In 2014, SWATCH surprised the world by announcing the mechanical movement "SISTEM51," composed of 51 parts. This year, a new model featuring the "SISTEM51" with a newly developed Nivachron™ anti-magnetic alloy hairspring has arrived. SWATCH's challenge, marked by constant innovation since its birth, continues.

SWATCH was born in 1983, but for those over 50, the astonishment of that era might feel like it was just yesterday. SWATCH's brilliance is undeniable, from its concept that completely overturned existing notions by creating a premium feel in casual watches, to its reasonable pricing and high-sense designs. It was undoubtedly an innovation that shines brightly in watchmaking history.

In particular, the simple structure with a plastic body, exposed button battery, and just 51 parts was astonishing. From a production standpoint, it was also a groundbreaking product that achieved automation in watchmaking, shattering the image that "Swiss-made is synonymous with handmade luxury."

SWATCH was the innovative watch of the 20th century, and the watch industry's approach to watchmaking changed significantly before and after SWATCH's arrival.

Then, in 2014, SWATCH unveiled a mechanical watch composed of 51 parts. Named "SISTEM51," this watch was also manufactured on a fully automated line, a first in mechanical watchmaking history.

The practical advantages of a mechanical watch include:

• No worries about battery depletion
• Environmentally friendly, as it does not use button batteries
• The timekeeping function is self-contained and independent of networks
• The movement of the escapement can be observed like a heartbeat, becoming an object of affection

These are the benefits that can be listed.

The "SISTEM51 IRONY" stylishly elevates these advantages. Its simple form follows SWATCH's aesthetic, but it also adopts a metal case that exudes an adult atmosphere. The movement it houses is the "SISTEM51" from which the model name is derived. However, the new model's movement is equipped with a hairspring made of the newly developed Nivachron™ anti-magnetic alloy, announced in 2019.

Let's delve a little deeper into "SISTEM51."

Developed by the SWATCH GROUP, the next-generation mechanical movement "SISTEM51," produced on a fully automated line, matches the 51 parts of SWATCH's existing quartz movements.

Incidentally, a typical mechanical watch consists of at least over 100 parts. By thorough rationalization, this number has been reduced to 51, nearly half. It is the ultimate in simplicity. While it is rationalization, it incorporates a great deal of cutting-edge technology. The fact that 17 patent applications have been filed in relation to this model suggests the extent of the technological development undertaken.

Furthermore, to avoid misunderstanding, fewer parts do not mean inferior performance. For example, the power reserve of up to 90 hours, nearly double that of conventional mechanical watches, is in no way inferior to that of premium brands. After all, it keeps running from Friday night until Monday morning, making it the perfect companion for busy businessmen who often find themselves rushed at the start of the week.

This model uses "ARCAP," a non-magnetic alloy made of copper, nickel, and zinc, for its components. The high sealing of the case prevents deterioration from moisture and dust, ensuring magnetic resistance, high accuracy, and longevity. Furthermore, it is maintenance-free and requires no lubrication. This eliminates the need for overhauls, which were essential for mechanical watches, making mechanical watches accessible to a wider audience. Flipping the watch case reveals the movement of the peripheral rotor, allowing you to experience the joy of owning a mechanical watch.

Another point worth mentioning is the newly incorporated Nivachron™ hairspring.

As the "hairspring" is crucial for determining a watch's accuracy, materials that are less susceptible to magnetism and temperature have long been sought after. Amidst this, silicon hairsprings, which are resistant to magnetism and temperature changes, emerged and are now incorporated in many watches.

Nivachron™, a non-magnetic alloy, is the new material that replaces silicon. It is an alloy primarily composed of titanium and niobium, and its elasticity is not affected by typical human living temperature environments. Moreover, its magnetic resistance is 10 to 20 times greater than the previously used Nivarox. With virtually no performance degradation over time, it further enhances the maintenance-free aspect. The adoption of this Nivachron™ hairspring improves accuracy to within ±7 seconds per day, providing sufficient precision for everyday use.

With such high-quality parts, one might expect the price to skyrocket, but this is SWATCH. Its outstanding cost performance is realized in this model as well. It has been 36 years since SWATCH appeared. While respecting the tradition of Swiss watchmaking, SWATCH has delivered its technology and aesthetic sensibilities to the world through "industrial products." In both the 20th and 21st centuries, the term "innovative watch" is synonymous with SWATCH.

SWATCH continues to be the "icon of innovation" in Swiss watches.

SWATCH SISTEM THOUGHT
Ref｜YIB402
Movement｜Automatic
Power Reserve｜90 hours
Case Material｜Stainless Steel
Strap Material｜Leather
Case Diameter｜42mm
Water Resistance｜3 ATM
Price｜¥30,500 (excluding tax)

SWATCH SISTEM PILOTE
Ref｜YIB404
Movement｜Automatic
Power Reserve｜90 hours
Case Material｜Stainless Steel
Strap Material｜Leather
Case Diameter｜42mm
Water Resistance｜3 ATM
Price｜¥30,500 (excluding tax)

SWATCH SISTEM KNIGHT
Ref｜YIM401
Movement｜Automatic
Power Reserve｜90 hours
Case Material｜Stainless Steel
Strap Material｜Rubber
Case Diameter｜42mm
Water Resistance｜3 ATM
Price｜¥23,000 (excluding tax)