Swatch Sistem51 Review: Machine-Made Marvel

TOPLIMIT's review of the Swatch Sistem51 offers a timely look back at a watch that captured significant attention upon its 2013 release. This article explores the initial impressions and community reactions to Swatch's innovative, fully machine-assembled mechanical movement. Readers gain insight into the watch's unique appeal and perceived drawbacks from early adopters.

Blame it on the internet, they say.

It all began when I was surfing the internet using the free Wifi at the Manor departmental store in Lucerne, Switzerland. It was dinner time, and free Wifi is hard to come by in Switzerland. So, while I was busying looking through Facebook, I happened to see a post by a renowned watch blogger, SJX. He mentioned that the Swatch Sistem51 is only available in Switzerland at the moment. And everything else, after that, is history.

It has been 2 weeks since I first had this watch, and I must say, it has been on my wrist for quite a number of days recently (and I am wearing it as I am writing this!). It is a simple, but fun watch. But what is the fuss all about with the Sistem51?

Launched in the 2013 Baselworld, the Swatch Sistem51 is considered a horological marvel; a piece of history in the making. It is the first mechanical watch that is fully assembled with machines, and its movement (which has 51 components) is held by only one screw. Intriguing.

Its stats are impressive too. 90 hour power reserve. Precision of +/- 10 seconds a day (It is not an expensive watch, so don’t expect COSC standards). Date indicator. “In-house” movement. All in a watch that cost CHF150. But lets ignore the geeky aspect of the watch, shall we?

What I like about this watch is that it is a really simple. Nothing fanciful. Nothing showy. It is a piece that you can just wear with a T-Shirt and Bermuda. It is really light too, since its casing is made in plastic. Yes, not many people will like a watch that is case in plastic, but it is nice to have something different once in a while, right? And while it may sound kiddish, the oscillating weight of the watch is kinda fun to play with, too! Furthermore, the clear caseback display adds a really neat touch to the watch as well.

There are several aspects of the watch, however, that I am not quite a fan of. Firstly, it is a little difficult to tell time. This is due to the slightly complex dial design that they have got there. While the design adds a nice touch to the watch, but I would prefer it to be slightly toned down.

The second and third problem lies in the picture above. The lugs, as seen in the picture, is a little unorthodox. And because of this, it would be difficult to change the watch strap to another one, since the design is different from the common strap designs that you’d see. Also, the movement is a tad too noisy for my liking. Yes, it is not an expensive watch, but I would have like it to be softer. Perhaps it is just me, but oh well.

I have not tested the accuracy of the watch, but I will do so within the next few days. Overall, this watch is something that I’d add into my collection, in the name of fun. While there are several aspects of the watch that I do not like, but I would cast it aside because frankly, this watch is just simply amazing. At this kind of price, and with its technological marvel, you would quickly forgive the “loudness” of the movement, or the confusing dial. It goes back to the fundamental reason of why I like watches- the creative and ingenious aspect of watchmaking. The movement and the watchmaking process itself is a horological marvel, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Mark my words. This is the future of watchmaking.

(P.S. While I mentioned that this is the future of watchmaking, I still expect the marque brands to craft their watches using the traditional way, with the human touch. But this technology will pave way for more affordable mechanical watches, which will allow more people to join in the ranks of owning a piece of mechanical watch. And this is something that I definitely welcome.)

Pros:

- Lightweight (which, on the other hand, can be a con for others as well)

- Relatively cheap for a mechanical watch

- Long power reserve

Cons:

- Slight difficulty in reading the time with complex dial design

- Noisy movement

- Weird lug design

Picture time!