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Technical Information
What is a quartz movement?
A quartz watch uses an oscillation of quartz to define the time. All Swatch watches are made of quartz movements, except for our Automatic watches, which includes all the Sistem51 models. Quartz has the property of oscillation with a precise frequency when it is stimulated electronically. A crystal oscillator is an electronic circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material to create an electrical signal with a very precise frequency. This frequency is commonly used to keep track of time (as in quartz wrist watches), to provide a stable clock signal for digital integrated circuits, and to stabilise frequencies for radio transmitters and receivers. The most common type of piezoelectric resonator used is the quartz crystal, so oscillator circuits designed around them were called "crystal oscillators". In other words: quartz is a stable vibration that gives regular impulses. Through the “circuit integer” impulses are given to the wheels of the hands.
What is an automatic?
The Swatch Automatic and Sistem51 models are a self winding mechanical watches. The power to keep running is not provided by a battery but by natural kinetic energy created by motions of the wearer’s arm. Automatic watches react more sensitively to temperature fluctuations, knocks and the way they are worn. Therefore, an automatic watch does not run as precisely as a quartz watch and inaccuracies of -10 to +40 seconds per day arise. From experience we know that the mechanical watches tend towards inaccuracy as long as they are new. This usually regulates itself with the time.
Automatic: -10 to + 40 sec/day
Chrono Automatic: ± 20 (0-40) sec/day
Sistem51: -5 +15 (±10) sec/day
What is Autoquartz?
The Swatch Autoquartz is a technology that combines the advantage of an automatic, battery-free movement with quartz precision and reliability. The kinetic energy generated by the oscillating weight in the Autoquartz is transformed into electricity. This is stored in a capacitor and monitored by a tiny electric circuit and quartz oscillator to produce the sort of precision typically associated with quartz. The capacitor holds enough power in reserve to keep the watch going for a full 100 days.
What is chronograph?
A chronograph is a watch with a stopwatch function. This additional mechanism makes it possible to measure and record short times. By clicking on the push buttons, the hands of the chronograph (seconds, minutes, hours) can be started, stopped, or reset to zero. Please see our manual for step-by-step directions on the chronograph features.
What is a Chronometer?
A chronometer is a watch tested for accuracy and reliability at the official control centers and which has obtained an official rate certificate from the COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute).
What is GMT - Greenwich meridian time indicated on my Swatch?
Greenwich, England has been the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) since 1884. GMT is also called Greenwich Meridian Time because it is measured from the Greenwich Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Greenwich is the place from where all time zones are measured.
What is UTC - Coordinated Universal Time indicated on my Swatch?
The “Coordinated Universal Time” (UTC) is the basis for civil time today. This 24-hour time standard is kept using highly precise atomic clocks combined with the Earth's rotation.
UTC is the time standard commonly used across the world. The world's timing centres have agreed to keep their time scales closely synchronised - or coordinated - therefore the name Coordinated Universal Time.
Two components are used to determine UTC:
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International Atomic Time (TAI): A time scale that combines the output of some 200 highly precise atomic clocks worldwide, and provides the exact speed for our clocks to tick.
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Universal Time (UT1), also known as astronomical time or solar time, refers to the Earth's rotation. It is used to compare the pace provided by TAI with the actual length of a day on Earth.
Time zones around the world are expressed as positive or negative offsets from UTC. In this role as the zero-point reference, UTC is also referred to as Zulu time (Z). UTC is often referred to as Greenwich Mean Time when describing time zones, although strictly speaking UTC (atomic time scale) is only approximately the same as GMT.
What is Shockproof?
The watches indicated as “Shock Resistant” are watches of which the residual effect on the precision after standardised shocks does not exceed 2 seconds per day for quartz watches and 60 seconds per day for the others, according to the standard ISO 1413 (based on the simulation of the shock received by a watch on falling accidentally from a height of 1 m on to a horizontal hardwood surface), or NIHS 91-10 which is the equivalent standard for the Swiss watch industry.
Are Swatch watches water-resistant?
We indicate that Swatch watches are ´water-resistant´ to an overpressure of 3 bar or 10 bar or 20 bar. Depending on the model of the watch. These indications correspond to the pressure exercised during the water-resistant test according to the ISO norm 22810. The indicated values are equivalent to the hydrostatic pressure exercised in immersion at 30 m, 100m or 200 m in the water. Every Swatch watch will remain water-resistant provided that the crown, pushers, glass, case and gaskets remain intact. (Crown and pushers must never be manipulated under water!)
What is the telemeter function?
The function Telemeter (Stormeter) is noted on the dial or bezel of the Swatch models “Take Some Minutes - YCS481” and “Rosso Furore - YCS494G” (from the professional dictionary of watch-making)
It is an instrument for measuring distances. In horology, it is a timer or chronograph with a graduated dial enabling distances to be read off on the basis of the speed of sound through the air at 0°C., v = 331.5 meters per second. The time that elapses between the flash of an explosion (firing of a gun, lightning) and the hearing of the noise makes it possible to read off on the dial the distance between the observer and the position of the flash.
What is the Swatch Access function?
The Swatch Access is a multifunctional, interactive Swatch with a built-in-memory. The microchip contained in the watch can store a vast range of data, while the antenna is used to communicate with a terminal to read the contents of the microchip. A computer program drives the whole system. Swatch Access / Snowpass is easily integrated in systems with applications such as ticketing, keys, payment and network access.
What are Snowpass watches?
The Swatch Snowpass has time indication and a contactless chip card function (RFID) and is a functional alternative to contactless chip cards.
There are 2 different Snowpass versions using different RFID chip technology: RFID 125 kHz (older version) or RFID 13.56 MHz.
What is the Swatch Tachometer function?
The dial on the face of a chronograph used to measure the speed in kilometres or metres per hour (and not miles). On the majority of the Swatch Chrono models, the tachometric scale on the dials or bezel allows the reading of a speed measurement, directly in kilometres per hour (km/h). The speed measurement must be carried out inside a time interval of maximum 60 seconds for distances of 10, 100 or 1000 metres. For a measurement on 1000 metres, the figure read on the tachometric scale corresponds directly to the speed in km/h. For a measurement on 100 meters, the figure read on the tachometric scale must be divided by 10 to obtain the speed in km/h. For a measurement on 10 metres, the figure read on the tachometric scale must be divided by 100 to obtain the speed in km/h.
What is the life span of my new battery?
Between 2- 3 years, depending on the size of the battery and the function. For example, watches with the Chronograph function may have a battery life that is less than, for example, a Swatch Original Gent watch.
What is the Swatch Internet time Function?
Internet Time is a new universal time created by Swatch. With this new way of timekeeping, there are no more time zones, as the entire world is happening at the same time, at the same moment. Internet Time divides the 24 hours of a day into 1000 units called beats. 1 beat represents 1 minute and 26.4 seconds.
Internet Time is displayed by @ and three digits, ranging from @000 to@999. The internet day starts at midnight (@000) in Biel, the home of Swatch.
What is EOL?
The End of Life (EOL) indicates, by blinking screen or hands movements,
that the battery is approaching its end. EOL function is shown mostly with
products with a Lithium battery.
On Swatch Touch: The numbers will start to blink. This will last for 3 hours
and then the blinking will stop. Solar: The second hands will stop for a few
seconds and then make a "jump" of a few seconds, so that the time is
correct again. Of course when it is charged the EOL will also stop.
What does Jewels (Ruby) mean?
Swatch Automatic watches contain 23 Jewels and the Irony Automatic (as well as the Irony Diaphane Automatic) have 21 jewels, as indicated on the back of the movement.
Collections
What is a collection?
A collection is a group of products that are associated with a particular style (e.g. Spring/Summer Collection; Fall/Winter Collection).
What is BIG BOLD?
These models were inspired by modern street wear and make an obvious statement with their 47mm diameter case. Distinctive hands show the way forward.
What is Bijoux?
Bijoux is the name of the Swatch jewellery collection.
What are Originals?
Originals refers to the original family of Swatch watches, which began with the Swatch Gent. Discover a few examples of Originals.
What is a .beat?
The digital family from Swatch. The .beat line displays Internet Time. Discover a few examples of .beat.
What is a Skin?
Skin is the name of one of the Swatch collections. Skin models are 3.9mm thick, the thinnest Swatch watches. Discover a few examples of Skin.
What is Irony?
Irony models are stainless steel and aluminum wrist watches that come in a variety of designs. Discover a few examples of Irony.
What is Digital?
Digital is the name of a collection of multi-function digital watches including the Touch and Beat watches. Discover a few examples of Digital.
What is a Gent?
Gent refers to models from the first collection of Swatch watches. The
diameter of the watch head measures 34mm. Discover a
few examples of Gent.
What is a New Gent?
New Gent models are watches from a new collection launched in 2010. The diameter of the watchhead measures 41 mm. Discover few examples of New Gent.
What is a Lady?
A Swatch watch specifically designed for women. Its case is similar to the Gent but smaller. The case size for the Lady is 25mm, while the case size for the Gent is 34mm. Discover few examples of Lady.
What is a Diaphane?
The Diaphane Collection comprises classic and sporty watches by Swatch. These watches are characterised by the combination of aluminum and frosted plastic making up its case. Discover a few examples of Diaphane.
What is a Fun Boarder?
The Swatch Fun Boarder combines an altimeter, Snowpass and fashion
accessory in a single timepiece. Discover a few examples of Fun Boarder.
What is a Jelly in Jelly?
A Jelly in Jelly is slightly bigger than a Gent. The models are technically more flexible in their design of new shapes. Discover a few examples of Jelly in Jelly.
What is a Nabab?
A robust, heavier model in the Irony Collection. Discover a few examples of Nabab.
What is a Pop?
A splashy, stylish model in the Originals family. Discover a few examples of Pop.
What is a Square?
A Square has a square case. Discover a few examples of Square.
What is a Touch?
Swatch Touch watches make use of digital displays and technology, including touch screens, to offer a series of time and special functions. Discover an few examples of Touch.
What is a Turnover?
A Turnover has a reversible watch face. Discover a few examples of Turnover.
What is an X-Large?
An X-Large is the same shape as a Gent but is 30% larger. Discover a few examples of X-Large.
What is a Chrono?
A Chrono is a Swatch watch with stopwatch functions. It measures hours and minutes to the precise second and has a tachometric scale. Discover a few examples of Chrono.
What is a Loomi?
The dial changes color when pressed lightly: the day watch becomes a night watch, allowing the time to be read in the dark. Discover a few examples of Loomi.
What is a Chrono Plastic?
Swatch Chrono Plastic models combine durable, sports-ready materials with precise quartz chrono movements. Trademark features include a rugged strap, plastic case, rotating bezel and large pushers and crown. Discover a few examples of Chrono Plastic.
What is a Scuba? (Scuba 200)
Water resistance to 200 metres, easy readability and a rotating bezel help the user keep track of time underwater. Discover an example of Scuba 200.
What is a Fun Scuba?
Water resistance to 200meters, a big, fun sports watch. Discover a few examples of Fun Scuba.
What is a Maxi?
A very big Swatch Gent (almost 2 meters tall) you can hang on the wall.
Length: 210 cm
Strap width: 14.5 cm
Watch head diameter: 38 cm
Watch head thickness: 8 cm
What is an Aquachrono?
An Aquachrono is a diver’s watch with stopwatch functions. Discover a few examples of Aquachrono.
What is an (Irony) Retrograde?
A chronograph watch with arched counter displays whose hands jump back to zero. Discover a few examples of Retrograde.
What is a Musicall?
Owners of a Swatch Musicall hear a jingle when the alarm rings and turn it off by pressing a button. All functions are controlled by the crown. Discover a few examples of Musicall.
What is a Puzzle Motion?
A Swatch Jelly in Jelly equipped with dials that change like a kaleidoscope, returning to the original image once every hour. Discover a few examples of Puzzle Motion.
What is a Stop?
The Stop can be converted from an ordinary watch into a stopwatch at the push of a button. Discover a few examples of Stop.
What is a Solar?
The Swatch Solar is a watch powered by solar energy. When power runs low the second hand jumps forward at four-second intervals, indicating that the watch must be recharged by exposure to a light source. Discover a few examples of Solar.
What is an Irony The Chrono?
Irony The Chrono has a large-format rugged steel case, with a tachometric scale on the bezel and a date window on the dial, with a strong leather strap or solid metal bracelet. Discover a few examples of The Chrono.
What is a Lustrous Bliss?
Lustrous Bliss is a SKIN set with 174 real diamonds, intended as an
homage to Hollywood Dream, the popular "diamond" studded Swatch from 1990. Discover a few examples of Lustrous Bliss.
What is a Diaphane One?
Diaphane One combines plastic and aluminium in a lightweight model with a self-winding mechanical movement. Discover an example of Diaphane One.
What is a Spidome?
Spidome watches are designed with Milanese and Parisian haute couture in mind. Discover an example of Spidome.
What is an Irony Square Lady?
Irony Square Lady models have a robust square steel case and square or rectangular crystals protecting the dial. Discover a few examples of Irony Square Lady.
What is a Platine Tresor Magique?
With its solid case and the crown in platinum 950, Tresor Magique is an exclusive watch with an automatic movement and a leather strap, sold in a limited and numbered edition of 12,999 pieces. Discover an example of Platine Tresor Magique.
What is Skin Irony?
So flat, so elegant. The stainless steel watches with their 38mm diameter case know how to display their best side on every occasion - whether classic, casual or sporty.
What is Skin Irony 42?
So flat and so elegant: the stainless steel watches are now available with a 42mm diameter case. The new classic always shows its best side - whether classic, casual or sporty.
What is Skin Big?
The eloquent collection with a diameter of 40mm.
What is Skin Regular?
The flat and elegant stainless steel 36.80mm diameter watches
What is New POP?
The new models from the lively, stylish watches straight from our Originals collection.
What is SISTEM51 Irony?
SISTEM51 combines the first fully automatically manufactured mechanical movement with innovative designs and exposed movements exhibiting a sure-fire wow-factor in a 42mm diameter case.
What is Swatch The Eyes?
As light-hearted, colourful and stylish as a Swatch on your wrist: the new Swatch sunglasses collection.
What is Swatch X You?
PICK A DESIGN, MAKE YOUR SWATCH!
A design-it-yourself Swatch? Swatch X You make it possible! Inspired by Swatch’s collections and collaborations with Swatch enthusiasts in the worlds of art and sport.
What is SwatchPAY!?
SwatchPAY! - The coolest way to pay!
The payment card on your wrist is extra-fast, water-proof and can even be used without a battery - paying was never so easy!
What is FLYMAGIC?
The first Swatch with an anti-magnetic Nivachron™ hair spring in a strictly limited edition - three models and only 500 watches in each. The revolutionary movement nestles under a non-reflective sapphire crystal glass in a 45mm PVD coated or alternatively a plain stainless steel case.
After Sales
How can I find the right battery for my Swatch?
The battery number can be found on the battery itself. In the event that you no longer have your battery, you may refer to the back of your watch case. For more information, please see our battery list.
How do I change my battery?
To change the battery of your Swatch, you can take your watch to any Swatch corporate retail store and a store representative will assist you. The list of stores is available under here
What do I do if my metal strap/bracelet needs adjusting?
You have three options:
You can take your watch back to your local retail jeweler, but you may be charged.
You can take the watch to a Swatch Store. Find the list here.
Alternatively, you can return the watch to your nearest Swatch official Service Centre. You can find a list of all Swatch Service Centres.
Please remember to enclose a cover letter stating exactly what should be done. You should also include your contact details including your telephone number and e-mail address, as appropriate.
Where can I purchase a replacement strap / battery / battery cover?
Replacement straps, buckles, batteries and battery covers are available at your Swatch store. The list of stores is available under here. If you are not within driving distance to a store, every store can answer your questions by phone. Another possibility is to directly contact your nearest Service Centre.
I have a Swatch that is not working. What can I do?
You can take your watch to a Swatch Store or send it directly to a Service Center with either a copy of your receipt or a stamped guarantee.
You can find a list of all Swatch Service Centers on the link Service Centre that you find on the left menu bar of this page.
Please remember to enclose a cover letter stating exactly what has to be done. You should also include your contact details.
Where can I find more about the chronograph features?
Please see our manual for step-by-step directions on the chronograph features.
How to change the time, date and day?
Please see our manual for step-by-step directions on how to change the time, day, and date.
How do I determinate my wrist size?
To determine your wrist size, please see our PDF.
Where is there a Swatch store?
To find a Swatch corporate retail store, please visit our store locator.
About Swatch Club
Swatch Club is all about fun, joie de vivre, positive provocation — and of course, people. People who love to have fun, live life to the fullest and can’t wait to share their passion for Swatch. Our community gets together all over the world for exclusive events in exciting locations, and to meet artists, star athletes and celebrities.
Join the Club now! www.swatch.com/register
How can I become a Swatch Club Member?
Swatch Club has different membership statuses:
Starter membership
Registration as a Starter member is free and is the first step into the incredible world of Swatch Club!
Invite your friends to discover the Club with you. All it takes to start enjoying various online benefits is to create an online account on www.swatch.com/register.
Premium membership
If the Starter membership is not enough, upgrade to Premium is really easy. A Starter member can purchase the current Club watch and register his 12-digit code online. The Premium membership will be valid for one year and will grant you access to exclusive Swatch Club benefits on and offline. Discover them all in the upcoming pages or online at www.swatch.com/clubbenefits
Gold membership
You can only become a Gold member by winning our yearly Gold Member Contest: the contest is open to all members and takes place once a year. The theme of this contest changes every year but the spirit stays the same: Show your Swatch passion! If you are one of the lucky winners of the contest, you will gain Gold member status and will be able to access all exclusive benefits on- and offline.
PAYMENT
When will Swatch charge my credit card for my order?
Orders will be processed only after an online approval can be confirmed. Following this, your card will only be charged when the order is shipped (upon leaving our warehouse).
What is 3D Secure and how does it work ?
3-D Secure is an additional security layer for online credit and debit card transactions widely known as "Verified by Visa" for Visa , "SecureCode" for Mastercard, "SafeKey" for American Express, "J/Secure" for JCB Int. etc.
The system authenticates the cardholder before any transaction can take place, by diverting the cardholder to the browser of the bank that issued the card. Then the bank authenticates that the cardholder is entitled to use this card and the online purchase is complete.
How does 3D Secure protect me?
3-D Secure provides an added layer of security by prompting you for an extra authentication step when you make an online purchase. This helps to protect you against online fraud by verifying that the customer making the online purchase is the rightful owner of the credit / debit card used.
I was never asked for a 3D Secure before. Why now?
The revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2), is an EU Directive that requires Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) on the majority of electronic payments. This directive will come to full effect on 14 September 2019. 3-D Secure is considered a SCA
Why I am not always asked for a 3D Secure when I purchase online?
SCA (Strong customer Authentication) is required for transactions over 30€ or equivalent. Transactions under 30€ or equivalent, will be exempt from SCA. However, the issuing bank will keep track of the amount of payments made. If the total amount attempted on the card without strong authentication is higher than 100€, or every 5 transactions, SCA will be required.
I failed the 3D Secure authentication step. What should I do next?
We would advise to directly contact your card issuer to understand what the issue is. For security and transparency reasons, this information is not shared with us. Alternatively, you may try performing the transaction again using another credit card or select one of our other offered payment options.
DELIVERY
Where is my order is shipped from?
All Swatch orders from shop.swatch.com/au are shipped from Melbourne, Australia.
Where does Swatch deliver to?
Swatch delivers only to Australian addresses – Please note that we cannot send to PO Box, GPO box, Locked Bags and Parcel Locker address because deliveries require signature.
When does Swatch deliver?
All Swatch deliveries are handled by Toll and deliveries are made from Monday-Friday
How can I check if my order has been shipped? What happens if I'm not home for the delivery?
You will receive a notification email with a link to the Toll website once your order has been shipped from our warehouse.
If your Toll driver is unable to deliver the shipment, you'll receive card with your local Toll’s contact details on, contact them and arrange another suitable time and date for them to deliver the item. You can also use you tracking code to find out where your parcel is by visiting https://online.toll.com.au/trackandtrace/
Returns and Exchanges
What is your return/exchange policy?
If you are unhappy with an item when you receive it or if you simply change your mind please return it to us within 14 days, with the dispatch note, and return form, having taken reasonable care of it and in an unused state complete with packaging and all components, and we will refund you the price you paid for that product (excluding P&P where applicable).
How can I return my order?
If your product was purchased online and within the 14 day return policy, please contact us by email to inform us of your wish to return Products. We will allocate you with a Returns Authorisation Code which should be included with the package to improve processing of your return. Please use a secure delivery method which requires signature and return to:
Return Authorisation Code (insert code)
The Swatch Group (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Swatch Online Department
Level 2, 1601 Malvern Road,
Glen Iris, VIC, 3146 AUSTRALIA
Can I return a product I bought in a store?
Items purchased at a Swatch retail store cannot be returned to our online service centre or vice versa.
What is the turnaround time for returns and refunds?
Refunds can take up to 30 days to process from the date that the watch was shipped to the office.
How do I return a defective product?
- We try to select and package the items as well as possible to ensure they arrive in good condition. However, if an item arrives damaged or with defects, or is not what you ordered, we will replace it free of charge or provide a full refund as appropriate, if you return the product to us as set out under paragraph c. below within a reasonable time.
- In these circumstances we will also pay you the cost of the return postage. Please provide a proof of posting certificate or postal receipt to enable us to process the refund for your return postage costs. Please use a secure delivery method which requires signature such as and return to:
The Swatch Group (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Swatch Online Department
Level 2, 1601 Malvern Road,
Glen Iris, VIC, 3146 AUSTRALIA
Replacements
Where can I purchase a replacement strap/battery/battery cover?
If you are unable to travel to a Swatch store we suggest contacting our customer services department in Melbourne using the following email address: swatchservice.au@swatch.com
I’m not sure what replacement strap I should order (Size /Type)?
If a replacement band is needed to help you through this process quicker if email a picture of your watch (front & back) to SWATCHSERVICE@swatchgroup.com.au.
My account
Please see below on how to create an account on store.swatch.com/au
- Click on the My Account link located at the top of the homepage.
- Under the heading “New Customer” fill in the required boxes.
- Click submit to complete your account set up.
Can I get a replacement watch face for my Swatch?
Swatch watches are designed as sealed units, whereby opening the case to repair or replace parts is not possible. We provide a 2 year warranty for all Swatch purchases to cover any possible manufacturing fault or issues and with proof of purchase inside of this time frame we can provide a replacement.
Using our site
Searching
You can search for a specific item by using the 'search' box located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. To access detailed information about a product click on the page and detail specification tab
Checkout
When you are ready to complete your order, be sure to review all of the items you have placed in your shopping basket by clicking “My Basket” on the top right. To checkout, follow the instructions on the screen to finalise your order. You may do an express check out, create an account, or use an existing account. Click the “Proceed to checkout” button to move onto next steps.
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