Swatch just emailed me about a new collection of watches called Sistem51. Neat looking watches for $150. But the power reserve is a killer at 90 hours. Since it is made by Swatch, can one assume it has an in-house movement? http://store.swatch.com/watches/originals/sistem51/suts401-sistem-blue.html?utm_source=Swatch+Eway+Emails&utm_medium=l5200100&utm_campaign=Sistem51
Interesting, I never really looked at Swatch watches before, some are appealing to my eye, but I think its odd to have a throw-away mechanical movement watch. The cost of servicing (if even possible) would far exceed the purchase price of a new one, so in effect, I would assume these watches have a 5yr life span, give or take, after which you toss in the garbage and buy a new one.
It is indeed inhouse, so much so that it's a sealed unit. They just came avaliable in the US. I'd like to see one but the plastic case turns me off sadly
Do not be so certain. I have a Swatch Rubin from 1991 and it has never been serviced but still has excellent time keeping. It sits in my watch box because I never wear it except when my OMEGA needs to be serviced. But a few winds later and it is good to go.
I saw these in person at my local Swatch store a couple weeks ago. Great idea and the movement is technically interesting, but for $150, it's still built like a Swatch. Your run of the mill Seiko 5 is about $60 and there are tons of variations built on that movement out there.
I just bought one; needed something this interesting in the collection. It is completely mechanical, only 51 parts all held together by a single central screw, plastic case but leather strap. Will take it for a test drive and let you know how it turns out...
Bought one in black for me and a white for my wife last june. It's a real swatch : fun but expensive, plastic and noisy. And I like it!