Will This Super-Thin Swatch Sway Me? Swatch Skin Irony Review
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Earlier this year, I released a post highlighting my overall thoughts on the watch brand Swatch. I’ve got nothing against the brand, I just don’t think most models offer great value on a material level. The watch I’m featuring here goes some way to changing that, but first I want to address something that cropped up last time.
I had been told that I had ‘missed the point’ and that these watches were meant to be just for fun. I’d be on board with that idea…if the plastic models cost significantly less. I don’t see the point of spending a notable chunk of change on a disposable watch, purely for ‘fun’, but maybe you do. That’s fair enough, it’s your money. I just prefer something that not only looks good but lasts a bit better too.
In fact, that takes me to the topic of this post. I’ve found a Swatch which I think not only looks great but also holds up on a material level too. It’s also got some key features which I think makes this possibly one of the best Swatch’s out there. Let’s take a look at it.
This is codenamed the SYXS114, also known as the ‘Skinflag’ which is part of the Swatch ‘Skin Irony’ range. Falsely labelled on Amazon as a women’s watch, this is actually a unisex watch, as is evident from the stock images. I’ll link this watch throughout this article if you want to check it out. Thanks to Amazon for covering the cost of this for review. A quick note, according to some sites, this model could be discontinued, so you might want to pull the trigger sooner rather than later.
Watch Dimensions
|
Specifications |
Swatch Skinflag SYXS114 |
|
Lug to Lug |
44.5 mm |
|
Case Diameter |
38 mm |
|
Case Thickness |
5.7 mm |
|
Lug Width |
16 mm |
|
Weight (Grams) |
42.8g |
With a 38mm case diameter and a 44.5mm lug to lug, it starts to shape up quite nicely for slim to average wrists…then you look at the side profile. This beauty not only looks great but is wafer-thin. It probably makes most wafers look thick!
If you’ve followed my channel for a while, you’ll know I’m a sucker for skinny watches and this one even beats the Casio A700, at a mere 5.7mm in thickness.
On-wrist, this sits incredibly well on my small 6 ¼ inch wrist and is about as slick as a wristwatch can get. This is fortunately, thanks to the curved sides, I’ve had no issues with regards to sweat build-up under the case and it’s one of the most comfortable watches I’ve tried all year.
Strap
Some of that is aided by the silicone strap, which is a little bright for my taste but feels much more substantial than those fitted to the previous Swatches I looked at. As expected, it uses the Swatch lug design, so you’re restricted in terms of alternative strap choices, but it’s a much better start. It also houses a metal buckle, which should hold up better than the plastic ones used on may other Swatches.
Swatch Case
I much prefer the case of this watch versus those alternatives too. I’ve always stood by the principle that if you’re going to use quartz, at least make the case nice and slim; as it’s one of the big upsides of that technology. Happily, they have done so here, along with implementing a lovely swooping design down the flanks; which is pretty classy for a budget watch. The stainless steel case is polished throughout, including the crown, which is completely smooth. It’s small and suits the watch, but features no grip.
Flipping the watch over reveals the easy-access battery hatch; allowing you to quickly change the cell without any fancy equipment. This does marginally protrude from the rear but isn’t noticeable during wear. Unfortunately, the watch is only splashproof. Perhaps the battery hatch is partially responsible for the poor seal. I think Swatch watches could benefit from a slight upgrade here, as they would pair nicely with the ever-present and water-resistant silicone bands.
Watch Glass
Over the dial, you’re looking at a simple mineral crystal, which will provide some limited scratch resistance. Considering this watch can typically be picked up from around £60-£90, that’s not too bad, but it’s no luxury material.
Movement
The dial holds a couple of areas of improvement…or should I say concealment. With previous models, I was frustrated with the consistently inconsistent alignment of the second hand. Often the hand would hit far from the markers, whilst producing a loudly audible tick in the process. Fortunately, this model sidesteps both issues. This design includes no second hand whatsoever, which removes the need for a tick every second. Funnily enough, if you hold your ear up to the Skinflag (still not sure about that name), you can hear a light tick once every 10 seconds. This is much more bearable than before and in my opinion the best route to go down.
Within hides a Swiss quartz movement. The Swatch Group owns ETA, which is why I’m assuming there is a tiny ETA emblem carved into the back. I can’t find information on precisely what movement this is; even the worlds largest manual that comes with the watch doesn’t have it listed. Unfortunately, these cases are sealed, so I can’t confirm exactly what’s inside.
Dial Design
The dial has a very minimalist style overall and an easy-pleaser, with simple inked markers and a clean logo; along with a basic handset that, while boring, doesn’t spoil the look. I like the inclusion of the high-polish rehaut, which reflects beautifully when the watch is rotated. I imagine that with a more upmarket leather strap, this piece could easily be pulled off in more formal environments, as well as suiting the casual situations that the marketing suggests.
Is the finishing as good as the likes of your Seikos and Orients at this price point? No.
Clearly, though, this model offers something unique that those other brands don’t. A true direct challenger to some of these overzealous fashion watches who keep spouting about how their minimalist watches are changing the world.
This looks and feels much better than most of them, it’s extremely nicely proportioned and will probably last you a lot longer whilst providing a similar aesthetic. If you want a fashionable watch that is built quite well and is nice and thin, this is among the best I’ve found for under £100.
Final Thoughts
Why has Swatch discontinued this model then? Or at least why do some retailers seem to think that? Yeah, Swatch still has this available for purchase, but perhaps this is nearing the end of its shelf life already?
If that is the case I think the conclusion is fairly simple…they didn’t market it enough! When you’ve got a watch with such an obvious selling point (the thinness), you need to tell people about it. It took me a long time to even find out that Swatch made 38mm watches, let alone any that were this slim…and I’m a watch reviewer! I bet the vast majority of potential buyers never knew this model was being produced; it’s a real shame. Hopefully, that isn’t the case though and some of these sites have simply made a mistake.
