its on the wrist.
![Swatch Sistem 51, red, caseback, showing the red markings on the movement bridge, visible through the transparent rotor.](https://i0.wp.com/deployant.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/swatch-sistem51-red-back.jpg?resize=702%2C847&ssl=1)
Swatch Sistem 51, red, caseback, showing the red markings on the movement bridge, visible through the transparent rotor.
It has been on my wrist since the first day of the Lunar New Year and I can say that the accuracy is excellent. I’m not too technical so the few seconds plus or minus don’t affect me that much as long as the minute hand is the same as my iPhone. Anyway, don’t forget that this is only Swiss Fr150.
Downside for me is the date…too small but having said that, I rarely change the dates of my watches as I wear a different one on everyday.
Telling time on the go is ok unless you have the sun shining on the watch, then it would be a bit confusing as the end of the hour and minute hands are white…same as the dots and lines on the dial.
Since the case is plastic, no worry of having to spend thousands of dollars polishing of the dinks! The strap is very comfortable as its plastic and only the black model comes with a leather band. The subtle difference like red stitching on the red model and blue stitching on the blue model brings back memories of my Swatches where I try to match my clothes…. Very subtle yet different. And no worries of sweat on a $700 alligator/crocodile strap either.
![A tribute to Nicholas Hayek, who reinvented the Swiss watchmaking industry with the creation of Swatch. Now the Swatch Group is a powerful conglomerate with many watchmaking interests.](https://i0.wp.com/deployant.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wristshot.jpg?resize=702%2C395&ssl=1)
A tribute to Nicholas Hayek, who reinvented the Swiss watchmaking industry with the creation of Swatch. Now the Swatch Group is a powerful conglomerate with many watchmaking interests.
Overall, I think it’s still a fun Swatch and at the same time a horological marvel. Its simply a fun mechanical watch.
12 Comments
HOLA HERNAN,
ESTOY DUDANDO ENTRE EL AZUL Y EL NEGRO. ¿CUÁL CREES QUE PODRÍA IR MEJOR PARA COMBINAR CON TODO?
SALUDOS!!
El azul, sin ningún genero de dudas. ¡Si lo encuentras! El azul y el negro son los primeros modelos que desparecen ràpidamente de las tiendas. ¡Buena suerte!
necesitoimagenes en mi fc de swatchsistem51y su valor comercial en colombia lo puedo conseguir en falabella cali valle¿¿
favor respuesta
Seguramente que te puedo ayudar. Tengo los 4 modelos. Pero no entiendo tu pregunta (aparte del lrecio en Colombia, lo cual es imposible para mi saberlo. Vivo en España). ¿Qué es lo que quieres saber exactamente?
The watertight movement that does not need servicing for 10 plus years and the promised near COSC accuracy and 90 hour reserve make this a standout ….
How is the 90hr reserve? That is quite an impressive number – my assumption is this a very low-beat movement to achieve that, how smoothly does the second hand sweep?
Hi Toby,
Thanks for reading.
While I’m not a technical guy, the watch was still running smoothly after 3 days and that is enough for me to get thru the weekend.
The beat is at 3 hz (21600 vph) and the second hand is a smooth sweep.
Go have a look and you’ll be surprised
True enough it is a fun watch. But I was rather disappointed with the construction and feel of the final product. True the watch is amazing with only 51 parts and true that it is even more amazing as it needs no regulation but still, this is a Swatch. I take reference to the group as oppose to the watch.
But I guess at Sfr150, one cannot ask too much. Having said that, the regular Swatch with the mechanical ETA movements are probably a better bang for the buck. Novelty here is the 51 parts and the “magic” rotor ala Vianney Halter. That was somewhat a surprise – pleasant one for me. Enjoy your collection Sir!