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Graham 3T WIS 
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OK,OK,OK, I know this is just crazy. Me? Swatch? Nooooooo!! Firstly, the only do quartz, right? And secondly, they make "disposable" watches, yes? Well, wrong on both counts. My friendly watch dealer (sent by the devil....) phoned me yesterday with news of an exciting new automatic chrono movement on the market. After putting out the bait, he said he had only one in stock and I should get over there to check it out. He kept the brand secret, so I couldn't wait to check it out. When I got there, he took this out of the box:  A damn SWATCH!:? I was on my way............well just about, when he called me back. "Not so fast; just check it out!" Which is exactly what I did, and 5 minutes later it was bought..........by me!  Well, before you fall off your chair with laughter, let me explain. I love mechanical chronos, both old and new. To interact with a brand new calibre is simply divine. I think Swatch are onto a winner here. This watch - in the "Irony" range - is a far cry from the cheap quartz watches they make. Some specs: Transluscent nylon case with caseback window; s/steel crown, pushers, bezel and bracelet; 30m WR; CO1-211 ETA automatic chronograph movement running at 21600 bph; 46hrs PR; 45mm case excluding crown; double pushbutton foldover clasp with removable links and micro adjustable; sapphire glass; finely detailed dial with guilloche subdials, applied markers and textured blue background. Date window at 3. Movement handwinds and hacks. 2 Year guarantee! Price? $380! Do you begin to understand why I was stoked? Also, this movement is based on the legendary Lemania 5100 chrono movement. The heritage is there....  This particular execution is called the "Blunge". There are a few others in the range, but this was the only one that appealed to me. The overall quality is amazing. The bracelet is well made with solid links. The sizing is a helluva job though! I broke a pin off my resizing tool due to the very high friction of the split pins on the bracelet. The fit is excellent.  Well, my intention was not really to write a review, but to prepare for the curveballs heading my way for buying this! Never say never.   Jokes aside, I think this is a really well made, affordable automatic chronograph which should find favor with old and not so old WIS. This movement is surely going to find its way into other Swatch brands eventually, but at a much higher price. Stock up for Christmas! Thanks for reading  Now for that elusive Invicta.......  Last edited on Wed Dec 9th, 2009 03:37 am by Graham |
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Hammerfjord Moderator 
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Yes, I saw some models on the Bay a little while ago as I'm allways looking for automatics from Switzerland;) I was first surprised do do not see any ball-bearing on the rotor: Look like they used NOS parts or movements there... The all thing is looking good but the plastic case would have stop me: I like metal cases much better, even there is nothing wrong with this Swatch case. The 3 hook-points lugs don't make it easy to change straps also... Anyway, it seems to be a nice chrono for outdoor activities with a great price: All good for an inexpensive tool chrono with a nice GMT bonus! Interesting review...Congratshand6.gif |
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Nabco 3T WIS 
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Hmmmm....interesting |
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scottran 3T WIS 
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Congrats Graham on a great looking, affordable auto chrono. hand6.gifhand6.gif |
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omegaman41 3T WIS 
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You learn something new every day here. Great watch at an unbeatable price. Will have the check them out. Congratulation Graham!!!!! |
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romano 3T WIS 
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Is it Swiss. It looks like the spot usually occupied by the words Swiss Made reads ©Swatch AG 2008 . Cool looking nonetheless Last edited on Wed Dec 9th, 2009 03:04 pm by romano |
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romano 3T WIS
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Wait nevermind it says Swiis under the swatch brand at 3 O clock. I guess they can build a chrono for under $500 and still be able to call it a Swiss automatic |
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stew77 Admin 
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Well Graham...this one is interesting...(I'm looking for a head-scratcher emoticon :D)...but anyway... Not a bad looking piece (with the exception of the nylon case which is just throwing me quite a bit to be honest). I'm really wondering about the durability of mounting a stainless steel bracelet to a nylon case...and then a nylon case interfacing with a steel bezel....hmmm interesting. BUT...understanding your love for chrono movements and the fact that this is a new movement effort from Swatch based on the legendary Lemania 5100 chrono movement...I "get it" and see where you are coming from here. ;) The display back has a cool look to it. Writeup and pics are great and I always like learning about a new one!! Thanks for sharing this one, and Congrats on the new acquisition!!! Last edited on Wed Dec 9th, 2009 04:19 pm by stew77 |
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Paxman 3T WIS 
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Very interesting but the case material loses me... but then again I'm no chrono freak like Graham.:D It is damn nice looking.;) |
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toxicavenger 3T WIS 
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One of my co-workers bought one like this in Dubai but it is gold/black. I also not sure about the nylon case but his does look really sweet first hand. I have to say I was totally suprised when told me it was a Swatch. I think he pay a good price too but it was around 325 for his. |
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joecb 3T WIS 
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I le the history on the movement......very interesting bezel design...price can't be beat.....just like most of the other guys, I am wondering about the case durability. Very sweet looking dialhand6.gif |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Thanks for the interesting responses! I totally agree with the case material issue. In fact, I didn't even think I would ever wear it - I bought it solely for the movement. Well, after wearing it for more than a day, I must say it is a pleasure! Also, the new nylon (opposed to plastic) material seems very durable. All a bit academic for me, as I will probably wear it a few times a year only! The new Tissot with this engine should hit the dealers soon - at more than 3 times the price. |
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IanM 3T WIS 
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I like it! And at that price - you can't go wrong. I have been looking at Lemania-based movement watches for over a year, and this one is very affordable by comparison to some of the older classics I am researching. I get it, Graham - cool movement in that puppy. Congratulations! I reckon you should put it on mesh... woohoo.gif ;) |
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bigrustypig 3T WIS 
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That's a good write-up, Graham. No need to be bashful about the Swatch. I respect the brand very much and it's market niche startegy is something that always amazes me. Swatch stands for lots of quality, even on quartz. My regulator is a Swatch quartzie, by the way and the choice is because it was Swatch. I could have gone Seiko or Citizen but I chose Swatch to be the pacer of my entire collection. I saw 3 chrono models at the AD recently and honestly, I found them to be too light. No question about the movement, as for sure it has an impeccable track record ---- personally, I would have gone for more weight. I agree with the rest. Maybe the watch's marketability would have improved had it been on steel. Big congrats, amigo! hand6.gif |
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Graham 3T WIS
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Thanks, Ian and Jeff. Ian, unfortunately the proprietary lugs won't accept mesh. The lugs even differ from the rest of the Swatch cases. Yes, Jeff, it is quite light, and I would have preferred a steel case. However, this is still a Swatch, so they want to retain the essence I guess. |
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DannyOcean 3T WIS 
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Interesting case. Makes me think back to my old Jellyfish. |
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ibme61 3T WIS 
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Hmmmmm a Swatch. |
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