Swatch x Blancpain

[Danstone]

The articles I have read so far indicate that this is not released to save the high end Swiss Industry, which is doing very nicely thank you.
It is using the high end to save to low end Swiss Industry.
I was reading a Hodinkee article suggesting that up until recently, although the Swiss exported more in terms of value (+3%) year on year, the number of watches sent was down a huge amount, because the low end (Swatch itself notably) was very badly affected by the new arrival of smart watches, in a way that the high end never was. Figures of down 95% were mentioned for watches below CHF500. (Which as a side note is exactly what ETA wanted when it stopped supplying 2824s outside the group - more money from fewer watches.
The problem is that the ownership rests with Swatch, and they need to be successful to persist, so Omega and now BP have been conscripted into saving Swatch, which they seem to be doing.
The article then argues that the MoonSwatch has increased global sales of the MoonWatch (Swatch claim) whilst posting a graph showing how the MoonWatch itself has declined in value since the MoonSwatch was released.
I still think the jury is out on this, but I am sure a collab like this does more good for the lower end partner than it does the higher end one.

I think that Swatch Group understand the current trends well and things like this could help the entire industry in the long run. The young people that either wear a smart watch or no watch now probably won’t hit forty and suddenly think “I need a Rolex/Omega/Patek.” Higher end sales are holding up much better because they are still selling to the same customers that have always worn a watch, it’s the younger buyers that need to be targeted if the industry is to have a future.

[Passenger]

Makes sense - interesting to see how they sell. Think they did a much better job with the Moonswatch. From the pictures these look more like kids watches.


Sent from my iPad using TZ-UK mobile app

I'm gonna stick my neck out here and say maybe that´s because of what design they are, they ape...to me the real Blancpain always looks big, simple and kinda clunky, lot like a kids watch...Now people often seem to mention the quality of the finish which really stands out, clearly lifts the real deal...SO if you then make em in plastic, they´re gonna look like a kids watch...mebbe something in this?
I quite like the blue one, cute bit of fun novelty watch and swimmable so we´re led to believe... but wouldn´t pay 300, 200, 150 quid for such a novelty...so needs must learn to live without.

Anyone know the lug width on these btw, doesn´t seem to get mentioned anywhere?

[andybaird22]

I like them

Gonna head to the Glasgow shop tomorrow AM and try get one. Shouldn’t be mental queues as it’s in a shopping centre so I don’t think people will be able to line up early


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Snowdon]

Misunderstanding!

He bought the moonswatch not the new one

[snowman]

It does make you wonder though why someone wouldn't just wait for the stainless and sapphire, Seiko powered Pagani Design lookalikes that will inevitably follow.

I guess it's just the power of the name...

M

[MartynJC (UK)]

It does make you wonder though why someone wouldn't just wait for the stainless and sapphire, Seiko powered Pagani Design lookalikes that will inevitably follow.

I guess it's just the power of the name...

M

Can’t you already get a lookalike Blancpain though? No need to look like a plastic Blancpain.

steeldive for example - which are cheaper

https://www.steeldives.com/collectio...teeldive-watch

[SteveDSSD]

I think that Swatch Group understand the current trends well and things like this could help the entire industry in the long run. The young people that either wear a smart watch or no watch now probably won’t hit forty and suddenly think “I need a Rolex/Omega/Patek.” Higher end sales are holding up much better because they are still selling to the same customers that have always worn a watch, it’s the younger buyers that need to be targeted if the industry is to have a future.

I think you are right. I have a Fifty Fathoms and on a personal level, have no interest in the Swatch options but this does help to raise the profile of watches outside of Apple and designer brands, to those that will be the future for the watch industry. For that and despite the immediate scalpers, I'm all in favour.

[P9CLY]

So we going to see the same hype and hysteria as the MoonSwatch!.

Not a Blancpain,Not a Speedy.......damn got to get one mentality on the way!.

[Wallasey Runner]

Difference this time is that everyone knew what a Speedmaster was and they had heard of Omega. Will the average Joe on the street have heard of Blancpain or their hallowed Fifty Fathoms.

Be funny if the queue turned out to be just a few balding fat watch forum sados.

[Tokyo Tokei]

Shibuya, Tokyo this morning. About 20 minutes before opening:



A well-behaved queue. A little hard to see here but it stretches off to the right in this photo beyond line of sight.

Panorama...



In this photo, the Swatch store is actually off-picture to the left, and the queue hasn't stopped all the way to the right, deep into the out of focus area. A distance of about 200m

Looks like most have stayed overnight, through the typhoon. There may be some balding watch forum saddos but overall I think Swatch have done it again. How many of these are potential future Swatch or Blancpain customers versus flippers is debatable, but Swatch will make a lot of money and get a lot of free advertising and brand awareness.

I expect other luxury houses have taken note. A plastic Swatch x Hermès Birkin?

[Carlton-Browne]

Zürich airport. Unfortunately my connection is too tight and there are some indecisive idiots who are trying every option on.
Blue is the one, in my view.

[burton]

Zürich airport. Unfortunately my connection is too tight and there are some indecisive idiots who are trying every option on.
Blue is the one, in my view.

Shame, so close


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Slamdoor]

According to ‘The Times’ collectors face a race against time to land one of these. Well whoopie for the collectors.

[andybaird22]

According to ‘The Times’ collectors face a race against time to land one of these. Well whoopie for the collectors.

Lol even though they aren’t limited edition


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[andybaird22]

Glasgow right now

Came in on the off chance the line wouldn’t be that big. Not prepared to wait another hour and a half and possibly not get one so heading home


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cyrusir]

Zürich airport. Unfortunately my connection is too tight and there are some indecisive idiots who are trying every option on.
Blue is the one, in my view.

That's a shame, did you get a look at the white one? I'm between the two!

[Wallasey Runner]

Loads already listed on e-bay. I’ll just keep whistling ‘Walk on by’…

[gorrie]

Maybe I’m wrong, but those queue photos don’t seem to anywhere near the ones I saw on opening day for the Moonswatch.
I turned up on Moonswatch day to the Edinburgh store and was quite astounded by the scenes.

[gingerboy]

Cheap plastic watch with a basic dial and cheap movement...... what's not to like. Oh, it's only £350 if you can get one.

The world has gone absolutely mad!!

I don't get the current watch market at all. Overpriced is an understatement when discussing any known brand. Yet brands like Certina, Hamilton etc are frowned upon but Seiko is charging £10k+ for its latest top end diver.

Absolutely insane. I'll not be joining any queue for any of these swatch Collab watches.

I'm getting too old and grumpy ;-)

Sent from my SM-S908B using Tapatalk

[Chris_in_the_UK]

I have seen lots of young people wearing a Moonswatch so I think its a great move from Swatch. Get them interested in the brand at a young age and eventually they may progress to the real deal.

Also think that new Blancpain x Swatch looks like a fun watch for £340, I do not see why there is so many against them.

It's very clever marketing from the Swatch group.

Likewise.

[Ruggertech]

Cheap plastic watch with a basic dial and cheap movement...... what's not to like. Oh, it's only £350 if you can get one.

The world has gone absolutely mad!!

I don't get the current watch market at all. Overpriced is an understatement when discussing any known brand. Yet brands like Certina, Hamilton etc are frowned upon but Seiko is charging £10k+ for its latest top end diver.

Absolutely insane. I'll not be joining any queue for any of these swatch Collab watches.

I'm getting too old and grumpy ;-)

Sent from my SM-S908B using Tapatalk

Be carefull, someone will be along to call you a hater soon ;)

[100thmonkey]

Moonswatch had just about reached critical mass. Easy to get in most colours and not selling for more than RRP as they are not limited.

Once the Neptune colour is sorted, as I sense it now is, then they will be standard and easy to get.

BP will be hot till christmas maybe then fade away.

[paw3001]

Looking on eBay (prices made me laugh!) it seems the white and blue are the must have models. I quite like the blue and orange and may pick one up in the future at retail but the green looks horrible

[Tooks]

I think similar to the Moonswatch launch, we perhaps forget that this latest X collab isn’t aimed at the folks who make up most of the demographic on here, so not surprising so many of us ‘don’t get it’!

This sort of launch is more akin to the queues you see for the latest trainers, or games console, it’s aimed a few decades below most of us, and overall I don’t see the harm if it gets people into watches.

This watch is no more directly aimed at me than a £10k Blancpain is aimed at many of the folks in the queue. The fact a few of us might like the watches, as enthusiasts generally, is also fine, as is telling everybody that you’re not going to buy one I suppose.

The only possibly downside to all this is the ‘scalping’ that seems to follow it, but that’s the same for all the other stuff that people go mad for. We possibly come across as very sniffy and a bit ‘judgy’ to those who might be reading stuff on the forum for the first time.

[Chris_in_the_UK]

It's already started.......

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325803244...Bk9SR4qUm5HPYg

Even comes with 'RECOEPTS'

[gingerboy]

Be carefull, someone will be along to call you a hater soon ;)

I know, I should be publicly flogged for my views and opinions..... ;-)

It's the least I deserve

Paul

Sent from my SM-S908B using Tapatalk

[gingerboy]

It's already started.......

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325803244...Bk9SR4qUm5HPYg

Even comes with 'RECOEPTS'

Essential with any purchased of over priced tat!! As are the box and pipers
.....

Sent from my SM-S908B using Tapatalk

[Ruggertech]

I know, I should be publicly flogged for my views and opinions..... ;-)

It's the least I deserve

Paul

Sent from my SM-S908B using Tapatalk

Self flaggelation will suffice...

[Tetlee]

Just went off to youtube to have a look at these in video, have to laugh at all the thumbnails of the big youtubers scrolling down through, you know those horror, discust faces they put for their thumbnails, same as when the MoonSwatch released.

I just can't tolerate watch related youtube channels any more. I'll just wait until I see these in person I think.

[Broussard]

I cannot wait for the BondSwatch version of the Seamaster 300...

[Chris_in_the_UK]

I cannot wait for the BondSwatch version of the Seamaster 300...

And Bolex........

[Passenger]

IF/WHEN the sistem51 movement stops or breaks in one of these and it's outside the 2 yr warranty, do you have to chuck it or will swatch replace for a fee?

[andybaird22]

Decided to stay in the line in glasgow

Lined up from 730. Was 3 from the front at 1030 and then it sold out !

Annoying as I really wanted one but it was obvious there was big groups there of flippers. A group of about 40 or so that were spread out through the line then regrouped at the end . All got watches

Frustrating as I wanted to try this as something a bit different and cheaper I could use for holidays etc

I reckon only 100-120 watches in total for sale


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Passenger]

Decided to stay in the line in glasgow

Lined up from 730. Was 3 from the front at 1030 and then it sold out !

Annoying as I really wanted one but it was obvious there was big groups there of flippers. A group of about 40 or so that were spread out through the line then regrouped at the end . All got watches

Frustrating as I wanted to try this as something a bit different and cheaper I could use for holidays etc

I reckon only 100-120 watches in total for sale


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not surprised about the number of flippers as won´t they have ´learned´ from the Moonswatch experience, queue for a few hours for an easy 200 or 300 quid...so they hope.

Anyone know the lug width on these?

[Broussard]

IF/WHEN the sistem51 movement stops or breaks in one of these and it's outside the 2 yr warranty, do you have to chuck it or will swatch replace for a fee?

As far as I'm aware, and based on examination of many Sistem51 watches, there's no way to replace the movement at all. For all their sustainability messages and commitments, they continue to pump out millions of disposable watches.

[Passenger]

As far as I'm aware, and based on examination of many Sistem51 watches, there's no way to replace the movement at all. For all their sustainability messages and commitments, they continue to pump out millions of disposable watches.

Thank you...So it REALLY IS nothing but a cynical marketing con on every level then...350 quid!!!! For all the reclaimed from fishing nets, love the Oceans etc etc USP hokum. HAHA
MARKETING SHAMARKETING...

Just amusement, no hate.

[neuman356]

As far as I'm aware, and based on examination of many Sistem51 watches, there's no way to replace the movement at all. For all their sustainability messages and commitments, they continue to pump out millions of disposable watches.

From the videos I have seen there might be a small chance that this one actually has a snap back.

[Tooks]

I thought I’d read that since the Swatch Sistem51 Irony models from a few years back, the movement was repairable/replaceable?

I think Swatch have been stung by the ‘disposable’ watch moniker, and reacted to it.

Besides, a watch made from recycled plastic will just end up being recycled again presumably.

[Passenger]

I thought I’d read that since the Swatch Sistem51 Irony models from a few years back, the movement was repairable/replaceable?

I think Swatch have been stung by the ‘disposable’ watch moniker, and reacted to it.

Besides, a watch made from recycled plastic will just end up being recycled again presumably.

I looked briefly at the Swatch site last night and still couldn´t answer the critical question, whether the movements are replaceable, is it a disposable watch or not?...Kinda think Swatch´d be shouting it from the rooftops, wouldn´t you...

[ajw232]

Did anyone brave any of the London stores? It doesn’t sound like there was the same kind of carnage as with the first moonswatch release.

[hughtrimble]

I looked briefly at the Swatch site last night and still couldn´t answer the critical question, whether the movements are replaceable, is it a disposable watch or not?...Kinda think Swatch´d be shouting it from the rooftops, wouldn´t you...

I thought the Sistem51 movements were not serviceable due to how they're made, but this article from a few years ago suggests that the movement might be...but the wording is kind of odd almost suggesting that the watches with Sistem51 before the Irony models might not be serviceable?

As such, I suppose it could be that the movement itself can be serviced, but it might be how it is installed into the watch case can prevent it from being serviced.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/si...steel-hands-on

There is one very significant update though: Beginning with the Irony collection, Sistem51 watches will be able to be serviced at certain authorized Swatch watchmakers instead of being completely disposable. Previously you had to just toss the watch when it stopped keeping good time, but now you can keep a Sistem51 going much longer with some simple repairs and part swaps.

I agree with you that you'd think they'd be openly saying if these Blancpain ones were serviceable. Maybe they're constructed in such a way that you can't service the movement without busting the case, perhaps to achieve that water resistance rating? Pure conjecture on my part!

[Carlton-Browne]

That's a shame, did you get a look at the white one? I'm between the two!

When you say white, do you mean the orange or the greyish one? I thought the grey one would be preferable but thought it very ordinary and was really taken by the dial and bezel of the blue one.

This was from viewing them in the glass display case - they had all 5 watches out for people to peruse at the counter and this unfortunately meant that everyone making a purchase lingered unnecessarily. Never mind.

[robert75]

I cannot wait for the BondSwatch version of the Seamaster 300...

Or the plastic Glashutte Original Sea Q

[Wallasey Runner]

We haven’t had a WTB listed for one yet, anyone who is lucky enough to get one tomorrow and doesn’t bond with it, I’m here to take it off your hands bla bla bla.

Come on, be the first and give us a laugh

And the cigar goes to: ctafield

Good luck

[Tokyo Tokei]

12 hours since the shops opened here, long enough for some auctions to have concluded.

The Indian Ocean one seems to be the loser of the litter. No interest with a BIN of ¥77,000 (£420). Others have starting prices higher, but no bids.

If it turns out there isn't much profit in these for the flippers, maybe they'll be generally available soon.

[robert75]

12 hours since the shops opened here, long enough for some auctions to have concluded.

The Indian Ocean one seems to be the loser of the litter. No interest with a BIN of ¥77,000 (£420). Others have starting prices higher, but no bids.

If it turns out there isn't much profit in these for the flippers, maybe they'll be generally available soon.

Out of curiosity just done a quick google search of BP swatch and there is one on eBay for £850

Saying that there always seems to be Steinhart watches for sale there at prices higher than you can get one brand new.

[ctafield]

And the cigar goes to: ctafield

Good luck

Haha :D

They are going for less on StockX than on eBay. I don't live anywhere near a Swatch store, so have zero chance of being able to pick one up in person.

[Wallasey Runner]

Haha :D

They are going for less on StockX than on eBay. I don't live anywhere near a Swatch store, so have zero chance of being able to pick one up in person.

You should pick one up, several of the moonwatches have appeared on SC.

[100thmonkey]

Alot of us work and frequent town so may as well pop in and buy one. Itll add a few air-miles or tesco points and someone here who cant get to town will 100% have it so youve also done a good deed

[burton]

I am there a few times in a couple of weeks so keen to see how stock pans out till then


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk