MIM watchcases used for Swatch’s latest Irony range, Sistem51
The new Swatch Sistem51 Irony watch
Swatch has been a pioneer in the use of Metal Injection Moulding for the production of high volume watchcases, with its Irony range dating back to 1994. The company has once again used MIM in the latest addition to its portfolio, Sistem51 Irony. Launched in August, the Sistem51 Irony models are an evolution of the original Sistem51 range that uses plastic cases.
Sistem51 features a unique mechanical movement that consists of only 51 parts, assembled in a fully automated process and secured with a single central screw. As it is not a quartz watch, Sistem51 has no need for a battery but is powered by the movement of the wearer. Every movement of the wrist sets the rotor in motion, winding the watch, so Sistem51 features an automatic, or self-winding, movement.
Even when not worn, the watch keeps on going for 90 hours. The rear of the watchcase is transparent to expose the movement. Swatch stated, “By taking advantage of the first fully-automated mechanical watch manufacturing process, each elegant model is assembled to the highest level of precision and Swiss quality whilst delivering unmatched value.”
For Swatch, Sistem51 Irony represents a major step towards affordable, automatic watches with a classic, up-market appearance. The range is composed of seven models that, suggests the company, can be seen to be moving toward a more sophisticated market. Swatch stated, “Sistem51 is beautiful technology. Conceived, developed and built entirely and exclusively in Switzerland and in less than two years. It is a luxury, an accessible point of entry to high-end mechanical watchmaking – for everyone.”
Rear of the watch showing the mechanical movement
