Since the early 1980’s, Swatch revolutionized the watch market by producing affordable Swiss watches that appeals to a wide range of audience, this time it stepped it up with the Swatch Sistem51 Irony.
At Baselworld 2013, we saw the release of the Sistem51 series that is the world’s first mechanical movement made with an entirely automated assembly. The Sistem51 is unique in its own way, comprising a total of 51 mechanical movement components with only a single central screw uniting the mechanics of the timepiece.
By having only 51 components within the watch, it makes the timepiece easy to produce and complements the fully automated assembly production of it. By doing so, it keeps human involvement in the watchmaking process to a minimum and reduces the overhead costs of the process. The watch was a huge success as it was very well-priced and costs a fraction of its nearest competitor which was any Swiss-Made watch with a manufacture movement.
This year’s release of the Sistem51 Irony sees a step up in terms of material used for the watch. The Swatch Sistem51 Irony series goes metal with the introduction of high performance and robust metals to the watch design.
The Sistem51 Irony features metal as a key element of its design
Case, Dial and Hands
The Swatch Sistem51 Irony comes in a 316L stainless steel watch case measuring at 42 mm with 6 different dial designs. Each design has its own unique features that can complement any individual’s preference. We like the variations in the dial designs as it allows the collector to choose a design that best fits his/her style.
The Sistem51 Irony comes in a 316L stainless steel watch case in 6 different designs.
In this release, we also see a refresh in the materials used in the watch. From the use of rubber instead of silicon bands; superluminova index applications instead of print; use of fine, padded leather bands and metal that really differentiates the watch from its predecessor and yet maintains its price point. This is a huge step by Swatch to move towards pushing out affordable, timeless automatic watches that can appeal to the mass market.
Beautiful details on the Sistem51 Irony dial.
We think the Swatch Sistem51 Irony is a pretty fun watch as it has so many different variants and the fact that its Swiss-Made really makes the watch all the more desirable. This is all made possible by taking advantage of the first fully-automated mechanical watch manufacturing process where each model is assembled to the highest standards of Swiss watchmaking.
The Sistem51 was made using the first fully-automated mechanical watch manufacturing process.
The Movement
The Sistem51 Irony makes use of the same movement as its predecessor, featuring an automatic movement that operates at a frequency of 21,600 bph with a 90-hour power reserve which is pretty impressive. The openwork caseback design of the watch allows for a clear view of the central screw, automatic rotor, oscillating balance wheel and other components all moving in motion, aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
The openwork caseback design of the watch allows for a clear view of the movement.
Concluding Thoughts
Priced from S$ 279 to S$330 depending on the model selected, the Sistem51 Irony is an excellent buy for any individual. The wide range of choices available will fit most people’s tastes and preferences and that combined with the fact that this is a Swiss-Made watch with a manufacture movement makes it all the more desirable to own. The addition of metal as a key element of the Sistem51 Irony series gives the watch a “premium” feel without affecting its price tag further justifying its value for money.
5 Comments
For the price, styling, accuracy and overall value its a market changing achievement!
I have 14 sistem 51’s, several Tissots, Seiko’s…i do think swatch should change the case shape and perhaps name the case styling to foreshadow more case shapes to come. That way a sistem collector like me can look forward to a really different look but still have the quality and consistency of the movement and enjoy a different look.
Billie with all due respect, your comment is baseless nonsense. The movement has a 90 hour power reserve. The movement has a guaranteed accuracy of +/- 7 seconds near COSC chronometer accuracy. The movement is commposed of ARCAP materials that is highly resistant to magnetic fields. The movement is hermetically sealed with all of the Sistem 51 Irony watches being fully servicable. The plastic escapement is anything but infamous and in fact allows a long lifespan without required maintenance because of the sepecific type of advanced plastic being used.
Thanks for this review. I went and bought the Sistem 51 Arrow. I find this to be an amazing design and great value. And feels so much better than the first and second gen, both of which I have. The Arrow can hold its own next to watch much more expensive than itself. I really like the design.
I found the sistem 51 definitely had its place as the gatekeeper of the mechanical watch market. I thought that idea was so clever, a plastic, casual, affordable watch with a Swiss movement, all for a very reasonable price. While I respect the move to try and up the game of the sistem 51, I think that there are still flaws with the design. The case shape in general, fits the plastic model very well, it’s simplicity has very subtle curves that give an avant garde, but acceptable mood to the overall presentation of the watch. However, I find that in the metal case, the shape of the case is just not streamline enough to be appealing in more of a dress setting.
I will say that the dial and hands are very tasteful. I think the numbering could have been done in a less outstanding manner.
If they still have that terrible movement with it’s infamous plastic escapment, it’s still overpriced by a few hundred dollars.