Who would have thought that a simple plastic quartz watch could make a lasting mark on the face of time, and save Swiss watchmaking in the process?
On March 1, 1983, the first collection of twelve Swatch watches was unveiled in Zurich.
The concept is clear: to marry plastic construction, Swiss manufacturing, modern design and affordable price.
A revolutionary movement made up of just 51 components was developed by Ernst Thomke, then head of the movement manufacturer ETA.
Under the aegis of designers Marlyse Schmid and Bernard Müller, the first Swatch took shape, with its lines now known to all, and its 34 mm plastic case, on the back of which the battery was slid.
Who has never worn one?
Nicolas G. Hayek, who then decided not to liquidate the watch companies he was auditing, but to take them over and restructure them, will make it the success that we know.
The concept of the Swatch (contraction of
“second watch”)
will be an instant hit, the small…
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