Are Swatch Watches Worth The Money?

Today I share my opinion on whether or not Swatch Watches are worth the money or not?

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00:00 - Intro
00:12 - What Swatches I've Worn
00:50 - Why They're Not Worth the Money
02:57 - Why They're Worth the Money
04:11 - When You Shouldn't Buy a Swatch
05:22 - When You Should Buy a Swatch
06:22 - Outro

[squee]

When you can accept that your taste in aesthetics can lead to silly but satisfying purchases... it's a good feel

[ronrussell]

I've owned Swatches since the 80's, and there are pros and cons. All of mine have been reliable, I still have one that was made in 1989 which still runs accurately. My two most recent ones were purchased in the 2010's, both are Irony chrono models, with steel cases. Swatch does offer what amounts to wearable art for your wrist, and that's part of the price of the watch, since most models are only offered for a limited time before being retired. The downside is that while they are well made, they are not anywhere close to as rugged as a G-Shock for the same price. Swatches need to be treated like any traditional watch (don't drop it or bang it around, avoid exposure to water, etc). Most Casios, even those that aren't G-Shocks, can take a bit more punishment and abuse than a Swatch. If you do manage to break a Swatch, it can't really be repaired. This is also true for some of the cheaper Casios (but they are so inexpensive, it's probably cheaper to just replace the watch than to repair it) but if you have a G-Shock such as the DW5600, it will withstand a tremendous amount of punishment, and if you do beat up the bezel, it can be removed and replaced with a new one. Replacement parts such as bezels and straps for most G-Shocks are readily available, often in different colors, and there are adapters which allow the use of non-original straps. From a purely economic standpoint, a Casio is a much more attractive proposition. As far as ethics go, Casio does build watches in several countries, including China, but also Thailand and Japan (I just received a new GMW-B5000D-1 which was made in Japan). Casio doesn't quite offer the same "art on your wrist" experience of the Swatch, but they do offer some models in a number of different color options, so you can at least choose something you like instead of just a black plastic watch.

[Werdisbond]

I love Swatch. They’re colorful, nice design, and playful, they look cool as fuck. They’re quality whether you want to admit it or not.(obviously not Rolex and AP standards, and blah blah blah, all that snob shit). Most of the time I wear casual clothes like a fresh white tee, some nice, clean shorts or pants, some nice sneakers, and a fresh baseball hat. And the swatch adds that perfect touch to you looking fresh.

[General_Puffball]

It's nice to see you highlighting ethical considerations. I've always admired Nick Hayek's commitment to responsible labour practices.

[codeblue]

I bought my first Swatch in 1984 and it is still going strong. I have a few other ones too.

[warrenrhinerson]

The only swatch I own is a Q2 model. Got it because I loved the designed, had no idea about the Bond connection. I use it as my dress watch as it’s a very beautiful watch and very slim. Slim enough to slide under my shirt cuff when wearing my tux and cuff links.

[TransistorBased]

I picked one up about a week ago and it's just neat. It's the loudest thing on earth, but the sound of it is almost sorta relaxing. I've gotten more compliments on this clear watch than any Omega or Tudor I've had, and it's super light and comfy. Plus it's easy. My Tudor has been in for service half the time I've had it, and I've spent a few grand on services for Omegas in the past. If this has issues years down the road, I just get a new one and know that very little material is actually going to waste.

[asensibleyoungman]

I need to get a Swatch in my collection because:
1) They have their own unique style & identity.
2) They're a Swiss company and as a small-time hobbyist watch collector I need a Swiss watch in my modest collection.
3) They have horological history.
4) They're affordable.

[ComsiCaterpillar]

Swatches are nice for skiing. The are classy, cheap, alpine made and they don't get cold like metal cased watches. It's the Swiss watch that is expendable and you can wear it to more dangerous areas than you would a more expensive Swiss watch.

[actualnotanewbie]

Nice to know I'm not the only one who's heard the word djent before!

[MercedesBenzW]

I like the Design on the swatch once again But I own a vintage swatch and it’s a good watch in my opinion

[normalguy]

I saw you comparing the Seiko 5 with the swatch, but aren't they double the price?

[MarkGalean]

I LOVE Swatch, they're fun and simple, colorful and cool. They're not watches meant to be worn on everyday.

[olemanolete]

of course they are!!!!, congrats on all your content !!!

[abdipasya]

Swatch irony chrono is good, bcoz it uses 4 jewels for hands and chrono for bearing and i dont care about scratch on acrylic glass easily, it can be repaired by polywatch

[rumblejungle]

If time to ponder this question, a UDD 30-50 price difference is not an issue

[janojanuary]

Vintage, 90s swatches dont have ticking noise and have unique complications. Modern swatches are of lesser quality and build.

[butchy]

I like your Swatch!
😄
I just had to say that.

I gotta say. I've loved Swatch since I was a teen. I had 7 of some of the most priceiest vintage ones on the market today. Sadly, I gave them all away years ago.
Swatch is fun. I guess it's what still draws me to them even today. So, I get you just having to have the alien watch.
Worth the money? Absolutely not.
But, I still get one here and there when I can.
Good job on the video. It was informative and I thought, enjoyable to watch.

[natehuber]

There is a Keith Haring swatch watch on ebay right now!

[megadead]

after I saw how the swatch movement operates I could only think: an insult to "swiss made" Thanks for the insight and I agree that the unique designs seem like the only thing going for these watches.