I have started my watch collection with a Casio Edifice. After this video, maybe I'll think of adding System 51 for an automatic type watch in my collection.
I prefer the quartz version of Swatch. I had a "Blackout" that I wore through high school and loved it. I later bought a new old stock of the same model still on the original jewel case and still have it. Now I have the newer version with a larger case and will likely never wear it but keep it in the collection of a few other large case models. I will never buy a mechanical Swatch because it just seems like the antithesis of a cheap plastic watch. Quartz is cheap and accurate and belongs in a plastic Swatch.
My daughter bought me a first generation Sistem51 watch for my 50th birthday. I loved it. Wore it as much as I could. After about 1 year, the watch strap buckle broke. I went to my local Swatch store to buy a replacement strap, and they replaced it for free. About three years in, the watch just stopped. It would work if I shook it but only for a few seconds. It turns out the mainspring must have fallen off its mounting point. I tried manual winding and hear a noticeable "click" sound while turning the crown. I love the proposition of the Sistem51 movement. It was accurate and a functionally good movement. But in the end, it is a kid's toy for adults. You play with it for a little while and throw it away. I'm pretty sure the plastics would dry out and crack if you leave it in the sun too long. I'm tempted to get another one, but feel I could get a something less fun, but would last much longer for less money.
I bought one in white, loved it for about five minutes, wore it for about five minutes, and then forgot about it for nearly two years before selling it on - it's one of those things, it's a great watch in theory, but in practice, you end up NOT wearing it for some reason
No...sorry. Avoid this watch at any cost in my own personal opinion. I owned several Sistem51 (too embarassed to actually mention how many) in the end all of them broke and cannot be repair. Including the Sistem51 Irony, which I think they said can be repair and maintain. In the end it's really a perishable watch that you don't want from mechanical time piece. Really, its no use. I am dying to see BlancpainXSwatch several years from now. I think it will suffers the same issue as well. Just my experience. Cheers
My first watch ever that I bought with my part time salary at a student was a blue Sistem51. I wore it every day for around 4 years until it ran 1 hour in just 15 minutes. I have bought other watches, so I think it is justified as an entry gateway to the hobby. P/S: I recycled my old Sistem51, and I got a 10% discount on a Seiko 5.
I like the idea of Swatch and even have a couple that were gifts. I only have the quartz - not Sistem51; so my biggest problem (apart from Sistem 51 NON-serviceability, which doesn't apply to mine), is the price. I feel that no Swatch should be more than $80-100 (for limited/special designs) and should rival the cheaper Casios in price, as that is really the quality level - in fact, the Casios have way more functionalty as well, even at the lower end e.g. F-91W. Swatch and a lot of Timex are over-priced for what you are getting, I would say.
I was thinking it's a nice gift, not cheap, not too rich, but something the receiver could enjoy for a few years and the giver doesn't come off as cheap to their favourite nephew etc. It could be a nice first watch. I do think the non-serviceability is an issue at this price point. For double the price, a Seiko 5 will prob run for 10 years before it absolutely needs a service.
I picked up a Sistem51 similar to the one reviewed a while ago. I was looking around for a Moonswatch but they were still kind of hard to get. I was in High School in the 80's, all of the cool kids had Swatches, but I couldn't afford one back then. The purchase was nostalgia for me. I think your review was fair. I have nicer watches now, and the Sistem51 still makes me smile when I wear it, even with its limitations. Isn't that what a watch should do?
I’m a swatch collector, and I vastly prefer the old automatics they put out in the early 90s over sistem51. They are only a tad bit bigger than a standard swatch, and the rotor is a lot less noisy and weighty than sistem51, and they somehow are a lot thinner than the modern automatics to boot, and on top of all that they can be found on the second hand market relatively inexpensively. And this is just my personal take, but the old 90s swatch automatics really lean more into the bright, fun and bold designs that really defined the brand in the early era. Sistem51, imo, tend to offer somewhat bland and muted designs.
The proposition of a watch being disposable I think fundamentally misunderstand how most people think about watches. Watches are not consumables, and people tend to hold onto them for many decades-or as long as they can. These are often, sentimental pieces, and for Swatch to treat them like eventual trash is just ludicrous-not to mention majorly environmentally majorly out of step
For the money, I would buy a Seiko automatic. My wife gave me a kinetic in 1996 that I still wear regularly. Seikos are known to last and can be serviced and passed down. Just my opinion, but I would buy a Timex or Casio long before the Swatch, but I wasn't a fan of them in the 80s either.
I agree with your overall take. I have the Sistem51 in the Blanc Pain collaboration. IMO it's a fine piece of modern watch engineering. Besides the rotor being loud it works fine and keeps time.I would appreciate a better feeling crown and winding feel. Until the Omega collaboration, I would have never thought of buying one. I had not owned a Swatch since 1986. My parents gifted me a Swatch for my 5th-grade graduation.
I was looking for a watch 2 years ago, cheap, automatic and nice to look at. I came across the Swatch Sistem51 and I was really excited about it until I found out it wasn't serviceable. Look there's one thing when you have a watch that looses seconds, minutes, heck hours through a year, nothings perfect, but not being able to service it means you cannot correct the time losing of the watch, meaning it's something recyclable, something like a smartwatch... and for me that's a no, I have my second ever watch, a Q&Q plastic quartz piece of junk, but it still works after 25 years with the same 5 minutes lost every year, it costed maybe 2 euros
the concept of swatch i just cant wrap my head around when casio does disposable plastic watches too but with more functions, significantly more durable and for a quarter of the price
@@wenbolu6157 Casio for me never made disposable plastic watches, all of them can work for ever or until you smash them or do something to them that will damage them beyond repair. But here we have a watch that makes itself irrelevant no matter what you do. It's even worse than a smartwatch which can still be usable if you change it's battery. I just hate this mindset of limited shelf life watches...
i bought a S51 in Singapore at launch and it stopped after 2 years. A few years ago I gave it another chance and bought another S51 while in Paris. Same thing happened. The rotor spins but watch hands do not move at all. I went to swatch and asked for help. Their answer was... the watch is not serviceable. I threw both watches away. Nuf said.
I'm a dial who@e. I base the vast majority of my watch purchase on how much I love the dial. I have had a sistem51 in my collection for long time. Blacked out, rubber strap, 90 hour power reserve. $200. What's not to love?
@@alfieakaronaldog I've never counted to be honest... When I do wear it I just give it winds to get it going and then wander around doing my daily routine - maybe it's my long walks that keep the spring wound more?
I was seeking for see If this movement are worth power reseve 90 hours for watch there are colour full and nice ticking sound year of Dragon 2024 came 5 yes I read other rewiev here about swatch wear it sometimes must say Bravissimo ☆☆☆☆☆
If people thought about it for 5 seconds, the idea that a movement that has 80-90% parts interchangeability with a base 2824 is unserviceable should be laughable, but you still get people who say watchmakers can't take apart Powermatic80s
My thought is I love Swatch! One of the first watches I owned was a triple black Swatch. However, if I’m going automatic, I found an automatic Tissot for $100 more that’ll last forever. If someone asked me about getting into Swiss automatic timepieces, I’d steer them in that direction. BTW, I own three Tissots. I really love the brand. Great product at a great value.
Re the non-serviceability (is that a word?) of the System 51: Who cares? Would you really take your $175 Swatch to have it serviced? Have checked on the service prices these days? I have not had a watch serviced in the last 3 years that cost $175 or less. Usually considerably more. So are you going to pay a watchmaker $200 - $300 to service it? Not me. If it is such a big deal and you want a Swatch, just buy a quartz model. Less expensive and more reliable.
My dog wears a Swatch. She holds it up and points at it to me when it’s time to eat. I think a Swatch is a very good watch for dogs because it is durable, inexpensive and fashionable. The fact that it’s Swiss is a plus. Thank you.
So have an original 2013 set (blue, red, black, white). Unworn but ran fine then. Ten years later, took out of storage, and none run. Can be wound, set, but nothing gets the balance working. Obviously not intended for long-term collecting.
I like Swatch for their funky designs but I prefer their quartz offerings. You can find a lot of vintage Swatches for cheap and a lot of them are still in great condition. They're just fun to wear and, providing you don't spend too much money on them, they're good value. But I wouldn't elevate any of their models new or old, quartz or mechanical, to any level of horological significance.
I have an irony version of Sistem51 and I like it. This watch is designed for Swatch buyers and gives them the choice of having one without a battery. Nothing more. They buy Swatch in the same way as clothes, shoes, etc. Of course there are people who collect them, but they are rare I think. It's a fun watch at the end, this is why i have a Sistem51 in my collection.
I have a similar watch as you presented, but in a metal case. Gut to admit, i love this watch, and it makes me like automatic watches. However, I'm not a watch expert, so it's just a simple person view...
I’ve had one for a number of years. The dial is a discontinued model, which is a shame, it is incredibly easy to read. Don’t wear it as much as I used to, but when I do, it starts right up no problem. Happily keep it as long as I can. When time comes to replace, I’ll see about their new irony versions
Swatch are garbage they were garbage when they came out and still are. This on going quest about making Swatches? Something that they aren't by some is quite funny and stop with the service questions. NOBODY SERVICES A SWATCH a Watchmaker would probably laugh if asked to service
The biggest German watch-forum is pretty unanimous on the Sistem51: It's garbage. It starts as a decent automatic watch but within a few years the accuracy is going downhill rapidly. Since there is no way of repairing it, after 2-3 years you can't even use it as a paperweight anymore since it's to light. With hundreds of NH35 watches in all sizes, colors, designs and materials in the range of 100 - 200 USD, there is absolutely no cause for the sistem51's existence. NH35's will run for decades, and if they stop working you can use it for practice to disassemble a movement and understand how it works. If you can't put it back together, no problem. Buy a new movement for 25 bucks, put it in and the watch will run for another 20 years.
Bought one early one. Happy with it for a while but with in a few years it broke and can't be fixed, won't be replaced. It's trash taking up space in the drawer. Can't recommend.
I understand the sentiment of servicing and/or repairing a mechanical watch. However, if we take the price of this service in consideration, we may come to the conclusion that a watch under $1K is practically a throwaway piece. It’s economically not warranted to pay $400 - 600 for servicing a PRX or something similar.
It’s fine. I don’t believe in spending more than a few hundred dollars on a watch it does a very simple thing. It’s not revolutionary technology or anything. It’s just a watch.
i had a sistem51, cool watch, but once it breaks, you're pretty much f****d... As no one wants to repair it... and i understand why, the majority of the bridges are held by "riveting", the rest held by the "one screw" isn't much
I have a Swatch Sistem51 Hodinkee Edition. I like how it looks, but the movement is hot garbage. If you let it sit for a few weeks, it's almost impossible to restart properly, as it randomly stops. No matter how much do you try to wind it. I don't think I'll ever buy another Swatch.
Having the title of cheapest Swiss automatic watch is kinda empty praise when the device is a grab-bag of compromises; A Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic is so much better for a starting point in Swiss automatics. I can think of a dozen questions someone can ask themself about what they value in watches by studying the Hammy. For example, "Do I prefer printed dials?" Or, "Do I like numerals over stick indices?" "Is this crown too big?" And so on... Whereas you're not going to learn much from Swatch
Swatch automatic movement is the worse possible watch works 1-2 years and after it breaks and can not be fix at all. Had 2 never again. Let's explain Ritmo 5 years old still working Swatch 2 times changed both failed.
Absolutely STAY AWAY from the Swatch Sistem51...mine didnt even last 1 yr before it completely stopped working. And looking at the anecdotes in the comments section this is a very common occurence. Its not cheap compared to the quality and decades-long reliability of Seiko automatics that cost the same or even lower. Not to mention u cant do anything to the swatch even if u knew how to fix watches. Its like a train wreck in slow motion - annoyingly painful
Wished they were smaller. That's all. Serviceability is moot. It's $200. It'll likely cost that much to service. At that point, it's more cost effective to just get a new one.
I think Swatch has clearly a place, but why would anyone want a disposable mechanic watch? I mean, for disposable it makes more sense to buy a quartz Swatch... It won't last forever but probably more than the other with hacking, higher accuracy, etc.
Mine was terrible. Bought one, wore it 3 days, put it in a drawer because I didn't like it. Took it out two years later.....broken. Would not run for more than 10 seconds. Never had that with any watch. I have had watches that hadnt run in 30 years start up without issue (need a service okay, but they work). The Swatch cannot be serviced or fixed so : in the bin.
100m WR and I could do one. something to surf with and not worry about. Gimme that classic 80's sunrise as the background, Orange seconds hand, poly instead of glass. dont even need a rotating bezel.
had s51 irony arrow, bought for 30$ used, sold for same price, bulky, no loom, simple movement, unrepairable. not suggesting it, just save your money for some decent casio or seiko you will be better off even with vintage models rather than swatch
I'got one as a birthday present a few years ago. Then it just stop working, and I realized that it was impossible to repair it. Is there a way to replace the whole movement? It´s a beautyful watch, but paying 150+ for a disposable item is insane.
I've had three of them, and found that they aren't any good. The first two, a "white" and "chic" lasted only a few weeks or months. I sent the "chic" back on warranty, and it was replaced with a "blue." That one also only lasted a few months, so I didn't bother with another warranty replacement. I figured it would be trash like the earlier ones. Then, a couple years later, I got a "pink," thinking they might have improved the movement. I wore it a few times, and it worked ok, but then after not using it for a year or so, it barely runs, losing about a minute per hour. The bottom line is that Sistem51 watches are trash. For similar money, you can get a Seiko 5 that will last for decades. The Seiko won't have the "fun" design of the colorful plastic Swatch, though.
Swatch automatic when i was student back in the 90s ... 90s ? 😮😢 i am old ... 😅😂 back to the topic: one is still working and on one of my watch winders.
Can the movement just be replaced easily? Thinking of a Thrifty Fathoms but only if down the road I can replace movement if necessary. Also, looks like someone got careless with the cheese shredder Teddy.
I love swatch but I don't want an automatic that can't be fixed. They should just make a quartz that ticks multiple times a second, and quit it with gimmicky bio ceramic which is just a worse form of plastic trying to sell you on being eco friendly which it isn't
The fact you can't service it is a dealbreaker for me. After a while it simply becomes a consumable. For that it's too expensive. You can get better, serviceable movements for a similar price. Then I would rather go quartz and be able to exchange the battery.
I've had Swatch watches since I was a teenager. I have never worn any other brand. I still wear one and will always will. I refuse to wear any other brand. They last a very long time if you take care of them, which I have. Don't give a rat's ass about the plastic extension cord, or otherstuff that has to do with learning. Swatch, you know that 50's olds like me love you forever.
To put it lightly I'm happy this sort of thing exists. However I can't tolerate the poor build quality. They break way too easily and are bound for the land fill. Not been able to service a mechanical movement defeats the purpose of it. Been long lasting and serviceable meaning you can potentially have the watch forever. Something that can't happen under any circumstances with this line of watch. Now can this watch movement last a long time? Yes it can. However the failure rate and the build quality of not just the movement but the rest of the watch. Ie the crown falling off the watch or it can stop turning to wind and set the watch. Is just unacceptable. the case material doesn't really bother me and there are metal versions any way so take it as you will. For the money get a Seiko 5 or citizen it may not be swiss however it's serviceable and will last you so much longer. On the accuracy front it's like any watch some will be more accurate than others. Teddy got a fairly good one but I like to see accuracy over time as the watch gets older.
Sistem51 movement is crap. Used to love one given to me when I got married but the movement conked out after just 3 years and can't be repaired. Unacceptable for the price when you have Seikos/Orients that cost just as much or even lower and are still running great 5 years on.
I once have it. Last only 1 year and broken out of the blue. For the price, I expected more. My cheap Vostok last 3 year before needed light service and it's beater watch. The movement is bad IMHO
i specifically sold my blancpain x swatch despite liking the looks because of this movement. it just felt so cheap it detracted from the experience. whenever i jerked my hand i could hear and feel the rotor spinning and it just felt super janky. much worse than my 100 dollar seiko
I bought Irony Blurang with SISTEM51 few months back when I was on a vacation in Italy and it quickly became my favorite piece in the collection. There’s just something in it that makes me wear it again in again. Highly recommend it. I hope it doesn’t break any time soon.
With affordable and serviceable Seiko 5 series there is no reason to buy more goods that simply end up in a landfill. Have enough of that in this world we live. Just too bad swatch went down that path since they have unique designs. Just my opinion.
this watch perfectly defeats the main philosophy of mechanical watches for being a sustainable object that can be passed down through generations. in my opinion a mechanical watch MUST at least be repairable, whatever the price point is.
It seems decent, but it’s not a watch I want on my wrist when I’m making memories & accomplishing milestones. This watch is simply not going to be around in the future!
i rember igetn some swashes in the giftet but i had a casio lcdthat my gandfather given me lcd that been my favort als almost used from 83 to91 , and i dint liket swatch ,bu mynaibor is mynaibor alsotodaywasone offthosethat buydsome as invest orcoletion i dont nknoww, Ihvae aytem 51i dit care for that it have off an leatherband ,is a good watsh for the most , can have 5 atm ...
Do swatch group not have environmental commitments (like most big companies these days), and if they do, how do they square that with making disposable watches?
I am not a watch snob by any means. I love my fossils and bulovas ect. But swatch watches always look and feel so low quality. Idk why or how to describe it
Too big foe mw & being so light & a bit fat it sort of hovers over my wrist. I like the looks & design but dislike the throw away nature. At least let people get into the watch to be able to attempt a repair.
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Don't see the point of this being mechanical if you can't service it. A quartz version would be thinner, cheaper, last longer, and be more accurate.
Just bought one 51 while visiting Lugano couple weeks ago. Nice watch for the price.
I have started my watch collection with a Casio Edifice.
After this video, maybe I'll think of adding System 51 for an automatic type watch in my collection.
I prefer the quartz version of Swatch. I had a "Blackout" that I wore through high school and loved it. I later bought a new old stock of the same model still on the original jewel case and still have it. Now I have the newer version with a larger case and will likely never wear it but keep it in the collection of a few other large case models. I will never buy a mechanical Swatch because it just seems like the antithesis of a cheap plastic watch. Quartz is cheap and accurate and belongs in a plastic Swatch.
Between you and me for that price.... i rather get a g shock
I would take my $175.00 and go looking for a Seiko 5.
My daughter bought me a first generation Sistem51 watch for my 50th birthday. I loved it. Wore it as much as I could. After about 1 year, the watch strap buckle broke. I went to my local Swatch store to buy a replacement strap, and they replaced it for free. About three years in, the watch just stopped. It would work if I shook it but only for a few seconds. It turns out the mainspring must have fallen off its mounting point. I tried manual winding and hear a noticeable "click" sound while turning the crown. I love the proposition of the Sistem51 movement. It was accurate and a functionally good movement. But in the end, it is a kid's toy for adults. You play with it for a little while and throw it away. I'm pretty sure the plastics would dry out and crack if you leave it in the sun too long. I'm tempted to get another one, but feel I could get a something less fun, but would last much longer for less money.
like a seiko 5...
I bought one in white, loved it for about five minutes, wore it for about five minutes, and then forgot about it for nearly two years before selling it on - it's one of those things, it's a great watch in theory, but in practice, you end up NOT wearing it for some reason
Yep! Loses time, cannot be serviced, fun for a day or two. After that, in a box until sold.
Same as me
i have a couple of swatches....theyre FANTASTIC for summer wear.
Same here….
Haha, exactly, 😂
No...sorry. Avoid this watch at any cost in my own personal opinion. I owned several Sistem51 (too embarassed to actually mention how many) in the end all of them broke and cannot be repair. Including the Sistem51 Irony, which I think they said can be repair and maintain. In the end it's really a perishable watch that you don't want from mechanical time piece. Really, its no use. I am dying to see BlancpainXSwatch several years from now. I think it will suffers the same issue as well. Just my experience. Cheers
My first watch ever that I bought with my part time salary at a student was a blue Sistem51. I wore it every day for around 4 years until it ran 1 hour in just 15 minutes. I have bought other watches, so I think it is justified as an entry gateway to the hobby.
P/S: I recycled my old Sistem51, and I got a 10% discount on a Seiko 5.
You were very lucky. I had a Sistem Blue, and it only lasted a few weeks.
I like the idea of Swatch and even have a couple that were gifts. I only have the quartz - not Sistem51; so my biggest problem (apart from Sistem 51 NON-serviceability, which doesn't apply to mine), is the price. I feel that no Swatch should be more than $80-100 (for limited/special designs) and should rival the cheaper Casios in price, as that is really the quality level - in fact, the Casios have way more functionalty as well, even at the lower end e.g. F-91W. Swatch and a lot of Timex are over-priced for what you are getting, I would say.
Especially considering it's a disposable watch, no less.
I was thinking it's a nice gift, not cheap, not too rich, but something the receiver could enjoy for a few years and the giver doesn't come off as cheap to their favourite nephew etc. It could be a nice first watch. I do think the non-serviceability is an issue at this price point. For double the price, a Seiko 5 will prob run for 10 years before it absolutely needs a service.
❤ Hey it is a very inexpensive Swiss made fun watch with just about infinite choice of colors. 😊❤
I picked up a Sistem51 similar to the one reviewed a while ago. I was looking around for a Moonswatch but they were still kind of hard to get. I was in High School in the 80's, all of the cool kids had Swatches, but I couldn't afford one back then. The purchase was nostalgia for me. I think your review was fair. I have nicer watches now, and the Sistem51 still makes me smile when I wear it, even with its limitations. Isn't that what a watch should do?
I’m a swatch collector, and I vastly prefer the old automatics they put out in the early 90s over sistem51. They are only a tad bit bigger than a standard swatch, and the rotor is a lot less noisy and weighty than sistem51, and they somehow are a lot thinner than the modern automatics to boot, and on top of all that they can be found on the second hand market relatively inexpensively.
And this is just my personal take, but the old 90s swatch automatics really lean more into the bright, fun and bold designs that really defined the brand in the early era. Sistem51, imo, tend to offer somewhat bland and muted designs.
Teddy has become a part of the marketing machine to move product.
@@_cru8368 he is paid to do it but of course he wont tell you
@@romybuenaventura3133 Proof?
Can you recommend where to buy one of the 90s ones?
The rotor is far too loud and you can feel the vibration as it spins. Better to get a San Martin/Pagani for less but with better specifications.
I love that sensation. Makes me feel like there is something living on my wrist at all times. Just ticking away
The proposition of a watch being disposable I think fundamentally misunderstand how most people think about watches. Watches are not consumables, and people tend to hold onto them for many decades-or as long as they can. These are often, sentimental pieces, and for Swatch to treat them like eventual trash is just ludicrous-not to mention majorly environmentally majorly out of step
Got mine new for $99. Feel kind of like Teddy, like the simplicity of the watch, but don't like the throw away aspect of the watch.
Add 50$ buy a Seiko Automatic that would last easily 10+ years
For the money, I would buy a Seiko automatic. My wife gave me a kinetic in 1996 that I still wear regularly. Seikos are known to last and can be serviced and passed down. Just my opinion, but I would buy a Timex or Casio long before the Swatch, but I wasn't a fan of them in the 80s either.
The Swatch brand just has a cheap connotation to me and this looks more like a toy than a $175 timepiece. Too many better options these days.
Don't get the point of having an automatic without service. It was the worst watch I bought but I LOVE Swatch
I agree with your overall take. I have the Sistem51 in the Blanc Pain collaboration. IMO it's a fine piece of modern watch engineering. Besides the rotor being loud it works fine and keeps time.I would appreciate a better feeling crown and winding feel. Until the Omega collaboration, I would have never thought of buying one. I had not owned a Swatch since 1986. My parents gifted me a Swatch for my 5th-grade graduation.
I was looking for a watch 2 years ago, cheap, automatic and nice to look at. I came across the Swatch Sistem51 and I was really excited about it until I found out it wasn't serviceable.
Look there's one thing when you have a watch that looses seconds, minutes, heck hours through a year, nothings perfect, but not being able to service it means you cannot correct the time losing of the watch, meaning it's something recyclable, something like a smartwatch... and for me that's a no, I have my second ever watch, a Q&Q plastic quartz piece of junk, but it still works after 25 years with the same 5 minutes lost every year, it costed maybe 2 euros
the concept of swatch i just cant wrap my head around when casio does disposable plastic watches too but with more functions, significantly more durable and for a quarter of the price
@@wenbolu6157 Casio for me never made disposable plastic watches, all of them can work for ever or until you smash them or do something to them that will damage them beyond repair. But here we have a watch that makes itself irrelevant no matter what you do. It's even worse than a smartwatch which can still be usable if you change it's battery.
I just hate this mindset of limited shelf life watches...
i bought a S51 in Singapore at launch and it stopped after 2 years. A few years ago I gave it another chance and bought another S51 while in Paris. Same thing happened. The rotor spins but watch hands do not move at all. I went to swatch and asked for help. Their answer was... the watch is not serviceable. I threw both watches away. Nuf said.
That's my experience, except mine lasted only a few months, not two years.
I got a Sistem51 since they first came out and I'm very happy with it; no issues at all.
I'm a dial who@e. I base the vast majority of my watch purchase on how much I love the dial. I have had a sistem51 in my collection for long time. Blacked out, rubber strap, 90 hour power reserve. $200. What's not to love?
You’re getting 90 hours??!!
@@alfieakaronaldog That's the stated power reserve of Sistem51 from Swatch (and also from Teddy in this video). I get 90 hours out of mine.
@@outcastkatsuki Thanks for reply. Think I am getting half that but will check properly.
How many times do you wind it?
@@alfieakaronaldog I've never counted to be honest... When I do wear it I just give it winds to get it going and then wander around doing my daily routine - maybe it's my long walks that keep the spring wound more?
It’s junk. Throw away pieces
I was seeking for see If this movement are worth power reseve 90 hours for watch there are colour full and nice ticking sound year of Dragon 2024 came 5 yes I read other rewiev here about swatch wear it sometimes must say Bravissimo ☆☆☆☆☆
Plastic waste
Sorry swatch
My gripe with the system 51 is how many people conflate it with the powermatic 80. That neither movement is serviceable.
If people thought about it for 5 seconds, the idea that a movement that has 80-90% parts interchangeability with a base 2824 is unserviceable should be laughable, but you still get people who say watchmakers can't take apart Powermatic80s
I hate it !!! It's straight to my Ugly List. Sorry Teddy, even a snake oil salesman couldn't sell it to me .
Sometimes I love loud splashy contrasting, bright colors because that is the mood I'm in! I then turn to Swatch. They serve their purpose too.
My thought is I love Swatch! One of the first watches I owned was a triple black Swatch. However, if I’m going automatic, I found an automatic Tissot for $100 more that’ll last forever. If someone asked me about getting into Swiss automatic timepieces, I’d steer them in that direction. BTW, I own three Tissots. I really love the brand. Great product at a great value.
Disposable, and too much money.
I'd prefer a Pagani with NH35 movement. I love my PD1701 despite it being a quartz watch
I remember being interested in system 51 until i read online that they break a lot
Re the non-serviceability (is that a word?) of the System 51: Who cares? Would you really take your $175 Swatch to have it serviced? Have checked on the service prices these days? I have not had a watch serviced in the last 3 years that cost $175 or less. Usually considerably more. So are you going to pay a watchmaker $200 - $300 to service it? Not me. If it is such a big deal and you want a Swatch, just buy a quartz model. Less expensive and more reliable.
My dog wears a Swatch. She holds it up and points at it to me when it’s time to eat.
I think a Swatch is a very good watch for dogs because it is durable, inexpensive and fashionable. The fact that it’s Swiss is a plus.
Thank you.
You said it all 😂
So have an original 2013 set (blue, red, black, white). Unworn but ran fine then. Ten years later, took out of storage, and none run. Can be wound, set, but nothing gets the balance working. Obviously not intended for long-term collecting.
Pitty, i considered this too: collectinh all 4, bought only one: the blue version, still wearing it when i do sports: works fine after 10 y!!
I like Swatch for their funky designs but I prefer their quartz offerings. You can find a lot of vintage Swatches for cheap and a lot of them are still in great condition. They're just fun to wear and, providing you don't spend too much money on them, they're good value. But I wouldn't elevate any of their models new or old, quartz or mechanical, to any level of horological significance.
Bought one when they released the first batch of sistem51 watches. It's comfortable but damn the movement is LOUD.
I have an irony version of Sistem51 and I like it. This watch is designed for Swatch buyers and gives them the choice of having one without a battery. Nothing more.
They buy Swatch in the same way as clothes, shoes, etc. Of course there are people who collect them, but they are rare I think.
It's a fun watch at the end, this is why i have a Sistem51 in my collection.
I have a similar watch as you presented, but in a metal case.
Gut to admit, i love this watch, and it makes me like automatic watches.
However, I'm not a watch expert, so it's just a simple person view...
Not crazy about a watch that’s intended to end up in a landfill after ten years of use. 😢
MIne didn't last even one year.
Another cracking video.
Greetings from England 🇬🇧
I like the good old down-to-earth Teddy like your early videos
No
I’ve had one for a number of years. The dial is a discontinued model, which is a shame, it is incredibly easy to read. Don’t wear it as much as I used to, but when I do, it starts right up no problem. Happily keep it as long as I can. When time comes to replace, I’ll see about their new irony versions
Swatch are garbage they were garbage when they came out and still are. This on going quest about making Swatches? Something that they aren't by some is quite funny and stop with the service questions. NOBODY SERVICES A SWATCH a Watchmaker would probably laugh if asked to service
No No NO! cannot be serviced....cannot be fixed.....and it isn't very good? No way Jose. JUST buy ANY quartz watch , solar better. Or get an invicta.
i was never a fan of their watches until i tried one on, hands down they make the most comfy strap out there
The biggest German watch-forum is pretty unanimous on the Sistem51: It's garbage. It starts as a decent automatic watch but within a few years the accuracy is going downhill rapidly. Since there is no way of repairing it, after 2-3 years you can't even use it as a paperweight anymore since it's to light.
With hundreds of NH35 watches in all sizes, colors, designs and materials in the range of 100 - 200 USD, there is absolutely no cause for the sistem51's existence. NH35's will run for decades, and if they stop working you can use it for practice to disassemble a movement and understand how it works. If you can't put it back together, no problem. Buy a new movement for 25 bucks, put it in and the watch will run for another 20 years.
Had mine since 2018 and love it
Bought one early one. Happy with it for a while but with in a few years it broke and can't be fixed, won't be replaced. It's trash taking up space in the drawer. Can't recommend.
I understand the sentiment of servicing and/or repairing a mechanical watch. However, if we take the price of this service in consideration, we may come to the conclusion that a watch under $1K is practically a throwaway piece. It’s economically not warranted to pay $400 - 600 for servicing a PRX or something similar.
It’s fine. I don’t believe in spending more than a few hundred dollars on a watch it does a very simple thing. It’s not revolutionary technology or anything. It’s just a watch.
i had a sistem51, cool watch, but once it breaks, you're pretty much f****d... As no one wants to repair it... and i understand why, the majority of the bridges are held by "riveting", the rest held by the "one screw" isn't much
I have a Swatch Sistem51 Hodinkee Edition. I like how it looks, but the movement is hot garbage. If you let it sit for a few weeks, it's almost impossible to restart properly, as it randomly stops. No matter how much do you try to wind it.
I don't think I'll ever buy another Swatch.
Having the title of cheapest Swiss automatic watch is kinda empty praise when the device is a grab-bag of compromises; A Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic is so much better for a starting point in Swiss automatics. I can think of a dozen questions someone can ask themself about what they value in watches by studying the Hammy. For example, "Do I prefer printed dials?" Or, "Do I like numerals over stick indices?" "Is this crown too big?" And so on... Whereas you're not going to learn much from Swatch
Swatch automatic movement is the worse possible watch works 1-2 years and after it breaks and can not be fix at all. Had 2 never again. Let's explain Ritmo 5 years old still working Swatch 2 times changed both failed.
Absolutely STAY AWAY from the Swatch Sistem51...mine didnt even last 1 yr before it completely stopped working. And looking at the anecdotes in the comments section this is a very common occurence. Its not cheap compared to the quality and decades-long reliability of Seiko automatics that cost the same or even lower. Not to mention u cant do anything to the swatch even if u knew how to fix watches. Its like a train wreck in slow motion - annoyingly painful
Wished they were smaller. That's all. Serviceability is moot. It's $200. It'll likely cost that much to service. At that point, it's more cost effective to just get a new one.
I think Swatch has clearly a place, but why would anyone want a disposable mechanic watch? I mean, for disposable it makes more sense to buy a quartz Swatch... It won't last forever but probably more than the other with hacking, higher accuracy, etc.
Mine was terrible. Bought one, wore it 3 days, put it in a drawer because I didn't like it. Took it out two years later.....broken. Would not run for more than 10 seconds. Never had that with any watch. I have had watches that hadnt run in 30 years start up without issue (need a service okay, but they work). The Swatch cannot be serviced or fixed so : in the bin.
I love swatch watches
100m WR and I could do one. something to surf with and not worry about.
Gimme that classic 80's sunrise as the background, Orange seconds hand, poly instead of glass. dont even need a rotating bezel.
had s51 irony arrow, bought for 30$ used, sold for same price, bulky, no loom, simple movement, unrepairable. not suggesting it, just save your money for some decent casio or seiko you will be better off even with vintage models rather than swatch
I'got one as a birthday present a few years ago. Then it just stop working, and I realized that it was impossible to repair it. Is there a way to replace the whole movement? It´s a beautyful watch, but paying 150+ for a disposable item is insane.
I've had three of them, and found that they aren't any good. The first two, a "white" and "chic" lasted only a few weeks or months. I sent the "chic" back on warranty, and it was replaced with a "blue." That one also only lasted a few months, so I didn't bother with another warranty replacement. I figured it would be trash like the earlier ones. Then, a couple years later, I got a "pink," thinking they might have improved the movement. I wore it a few times, and it worked ok, but then after not using it for a year or so, it barely runs, losing about a minute per hour. The bottom line is that Sistem51 watches are trash. For similar money, you can get a Seiko 5 that will last for decades. The Seiko won't have the "fun" design of the colorful plastic Swatch, though.
Swatch automatic when i was student back in the 90s ... 90s ? 😮😢 i am old ... 😅😂 back to the topic: one is still working and on one of my watch winders.
Can the movement just be replaced easily? Thinking of a Thrifty Fathoms but only if down the road I can replace movement if necessary. Also, looks like someone got careless with the cheese shredder Teddy.
I love swatch but I don't want an automatic that can't be fixed. They should just make a quartz that ticks multiple times a second, and quit it with gimmicky bio ceramic which is just a worse form of plastic trying to sell you on being eco friendly which it isn't
The fact you can't service it is a dealbreaker for me. After a while it simply becomes a consumable. For that it's too expensive. You can get better, serviceable movements for a similar price. Then I would rather go quartz and be able to exchange the battery.
I've had Swatch watches since I was a teenager. I have never worn any other brand. I still wear one and will always will. I refuse to wear any other brand. They last a very long time if you take care of them, which I have. Don't give a rat's ass about the plastic extension cord, or otherstuff that has to do with learning.
Swatch, you know that 50's olds like me love you forever.
To put it lightly I'm happy this sort of thing exists. However I can't tolerate the poor build quality. They break way too easily and are bound for the land fill. Not been able to service a mechanical movement defeats the purpose of it. Been long lasting and serviceable meaning you can potentially have the watch forever. Something that can't happen under any circumstances with this line of watch.
Now can this watch movement last a long time? Yes it can. However the failure rate and the build quality of not just the movement but the rest of the watch. Ie the crown falling off the watch or it can stop turning to wind and set the watch. Is just unacceptable. the case material doesn't really bother me and there are metal versions any way so take it as you will.
For the money get a Seiko 5 or citizen it may not be swiss however it's serviceable and will last you so much longer.
On the accuracy front it's like any watch some will be more accurate than others. Teddy got a fairly good one but I like to see accuracy over time as the watch gets older.
Sistem51 movement is crap. Used to love one given to me when I got married but the movement conked out after just 3 years and can't be repaired. Unacceptable for the price when you have Seikos/Orients that cost just as much or even lower and are still running great 5 years on.
I once have it. Last only 1 year and broken out of the blue. For the price, I expected more. My cheap Vostok last 3 year before needed light service and it's beater watch. The movement is bad IMHO
Who cares what watch snobs think. It's not designed to compete with Rolex. It's just a gregarious and fun look to wear on your wrist.
i specifically sold my blancpain x swatch despite liking the looks because of this movement. it just felt so cheap it detracted from the experience. whenever i jerked my hand i could hear and feel the rotor spinning and it just felt super janky. much worse than my 100 dollar seiko
Nothing to say about this SWATCH . For people passionate by SWATCH ????
I bought Irony Blurang with SISTEM51 few months back when I was on a vacation in Italy and it quickly became my favorite piece in the collection. There’s just something in it that makes me wear it again in again. Highly recommend it. I hope it doesn’t break any time soon.
With affordable and serviceable Seiko 5 series there is no reason to buy more goods that simply end up in a landfill. Have enough of that in this world we live. Just too bad swatch went down that path since they have unique designs. Just my opinion.
Swatch saved the Swiss industry with quartz, why meddle with automatics? It’s counterintuitive.
this watch perfectly defeats the main philosophy of mechanical watches for being a sustainable object that can be passed down through generations. in my opinion a mechanical watch MUST at least be repairable, whatever the price point is.
It seems decent, but it’s not a watch I want on my wrist when I’m making memories & accomplishing milestones. This watch is simply not going to be around in the future!
i rember igetn some swashes in the giftet but i had a casio lcdthat my gandfather given me lcd that been my favort als almost used from 83 to91 , and i dint liket swatch ,bu mynaibor is mynaibor alsotodaywasone offthosethat buydsome as invest orcoletion i dont nknoww, Ihvae aytem 51i dit care for that it have off an leatherband ,is a good watsh for the most , can have 5 atm ...
I would rather pay a few hundred more for something propper watch like a Tissot, even if Tissot is junky as it is.
It was my first automatic in 2015, cracked the edge of the case, than they gave me a replacement, got disappointed with the materials
Do swatch group not have environmental commitments (like most big companies these days), and if they do, how do they square that with making disposable watches?
Like any other manufacturer. Everything or almost everything is disposable these days. Cars, appliances etc.
No it’s not and no hacking seconds. The quality is godawful. Just get a SEIKO 5
Ugh, first Andrew with that godawful Garmin on Watchfinder, now Teddy wasting time on a throwaway watch. The new year is off to a great start. 🙄
I am not a watch snob by any means. I love my fossils and bulovas ect. But swatch watches always look and feel so low quality. Idk why or how to describe it
Too cheap and plastically looking for me. I've never had an interest in watches that look like that.
Swiss =/= good. At this price, just go buy a seiko or some chinese brand.
plastic escapement broke twice in during the warranty period, nah just give up
Too big foe mw & being so light & a bit fat it sort of hovers over my wrist. I like the looks & design but dislike the throw away nature. At least let people get into the watch to be able to attempt a repair.
Rather have a Seiko 5 for similar pricing. There are some even for less than $150.
3:30 bro you ever heard of lotion? Lol😂
Got one for $50 after shipping. Good deal, bad deal?
Oddly enough, at the start of the video I thought it was hideous. Nine minutes later I liked it!