KMII presents a 'cheap and cheerful' comparison test between the Swatch System 51 and the Seiko 5, two entry-level mechanical watches. This post offers a lighthearted yet insightful look at their features, movements, and wearability, providing a valuable resource for those new to mechanical watchmaking or seeking affordable, in-house options.
I was thinking of a somewhat less than usual post - namely a comparison test of two watches. We rarely see these here or do them, as it is mostly (as often for hobbies) more about our individual preferences than a hardcore Consumer Reports like feature comparison. So just for fun, in a segment where potentially some customers may actually care about the features more...
Here the contenders, a Swatch System 51 in the left corner, with a Seiko 5 in the right, both in the Desert Storm colour variety
Both are more or less amongst the cheapest entries into the world of mechanical watchmaking, so a good starting point for children, nephews and nieces or potentially wayward older relatives that need to be brought onto the proper, non-electronic path. At the same time, both are also the cheapest examples of in-house, manufacture movements, if one wants to do it more tongue in cheek
The first issue that gets apparent is the size discrepancy. The Swatch literally towers over the Seiko and appears like it could eat it whole, easily. On the wrist the difference is less pronounced, as they both weight about the same amount, due to the Swatch being plastic versus the metal of the smaller Seiko.
Here the comparison is even more pronounced - the Seiko looking like an ultra slim in comparison. Most wrist sizes will easily accomodate both and the straps will adjust sufficiently to cater for most - not quite my two year old but anything from five years of age to middle weight boxer should be possible with the factory straps (that's why they have a gazillion holes). Still, if your offspring is to get used to a Panerai later in life, the Swatch is the better preparation, for PP candidates, rather go Seiko
Now to the movements. Both in-house automatic movements, with 21.600 vph and that is where the similarities stop. Where the System 51 boasts lots of plastic, a 90 hour power reserve and 19 jewels, the Seiko counters with a 40h plus power reserve, a repair and adjustment possibility (something the Swatch lacks completely) and 21 jewels. In terms of comparisons at this level, jewels good?
On a more practical level, both can be set very quickly, none of them hacks, and the Seiko offers a day complication in addition to the date (here probably good, unless raising a Nicolas Junior
) but loses out in terms of not offering hand winding.
Both have luminous hands and the luminosity - while not causing passing aircraft to crash, or blinding fish in the sea - is adequate enough to read the time through most of the night. The System 51 hands seem to be a bit more complex (hour & minute) but the Seiko covers with a reverse lollipop and a red tip on the seconds hand.
Both offer some water resistance but I would avoid aquatic fun more with the Swatch, as neither the 30m nor the strap speak for prolonged exposure.
So in the first part, it is - like with pretty much all the watches we get - a matter of personal preference
Stay tuned for the field testing, with Part 2 to follow later today.
