TimeTechTalk.com Home

TimeTechTalk.com > Time Tech Talk > Time Talk > Sistem51, industrial excellence in Swatch Group style

Welcome to 3T! Please take the time to register and join in on the friendly,knowledgeable watch talk.Please note that not all registrations will receive an immediate activation e-mail.Those who do not receive an immediate notification will be activated manually within 48hrs. by an admin. without an e-mail activation url sent to you,you may then sign in using your username and password,if you feel there is a problem please e-mail us at timetechtalk@hotmail.com and include your name and username and we activate your account.Thank You!

 Moderated by: 3T Page:    1  2  Next Page Last Page  
New Topic Reply Printer Friendly
Sistem51, industrial excellence in Swatch Group style  Rating:  Rating
AuthorPost
 Posted: Wed Feb 5th, 2014 04:57 pm
  PM Quote Reply
1st Post
oagaspar
Site Founder


Joined: Sun Sep 4th, 2005
Location: Akron, USA
Posts: 28116
Status: 
Offline
I just finished testing the power reserve on my Swatch Sistem 51 and after winding it the recommended 90 times to get it going I got 99 hrs. of power reserve sitting on a desk,very impressive for an inexpensive watch,which at the end of the day is still a plastic Swatch!...it is imo a Horological wonder.TY to my friends and Eric Othenin-Girard atWatchonista for this awesome article.happy guy.gif

Sistem51, industrial excellence in Swatch Group style

Feb. 05, 2014




To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Swatch, the eponymous Group showed off its technical dexterity by introducing a revolutionary mechanical movement made up of fifty-one components held together by a single, central screw manufactured entirely by machine. A masterful demonstration of industrial expertise!


Eric Othenin-Girard Watchonista's Contributor

There has been a great deal of talk about the evolution of horological technology; including that it was going round in circles, since by all accounts there was nothing left to be invented. How wrong…
First of all, we need to bear in mind that Swatch always was and still is, a manufacture. Better yet, its watches are 100% Swiss made, which is not something all brands can boast. If, to be qualified as haute horlogerie, a timepiece must be produced by a manufacture, as Nicolas Hayek said pointedly, then Swatch's products do indeed rank as luxury watches.
Consequently, they would also have a respected place in the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie.




A wide range of industrial expertise

It is in this spirit that the brand made "100% Swiss made" its main guiding principle at about the time the first sketches of this groundbreaking self-winding mechanical movement were being put on paper. It was the underpinning for, the conception, construction and production of every single element and component of the Sistem51, including all the research that went into it. In fact, everything was then produced solely by the Group itself and exclusively in Switzerland. Several companies such as ETA, Nivarox, the CDNP (Centre de développement des nouveaux produits), Comadur and, of course, Swatch joined forces in the production of this industrial and technical revolution. What is most astonishing, however, is that it took only two years from start to finish for the watch to be ready for the market and delivered. And that is all the more amazing when considering the fact that so many companies took part in its creation.
Naturally, Swatch Group has extremely vast and diverse means, but it would be nothing without the men and women who are its heart and soul.





Further proof of that is the very adventure of the Sistem51's creation. The top experts from each of the companies involved in the conceiving the project offered their know-how to transform the original idea into a tangible reality. They brainstormed together, compared and contrasted suggestions, adjusted their approach to finally come up with a design. In many major companies, the experts carry out their research in different, whittling it down bit by bit and thus becoming more and more specialized and refined. This is not always the most efficient approach. And it is by no means the Swatch Group approach. The journey leading to the creation of the Sistem51 once again demonstrates the company's philosophy of implementing various technique whilst always keeping the final product in mind.This is how Pierre-André Buhler, Managing Director of ETA, coordinated the role of each expert in order to ensure that deadlines were met.


Coordination and interaction



Coordination was a key aspect of the process. Indeed, whenever meetings were held, all protagonists had to be present without fail. Every new development needed to be communicated to the whole team in order to allow each member to develop whatever part they were working on without losing sight of the spirit of the final product.




The task was by no means easy, though, as a team of more than one hundred people was needed to meet the challenge. The finest experts in design engineering were selected from the Swatch people, those with the greatest expertise in building mechanical movements. Escapements were entrusted to Nivarox, which for the first time in its history agreed to research, develop and produce a complete escapement module. However, as the pilot projects show, everyone proudly and enthusiastically presented their own modules or contributions. Time was another factor vigorously driving the momentum, since fast and excellent work was required. Last but not least, it was the first time the group’s teams of experts had started a project from scratch. They succeeded in advancing the idea of fully-automated and robotised manufacturing of a self-winding mechanical movement, including calibration of the shakes, which is define as the space between two parts moving in relation to each other.





Some effective ideas emerged from this philosophy combining conception and industrialisation. The first was a mission statement that aimed at creating a unique movement.
By the same token, production costs were to be kept at a minimum. The watches featuring the new movement were to comply with the Swatch philosophy of offering affordable timepieces that would integrate easily into the brand’s collections.


Outstanding chronometry

This fundamental principle generated a second one: just because the timepiece was affordable did not mean it could not house a movement boasting outstanding chronometry. A great idea indeed, but putting it into practice was a different story. However, since the new movement’s specifications had been clearly laid out, in-depth work on the various constituent segments now became possible. At the heart of the movement is a building block concept, hence the Sistem51 is made up of a number of modules, whose components were produced and then assembled industrially, that is, without human intervention.


Once finished, each module is placed onto the watch’s mainplate using robots. The design of the components is key, because it allows them to be affixed with a single screw by means of another automated process. This completed the production of the Sistem51 movement.


All that remains to do is add on the external parts, and the Sistem51 timepiece is ready.




Technical revolution

At 4.8 mm in height and 27.5 mm in diameter, the new self-winding caliber has the same dimension as the ETA 2824 movement but with 51 components instead of the usual 130 to 150 for self-winding mechanical movements. This size was chosen in order to allow the movement to be used in timepieces for both men and women. Its technical functions do not stop here: it also features a 90-hour power reserve and runs with a frequency of 3 Hertz, or 21,600 vibrations per hour. The Swatch Group technicians stress that even without an index-assembly, this movement is as precise as any mechanical movement with a frequency of 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations, per hour. It is generally accepted that a higher frequency means greater precision. Proof of this is that a precise quartz movement at around 10 to15 seconds per year, has a frequency of 32,768 vibrations per second.




The movement can be regulated by turning the index, and the indications on the balance-cock allow you to calculate approximately the effect of the correction.

Laser setting


As it is, this new movement has no index-assembly. It is permanently set using lasers at the time the escapement module is produced. Any watchmaking aficionado knows that thanks to the presence of Nivarox the group has enormous capacity for manufacturing regulating organs which are the true heart of a watch. Besides, until very recently, all Swiss brands manufacturing mechanical movements were Nivarox clients. No surprise, then, that Nivarox was assigned the task of developing the module comprising the whole escapement system. As mentioned before, it was a first for this company. The result complies with the set specifications since the module is pre-regulated according to a value established prior to construction. During the final regulation stage – when the module is fitted into the watch – the tolerances are fixed using a laser. Thanks to the calculations carried out by industrial tools, the watch will never have to be regulated again.





Eliminating the index assembly and fixing the regulation of the watch are in themselves amazing technical achievements. Nevertheless, the company still had to ensure chronometry precise  enough to comply with the criteria of the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). According to this official agency, a mechanical movement is allowed a deviation of ten seconds per twenty-four hours, i.e., a four-second loss or a six-second gain every twenty-four hours. The movement of the Sistem51 more than meets these criteria, so it would easily obtain COSC certification.


The module of the Sistem51, comprising the plate and the frame, is entirely made of an alloy called Arcap. It comes in quality colours and can be directly decorated using automated processes as well. The oscillating weight revolves in one direction, but it was conceived to be transparent, allowing the owner insight into this unusual bit of watch engineering. In fact, the weight is made of sapphire crystal, the result of an uncommon bit of research by Comadur, the Group’s company noted for producing synthetic rubies and ceramics.


But it was not as easy as it sounds. The movement had to be visible without forgetting the winding mechanism. Therefore, all materials had to have a very specific weight to ensure that the watch is running steadily.


Conclusion

This new movement, which I would describe as unique and historic, was the result of a joint effort of the top specialists in the Swatch Group. They worked hard and selflessly to achieve the set goal. They started from scratch and met a mad challenge in less than two years. To really grasp the full extent of this feat of engineering, you must be aware of how arduous it is to build an entirely new movement from scratch.





The other aspect that needs to be highlighted is the sheer industrial expertise. When designing a new movement, all production constraints need to be taken into account. This often impedes  creativity. A perfect example is the numerous problems other brands face when trying to produce a new movement from scratch. On the other hand, the production of the Sistem51was always intended for bulk production. In other words, several industrial tools were designed and constructed to meet overcome the obstacles facing this particular series.


To succeed demanded a broad range of competencies. This watch proves that besides having mind-blowing ideas, Swatch Group and the Swatch brand were prepared to develop the technical means to achieve them. Conclusive proof of the total industrial command of the world's most important watchmaking group

Attachment: 001.JPG (Downloaded 54 times)

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: Wed Feb 5th, 2014 06:53 pm
  PM Quote Reply
2nd Post
Gregger
3T WIS


Joined: Fri Sep 9th, 2005
Location: Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania USA
Posts: 4452
Status: 
Offline
Thanks for posting Oscar. Great article and very informative. I must get one....any idea if they will be sold in the usa?

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Thu Feb 6th, 2014 12:29 am
  PM Quote Reply
3rd Post
bigrustypig
3T WIS


Joined: Sat Apr 11th, 2009
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 7504
Status: 
Offline
[/i think it makes a lot of sense to have one of these pieces for a collection.size]

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: Thu Feb 6th, 2014 09:33 am
  PM Quote Reply
4th Post
oagaspar
Site Founder


Joined: Sun Sep 4th, 2005
Location: Akron, USA
Posts: 28116
Status: 
Offline
Greg I'm not sure if they will ever be sold in the states,but I do know they are almost sold out following the SIHH event that just took place in Switzerland.Jeff without a doubt a must have for any watch enthusiast...there are a few left on eBay.ThumbsUp02.gif

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Fri Feb 7th, 2014 10:33 am
  PM Quote Reply
5th Post
Upside
3T WIS


Joined: Fri Aug 31st, 2007
Location: Alberta Canada
Posts: 343
Status: 
Offline
I've been enquiring about this watch at my local swatch store since last fall (in Canada). They kept telling me it would be in next month. Finally around Christmas they told me that Swatch has held it's release for some reason. Maybe in spring. I presume this applies for the USA as well.

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: Fri Feb 7th, 2014 11:55 am
  PM Quote Reply
6th Post
bigrustypig
3T WIS


Joined: Sat Apr 11th, 2009
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 7504
Status: 
Offline
oagaspar wrote:
Greg I'm not sure if they will ever be sold in the states,but I do know they are almost sold out following the SIHH event that just took place in Switzerland.Jeff without a doubt a must have for any watch enthusiast...there are a few left on eBay.ThumbsUp02.gif


[/thanks for the hint, Oscar. I am positioned for the blue one at 3 ADs here. size]thumbsup.gif

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Fri Feb 7th, 2014 04:38 pm
  PM Quote Reply
7th Post
stew77
Admin


Joined: Thu Mar 26th, 2009
Location: Colorado USA
Posts: 10249
Status: 
Offline
Thanks for the Sistem51 detailed info Oscar...great read! bravo.gif

And great confirmation of the awesome power reserve of the Sistem51 engine! ...a big WOW! at 99 hours.

How is the timekeeping on your particular watch?

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: Sat Feb 8th, 2014 09:53 am
  PM Quote Reply
8th Post
oagaspar
Site Founder


Joined: Sun Sep 4th, 2005
Location: Akron, USA
Posts: 28116
Status: 
Offline
after 99hrs./ 4 days lying flat in its Swatch plastic case it gained @ 2 mins. ...not bad for a watch breaking in and not being worn imo.ThumbsUp02.gif

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Sat Feb 8th, 2014 10:26 am
  PM Quote Reply
9th Post
stew77
Admin


Joined: Thu Mar 26th, 2009
Location: Colorado USA
Posts: 10249
Status: 
Offline
oagaspar wrote:
after 99hrs./ 4 days lying flat in its Swatch plastic case it gained @ 2 mins. ...not bad for a watch breaking in and not being worn imo.ThumbsUp02.gif


Will be interesting to see if the movement breaks in and improves timekeeping as the movement gets more time.

According to SWATCH, the claim is the SISTEM51 movement receives final regulation via laser to set the tolerances when the movement is placed in the watch and never needs regulation again... (Swatch says they are shooting for an accuracy of +/- 5 second accuracy over 24 hours, so I would have expected better timekeeping than you are seeing over 4 days.)

The power reserve on this thing is absolutely amazing, and the concept of an all machine built movement is quite an achievement.

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: Sat Feb 8th, 2014 10:39 am
  PM Quote Reply
10th Post
oagaspar
Site Founder


Joined: Sun Sep 4th, 2005
Location: Akron, USA
Posts: 28116
Status: 
Offline
stew77 wrote: oagaspar wrote:
after 99hrs./ 4 days lying flat in its Swatch plastic case it gained @ 2 mins. ...not bad for a watch breaking in and not being worn imo.ThumbsUp02.gif


Will be interesting to see if the movement breaks in and improves timekeeping as the movement gets more time.

According to SWATCH, the claim is the SISTEM51 movement receives final regulation via laser to set the tolerances when the movement is placed in the watch and never needs regulation again... (Swatch says they are shooting for an accuracy of +/- 5 second accuracy over 24 hours, so I would have expected better timekeeping than you are seeing over 4 days.)

The power reserve on this thing is absolutely amazing, and the concept of an all machine built movement is quite an achievement.
I think mine will need to settle in due to the long times it spent in Customs...a total of 32 days,37 days total to get to me in what is the coldest winter in some time..it arrived pretty cold and wasn't packaged for crap to protect it from the elements and handling other than its plastic case in a mailing envelope...I gave it another full wind and we will see this time around.ThumbsUp02.gif

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Sat Feb 8th, 2014 10:47 am
  PM Quote Reply
11th Post
stew77
Admin


Joined: Thu Mar 26th, 2009
Location: Colorado USA
Posts: 10249
Status: 
Offline
oagaspar wrote:
stew77 wrote: oagaspar wrote:
after 99hrs./ 4 days lying flat in its Swatch plastic case it gained @ 2 mins. ...not bad for a watch breaking in and not being worn imo.ThumbsUp02.gif


Will be interesting to see if the movement breaks in and improves timekeeping as the movement gets more time.

According to SWATCH, the claim is the SISTEM51 movement receives final regulation via laser to set the tolerances when the movement is placed in the watch and never needs regulation again... (Swatch says they are shooting for an accuracy of +/- 5 second accuracy over 24 hours, so I would have expected better timekeeping than you are seeing over 4 days.)

The power reserve on this thing is absolutely amazing, and the concept of an all machine built movement is quite an achievement.
I think mine will need to settle in due to the long times it spent in Customs...a total of 32 days,37 days total to get to me in what is the coldest winter in some time..it arrived pretty cold and wasn't packaged for crap to protect it from the elements and handling other than its plastic case in a mailing envelope...I gave it another full wind and we will see this time around.ThumbsUp02.gif


Makes sense...will be interested to see how she settles in Oscar!

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: Sat Feb 8th, 2014 11:08 am
  PM Quote Reply
12th Post
oagaspar
Site Founder


Joined: Sun Sep 4th, 2005
Location: Akron, USA
Posts: 28116
Status: 
Offline
stew77 wrote: oagaspar wrote:
stew77 wrote: oagaspar wrote:
after 99hrs./ 4 days lying flat in its Swatch plastic case it gained @ 2 mins. ...not bad for a watch breaking in and not being worn imo.ThumbsUp02.gif


Will be interesting to see if the movement breaks in and improves timekeeping as the movement gets more time.

According to SWATCH, the claim is the SISTEM51 movement receives final regulation via laser to set the tolerances when the movement is placed in the watch and never needs regulation again... (Swatch says they are shooting for an accuracy of +/- 5 second accuracy over 24 hours, so I would have expected better timekeeping than you are seeing over 4 days.)

The power reserve on this thing is absolutely amazing, and the concept of an all machine built movement is quite an achievement.
I think mine will need to settle in due to the long times it spent in Customs...a total of 32 days,37 days total to get to me in what is the coldest winter in some time..it arrived pretty cold and wasn't packaged for crap to protect it from the elements and handling other than its plastic case in a mailing envelope...I gave it another full wind and we will see this time around.ThumbsUp02.gif


Makes sense...will be interested to see how she settles in Oscar!
I should have let it warm up before winding it to test,but since Swatch left out what I believe to be important is a hack feature,so it's not as easy to get an exact set time as with a movement that actually hacks.ThumbsUp02.gif

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

Current time is 12:41 pm Page:    1  2  Next Page Last Page    
TimeTechTalk.com > Time Tech Talk > Time Talk > Sistem51, industrial excellence in Swatch Group style Top



Lead Theme By: Di @ UltraBB
UltraBB 1.17 Copyright © 2007-2012 Data 1 Systems
Page processed in 0.1303 seconds (41% database + 59% PHP). 36 queries executed.