While most high-end timepieces boast the large number of components their creations are made from, Swatch has taken a totally different approach with their new Sistem51. Backed by an impressive level of technological innovation, with no fewer than 17 patents pending, the Swiss watchmaker managed to create a self-winding mechanical movement with only 51 parts in five modules, all held together by a single central screw.
It’s the best kind of simplicity, elegant and functional, and it was all put together by machines – so there goes the romantic figure of the skilled, solitary watchmaker. The movement, like all the other elements, is 100% made in Switzerland, and is made of an anti-magnetic alloy called ARCAP, has 19 jewels, as well as 90 hours worth of power reserve. Available in four color schemes (translucent blue, translucent red, white, and black) and three dial configurations, it features 19 “planets” or “bodies”, representing the 19 jewels that comprise the movement.
After initially being only available in Switzerland, distribution for the Sistem51 has gone global and you can now get it from Swatch boutiques all over North America, Europe, and Asia. The price for one of these watches is $150.
[Hodinkee]
