When Swatch launched the Sistem51 in Baselworld 2013, there was a lot of buzz about a new mechanical calibre made of 51 parts. There was a lot of publicity around the automated manufacture of this calibre and how it is hermetically sealed etc. Alas, due to its construction, one cannot service the movement.
The concept was fun - single constructed mechanical movement with no regulator unlike "normal" mechanical movements but still gives off 90 hours of power reserve. At launch, there were 4 colours to choose from - Blue, Red, Black and White.
My favourite version is the white - the most colourful of the lot.
The single constructed mechanical movement with a peripheral rotor secured by a single screw at the centre.
The watch comes with a 1 year warranty and if it stopped working, Swatch swap it at the Swatch Boutique.
Central seconds and the small date window at 3, the Sistem51 was a compelling buy then at around US$160 if memory serves me right.
The red...
The rotor on the case back is quite psychedelic
And now the black...
But Sistem51 didn't last - at least not for me. Many of my collector friends told me theirs stopped working within 2 years. Even while they came out with new version like this pilot inspired iteration, little changed.
They did not last. Money down the drain as they say. So what has become of my collection of the Sistem51? Well, they sat in my drawer as a stark reminder of never to buy another Sistem51.
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