Home » Baselworld - World Watch and Jewellery Show » Baselworld 2013 Review – Swatch Sistem51 Watch
If you do not believe that it is possible to buy a good mechanical watch for a little bit more than $100, I suggest you to think again. At Baselworld 2013, Swatch presented the world’s first mechanical movement which has an entirely automated (self-winding) assembly.
The mechanical movement of the Swatch Sistem51 is made from 51 components which have been welded together to form a single assembly centred on a single screw.
The advanced design of the high-tech escapement does not need regulation. The rate instead is adjusted by a laser, which means that manual adjustments are not necessary. The power reserve of the movement lasts more than sufficient 90 hours.
This number of components is quite amazing considering the fact that most mechanical timepieces have twice that. It took the enormous work for Swatch’s team to reduce a number of necessary parts. The movement itself is 100% assembled by machines and that is an extraordinary technological breakthrough for the Swiss watchmaking industry. Also, it is important to say that all parts are made in Switzerland, with no foreign components.
The movement is made of the material called ARCAP, which is actually an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc. This innovative material has extraordinary anti-magnetic properties.
Further, the components of the movement are hermetically sealed inside the case, thus preventing moisture and dust to get in. This means that the movement will have a long life and enduring performance. I am not sure, but I think that this also implies that nothing can get out so we can conclude that the new Swatch cannot be serviced or repaired.
The Transparency of Sistem51 Distinguishes this Newcomer from other Swatch Watches
The Sistem51 also has a mystery rotor crafted from a transparent plastic disc that rotates in both directions around the central screw. Thanks to this feature, you can enjoy fascinating views of the movement beneath it.
The motif on the dial is a reference to the Copernican Revolution. When Copernicus put the sun at the center of the universe and made the planets orbit around it, he changed the whole way we perceive and understand life. In some way, we can tell that Sistem51 is a Copernican idea in modern terms.
Swatch plans to offer this watch for the retail price of 100 Swiss Francs or approximately $105. It will be officially launched in October this year.
Thirty years ago, Swatch turned the watch world upside down and with more than affordable Sistem51, it can make another revolutionary step in the low price market segment. I must say that I am looking forward to see it in person.
