Simplicity comes in the number 51. To Swatch, it represents the success of sustained investment in research and development, innovative thinking, advanced engineering and simple creativity. To the world, it remains a mechanical marvel made within reach for everyone.
Swatch is releasing the SISTEM51, an automatic (self-winding) mechanical movement made from 51 components. The components form five separate modules, which are welded into a single unit centred on a single screw. Conventional mechanical watch movements have at least twice as many components; some of the more complicated, high-end models have more than six hundred, assembled by hand over weeks or months by master watchmakers in their ateliers.
This release marks the second time that Swatch has achieved this milestone. Thirty years ago, it introduced a simplified, Swiss made quartz wristwatch with only 51 parts and made quality Swiss watches accessible, for the first time, to millions of people.
SISTEM51 is the first and only mechanical movement with fully automated assembly. The high-tech escapement has no regulator; the rate is set at the factory with a laser, making the manual rate adjustments normally required by a mechanical watch unnecessary. The movement, which features a 90-hour power reserve, is made of ARCAP, an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc with exceptional anti-magnetic qualities. All components are hermetically sealed within the case: no moisture, dust or foreign elements can interfere with performance, assuring a very long life and sustained accuracy over time (+/- 7 seconds per day).
Automatic movements in SISTEM51 are driven by an oscillating weight, which is a transparent disc that rotates freely around the one central screw.
SISTEM51 is the epitome and the ultimate celebration of Swiss Made as a state of mind, standing for absolute quality of innovation, a provocation on a continuing path of tradition and research. Retailing at SGD209, SISTEM51 Swatch watches will be available at the Swatch store (orchard gateway #01-01) from 25 July 2014, in limited quantities.
