Top 11 Best Swatch Watches
Swatch is a watch brand that is known all around the world and which sells millions and millions of timepieces every year. Swatch is most known for making highly affordable yet qualitative Swiss watches, often made in plastic. Swatch has established an almost iconic status in the watch world and has over time built an empire of watch brands by acquiring many different brands and factories and becoming the Swatch Group.
Today, Swatch stays true to its concept of making stylish and affordable high-quality Swiss watches, but its portfolio of products has of course been widened over time to also include many other types of watches as well. Regardless of what type of watch you like, there should be a Swatch watch for you.
Swatch watches are also appreciated by many watch enthusiasts since their watches are high-quality, made in Switzerland, and are also available as mechanical watches.
Before we dig into the best Swatch watches, let’s dive into a bit of history about the brand.
History of Swatch
Swatch is a Swiss watchmaker that was founded in 1983 by Ernst Thomke, Elmar Mock, and Jacques Müller. Today, Swatch is the flagship of the Swatch Group.
Swatch came about as a result of the so-called Quartz crisis in the 1970s and 1980s when Japanese digital watches started competing with Swiss mechanical watches and were far more affordable.
The name Swatch is actually a contraction of “second watch” which comes from the fact that Swatch watches were originally made as disposable accessories.
Originally, Swatch watches were made in plastic, and whilst Swatch makes many plastic watches still to this day, the brand also makes other watches in many different materials.
Consequently, the goal of Swatch was to take back market share in the affordable segment that Swiss watchmakers lost to Japan during the quartz crisis. Swatch’s goal was to ”make analog watches great again” after a time when digital watches had become extremely popular in an era when digital watches were on the rise.
Best Swatch watches
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The question of ”best” is always a bit complex as it depends on what factors you are looking at. The “best” watch for one person may not be the best for another.
Therefore, in this article, we are looking at the most popular and best-ranked Swatch watches. These are some of the watches from Swatch that the general public likes the most.
Without further ado, let’s look at the most popular Swatch watches with the best reviews.
Swatch Casual Blue Chronograph YVS466
This is a watch that stays true to the iconic Swatch case design but is made in stainless steel instead of the classic plastic that is often used for Swatch watches.
The watch has a sporty yet elegant design and is made as a chronograph. It has a blue tachymeter scale bezel and a beautiful blue sunburst dial. The case is 43mm and has a thickness of 12.67mm. On top, it uses a scratch-resistant mineral crystal. The watch is water-resistant to 30m/100 feet and it is presented on a brown leather strap.
This is a great casual and sporty watch that works perfectly for everyday wear.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 12.67mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Crystal: Mineral glass
Swatch Women’s ‘Classiness’ SFK361
This is a popular Swatch watch for women due to its smaller case. It has a funky transparent plastic case and a black dial at the center. The watch is presented on a black silicone strap. If you want something sleek, elegant, and unique, the SFK361 is definitely a good option.
Specifications
- Thickness: 4mm
- Diameter: 34mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
Swatch Unisex SUTB402 Originals Analog
The Swatch SUTB402 is a unisex timepiece with a diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 14mm. This watch is perhaps what most people associate Swatch with as it features a classic case shape made of plastic, and is presented on a black silicone strap.
In contrast, the dial is white and has a date window positioned at 6 o’clock. The dial is also decorated with red dots and black Arabic numerals. On top, Swatch uses scratch-resistant mineral glass. The water resistance is 30 meters / 100 feet.
A nice detail about this watch is that it is powered by a Swiss automatic movement.
With its plastic case, sleek design, and automatic movement, this watch finds a perfect balance between style and functionality and offers exactly what we expect from a Swatch. This is perhaps one of Swatch’s most iconic timepieces that you simply cannot go wrong with.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Diameter: 42mm
- Thickness: 14mm
Swatch 1907 BAU Quartz Silicone Strap SUOB728
The Swatch SUOB728 also stays true to the classic Swatch concept with the iconic case design made in black plastic. The case measures 41mm and has an integrated black silicone strap. It is water-resistant to 30m/100 feet.
The watch is powered by a quartz movement which some people prefer, whilst others prefer automatic movements. The dial is white with black Arabic numerals but what stands out is its funky hands, where the minutes hand is red, the seconds hand yellow, and the hour hand blue. This allows for a touch of color that makes it much more interesting.
For functionality, it also has a day and date window which can be practical for everyday wear.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Diameter: 41mm
- Thickness: 9mm
Swatch SUON700 Quartz Navy Blue
The Swatch SUON700 has a classic case shape with a diameter of 41mm, but instead of black, the case is made in a slightly transparent light blue color. It is water-resistant to 30m/100 feet.
To match the blue case, the watch also has a blue dial with a sunburst finish which reflects the light beautifully. The hour markers and background for the day and date window are made in a lime green color which goes very well together with the blue of the watch.
Powering the SUON700 is a quartz movement
If you want a traditional plastic Swatch watch but also want a touch of color, this is definitely a great option.
Specifications
- Diameter: 41mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Thickness: 10mm
Swatch High-Lands Mix SUOB714
The Swatch SUOB714 is a classic Swatch watch but with a bold appearance. This watch has an all-black look but red accents for a sporty appearance. It has a diameter of 41mm and is presented with a black plastic case. The markers are red to match the red seconds hand and the hands are skeletonized.
The case has a black dial with a lovely sunburst finish. At 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window and the watch is water resistant to 30m/100 feet.
It is powered by a quartz movement.
This watch is suitable if you want a durable and reliable quartz watch at an affordable price but with a sporty appearance.
Specifications
- Diameter: 41mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Thickness: 10mm
Swatch Women’s Quartz GB743
This Swatch women’s watch features a 34mm plastic case with a classic Swatch design, meaning a black plastic case and black silicone strap. It is presented with a white dial with large Arabic numerals in black for improved legibility. At 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window with a cyclops on top which improves the legibility. The hands are rectangular and have a black frame with luminescence applied to them. This provides good contrast and helps with legibility.
The watch is water-resistant to 30m/100 feet and is powered by a quartz movement.
Specifications
- Diameter: 34mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Thickness: 9mm
Swatch Originals Swiss-Quartz GN718
The Swatch GN718 is a stylish women’s watch with a blue transparent plastic case with a diameter of 34mm. It has a mineral crystal on top and is powered by a quartz movement.
The watch offers great legibility thanks to a beautiful blue sunburst dial with large white Arabic numerals and lime green markers. The hour and minutes hands are painted lime green to go with the blue and green theme. The watch is water-resistant to 30m/100 feet. For improved legibility in low-lit conditions, it has Superluminova indexes.
At 3 o’clock, you also have a day and a date window which is practical for everyday wear.
All in all, this is an affordable and timeless watch for ladies with a modern touch.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Diameter: 34mm
- Thickness: 9mm
- Movement: quartz
Swatch Swiss Quartz Transparent SO27E100
This Swatch watch has a unique and cool design with an all-transparent case and silicone strap, allowing you to see the quartz movement inside. The case is 47mm and made of plastic. The watch is water-resistant to 30m/100 feet
The hands are painted red, blue, and yellow, which add a splash of color. If you want something unique that stands out from the crowd and is sure to catch people’s attention, this is a really fun and interesting alternative.
Specifications
- Diameter: 47mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Thickness: 11mm
- Movement: quartz
Swatch 1901 Irony Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph YVS454
The Swatch 1901 Irony YVS454 stays true to the classic Swatch case design but has a stainless steel case instead of plastic. The case measures 4mm in diameter and is designed as a chronograph. The watch is water-resistant to 3 bar/100 feet.
The watch has a beautiful blue dial and a date window discreetly integrated between 4 and 5 o’clock. The dial has a blue metallic finish which reflects the light beautifully and applied rectangular hour markers with luminescence applied to it. For the 3, 6, 9, and 12 markers, Swatch has made these in Arabic. The hands are also big and pilot-inspired which creates excellent contrast against the dial and optimum legibility. The watch is presented on a blue silicone strap.
The blue adds a nice touch of color to the watch, but an additional touch is the red accents on the hour markers and the seconds hand which makes it more sporty.
If you like Swatch watches but prefer something more solid and durable, this will be a great alternative thanks to its steel case instead of plastic, giving it a more solid and robust feel.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 12.67mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
Swatch Classic Quartz SUOB705
Last but not least, the Swatch classic SUOB705 is, as the name suggests, a classic Swatch with a traditional design and iconic Swatch design elements.
It has a classic plastic 41mm case with a push-pull crown and a water resistance of 30m/100 feet.
The watch is quartz and powered by a Swiss quartz movement.
The dial is white and has large black Arabic numerals for optimum legibility. The hands are rectangular, have a black frame, and the luminescence is applied to them. At 3 o’clock, it has a day and date window.
Specifications
- Diameter: 41mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Thickness: 9.85mm
Is Swatch a luxury watch brand?
No, Swatch is not a luxury watch brand – and it’s not trying to be. In fact, Swatch instead focuses – to a large extent – on making Swiss mechanical watches as affordable and accessible to everyone. After all, this was how Swatch originally came about during the quartz crisis to tackle the great competition of Japanese quartz watches at much more affordable prices than Swiss watches. Therefore, Swatch is not associated with quality, but they are certainly associated with affordable Swiss quality. The Swatch group, on the other hand (the Group that owns Swatch), owns a number of luxury watch brands such as Breguet and Omega, which are luxury brands.
Why is it called a Swatch?
As mentioned, the name “Swatch” is a contraction of “second watch”. This name came about as Swatch watches were originally intended as affordable, casual, and most importantly disposable accessories. Of course, things have changed since Swatch was originally founded, but the concept and idea of making affordable timepieces that you don’t have to worry too much about getting scratched or be too cautious with still remains.
Are all swatches waterproof?
The water resistance of Swatch watches varies depending on the model. The water resistance will be indicated when purchasing the watch and researching the model. Most Swatch watches are resistant to 3 bar or 10 bar. Remember that this is the water pressure and not depth. So if a Swatch indicates that it is water-resistant to 50m, it means that it can handle the static pressure of 50m, but as you know, when you are in the water, you are not subjecting the watch to static pressure. Swatch tests its water resistance according to the ISO norm 22810.
Swatch watches will remain water-resistant provided that the crown, pushers, glass, case, and gaskets remain intact. It is also important to remember that you shall never manipulate the crown and pushers underwater.
Can I shower with my Swatch?
It is not advised that you shower with your Swatch. Although they may technically handle it, watches, in general, are not designed to withstand warm water as they will deteriorate the watch faster. This is true for more expensive watches as well. Warm water and vapor will cause the gaskets that ensure the water resistance to deteriorate faster.
Furthermore, the issue is that as your watch cools down after the hot shower, moisture can get sucked into the case, which can cause damage to the movement.
If you shower just once or twice, the watch will be completely fine, but if you make it a habit, it can cause premature wear to the watch – but it is of course up to you.
Are Swatch watches any good?
Yes, Swatch watches are definitely considered good. They are associated with quality and craftsmanship, but it is always important to take price into consideration. Swatch watches are affordable and entry-level timepieces, and as such, you cannot expect them to offer the same level of quality as a luxury watch. But the most important part is that the relationship between price and quality is good. And if you look at Swiss watches, Swatch is amongst the best Swiss watches when it comes to the price and quality ratio.
Swatch has not become one of the largest watch brands in the world for no reason, and quality will always be one of them.
Whilst Swatch watches often use materials like plastic and silicone, these materials are still known to be durable. At the same time, Swatch ‘s movements in particular are known to be accurate, robust, and qualitative considering their prices, as they put great emphasis on the art of Swiss watchmaking.
If you compare a Swatch watch with a similarly priced fashion watch, Swatch will almost always win when we talk about quality.
Is Swatch really Swiss Made?
Yes, all Swatch watches are Swiss-made, and most of Swatch’s production is in Switzerland. But as you may know, the law doesn’t require a watch to be 100% made in Switzerland in order to use “Swiss made” for the watches.
The law considers a watch Swiss made if the movement is Swiss and the movement has been assembled in Switzerland. In addition, the final inspection should occur in Switzerland, and at least 60% of manufacturing costs are domestic. Furthermore, “Swiss-made” watches also need to feature a Swiss movement where at least half of the assembled parts are of Swiss manufacture.
With this said, Swatch does make some of its watch components in China, Thailand, and Malaysia, but according to themselves, these are only minor parts to keep costs down.
How long is a Swatch guarantee?
Swatch watches have a guarantee period of 24 months from the date of purchase, of course, according to the terms and conditions of the warranty. The guarantee covers material and manufacturing defects existing at the time of delivery of the purchased SWATCH watch (“defects”). With that said, there are some rules to where you buy your watch as not all Swatch watches come with a guarantee. But in general, the guarantee on Swatch watches is not as important as when buying a luxury watch, for obvious reasons.
Can a Swatch watch be repaired?
Yes absolutely. Although the original concept of Swatch watches was to dispose of them when they break or don’t function properly, more and more people choose to repair their watches nowadays.
If the issue is covered by the guarantee, Swatch will repair your watch free of charge, assuming the warranty certificate is dated, fully and correctly completed, and stamped by an official SWATCH dealer and you still have a warranty remaining.
If you don’t have a warranty, you can still have your Swatch watch repaired by any watchmaker as most watchmakers have the required expertise to work on a Swatch movement as they are not very complicated.
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