Watch Dissection Book Vol. 4: The World's Largest Watch Manufacturing Group - Recommended Brands Under the Swatch Group

What is the Swatch Group?

-One of the world's largest watch groups-

Switzerland is known as the mecca of luxury watches. Among them, the Swatch Group has a particularly huge influence. The Swatch Group is known as one of the world's largest watch manufacturing groups. It was founded in 1983 as SMH in Switzerland and changed its name to its current name in 1998. Its headquarters are in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Its biggest feature is that it has a wide range of brands in a wide price range and style, from luxury watches to casual watches. For example, the group has prestigious brands such as Omega, which is famous for being the official timekeeper of the Olympics, Breguet and Blancpain, which convey traditional craftsmanship, and Swatch, which is known for its pop design. In addition to watch brands, the group also owns companies related to internal parts and materials of watches, such as movement manufacturer ETA and hairspring manufacturer Nivarox-FAR, and is a vertically integrated group of watchmakers, which is a strength that other companies do not have. In the past, it supplied ETA movements to other companies in large quantities, and was an influential presence in the entire watch industry. Their strategy is not just to sell products, but also to play an important role as an "industrial infrastructure" that controls the structure and supply balance of the entire watch industry. This time, we will focus on the brands under the Swatch Group and introduce the products in stock at our store. Please enjoy until the end.

Omega

[1] Speedmaster

First introduced: circa 1957

The Speedmaster was released in 1957 as a model that combines high performance and robustness as a chronograph. It was originally designed as a timepiece for race cars, but it eventually became a watch that accompanied historic moments in space development. It was later used in the Apollo 11 moon landing, and the globally iconic Speedmaster became a collection affectionately known as the Moonwatch.

Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Ref.310.30.42.50.04.001

Basic specifications Case size: 42.0mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: White Movement: Hand-wound Cal.3861
Power reserve: Approximately 50 hours Waterproof performance: 5 ATM

This model is a new variation of the Speedmaster that was released in 2023, and features a white dial. It incorporates modern elements into the classic design, combining visibility and sophisticated beauty. It is equipped with the hand-wound movement "Cal.3861" and is Master Chronometer certified.

Speedmaster Snoopy Ref.311.32.42.30.04.003

Basic specifications Case size: 42.0mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: White Movement: Hand-wound Cal.1861
Power reserve: Approximately 48 hours Water resistance: 5 ATM

This model was released in 2015 as a limited edition of 1,970 pieces, named after the Silver Snoopy Award given by NASA in honor of the successful Apollo 13 mission. The white dial features an illustration of Snoopy, and its unique design is appealing. It is equipped with the hand-wound movement Cal.1861, and continues the tradition of the Speedmaster.

Speedmaster Commemorative Model Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 42MM Ref.310.32.42.50.02.001

Basic specifications Case size: 42.0mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: Silver Movement: Hand-wound Cal.3861
Power reserve: Approximately 50 hours Waterproof performance: 5 ATM

This model is a special model released in 2023 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster. It features a blue bezel and sub-dial, giving it a stylish impression. The movement is equipped with the Coaxial Master Chronometer "Cal.3861", which provides high accuracy and anti-magnetic properties.

[2] Seamaster

First introduced: circa 1948

The Seamaster is the series that launched Omega's history as a sports watch.
This model, released in 1948 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Omega, was characterized by its design that placed emphasis on waterproofing. It was initially developed as a sports watch for everyday use rather than a diver's watch, but it has since evolved into a professional model.

Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Limited Edition, limited to 257 sets worldwide, Ref. 210.62.42.20.01.001/210.22.42.20.01.003

Basic specifications Case size: 42.0mm
Case material: Stainless steel/18K yellow gold Dial color: Black Movement: Automatic Cal.8806 Cal.8807
Power reserve: Approximately 55 hours Water resistance: 30 ATM

OMEGA's Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Limited Edition was released in a limited edition of 257 sets worldwide. This limited edition set was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (released in 1969), symbolizing the watch's deep connection to the Bond series. The black ceramic dial features a gun barrel design and the Bond family coat of arms at the 12 o'clock position.

Breguet

[1] Classic

Appeared: Mid 1980s

The Classic Collection is the true "mainstream" of Breguet, inheriting the watch philosophy and aesthetics of Abraham-Louis Breguet. Each watch is finished with modern advanced technology while following traditional styles, making it a work of art.

Classic Power Reserve Jubilee 220th Anniversary Limited Edition Ref.3380BA/15/286

Basic specifications Case size: 35.0mm
Case material: 18K yellow gold Dial color: Silver Movement: Manual winding Power reserve: -
Waterproof performance:-

[Breguet][Breguet] This model was produced in a limited edition of 300 pieces to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the company's founding. It is a regulator watch with an 18K yellow gold case, a silver guilloche dial, a central minute hand, and an hour hand at the 12 o'clock position.

[2] Aéronavale (Type XX)

Released: 1995 (civilian reprint)

The Aeronavale has its roots in the Type XX, which was manufactured for the French Navy Air Force in the 1950s. Although it is a reproduction of a military pilot chronograph, it has the dignified finish that is characteristic of Breguet, and is elegant without being too sporty.

Aeronavale Flyback Chronograph Ref.3800ST/92/3W6

Basic specifications Case size: 39.5mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: Black Movement: Automatic Cal.582
Power reserve: Approximately 48 hours Water resistance: 10 ATM

Breguet's Type XX series has its roots in military chronographs manufactured for the French Navy Air Corps in the 1950s. This model follows its historical design while also incorporating modern functions. It combines the design of a classic pilot's watch with practical chronograph functions, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from everyday use to formal occasions.

[3] Transatlantique (Type XXI)

First introduced: 1998

The Transatlantic is a more modern and sporty evolution of the Aeronavale. It is classified as Type 21 (XXI) and has more volume in terms of size and functionality. It is designed for everyday use with features such as a date display and large size.

Type XXI Ref.3810BR/92/9ZU

Basic specifications Case size: 42.0mm
Case material: 18K rose gold Dial color: Brown Movement: Automatic Power reserve: -
Waterproof performance: 10 ATM

The Type XXI is a further evolution of the Type XX series, featuring a contemporary design and high functionality. Equipped with a luxurious rose gold case and a multi-functional chronograph, this timepiece combines sportiness and elegance.

[4] Marine

Launched: 1990 (first generation) / current design from 2018 onwards

The Marine collection originates from Breguet's appointment as the official watchmaker for the French Navy in the late 18th century. It has established a unique position as a luxury marine watch that combines classic decoration with modern sportiness.

Marine II Large Date Ref.5817ST/12/SV0

Basic specifications Case size: 39.0mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: Silver Movement: Automatic Power reserve: Approximately 65 hours Water resistance: 10 ATM

Breguet's Marine collection is a modern interpretation of the brand's marine watchmaking tradition. With a classical design and a practical big date function, this model is suitable for a wide range of occasions, from business to casual.

Blancpain

Villeret

First introduced: 2002

The "Villeret" collection, launched in 2002, is named after the place where the brand was founded and is positioned as a dress watch line that embodies the brand's tradition and innovation. This collection inherits the spirit of the "Six Masterpieces" launched in the 1980s and combines classical design with advanced mechanical technology.

Villeret Split Second Chronograph Ref.1186-3427-55

Basic specifications Case size: 33.0mm
Case material: Platinum Dial color: White Movement: Automatic Cal.1186
Power reserve:-
Waterproof performance: Daily life waterproof

This model is equipped with a split-second (rattrapante) chronograph function, and is characterized by its complex mechanism while maintaining an elegant appearance. The characteristic design elements of the Villeret collection, such as the double step bezel, Roman indexes, and leaf hands, can be seen everywhere.

Harry Winston Edition

Avenue

Appearance:-

The Avenue collection is inspired by the architecture of New York's 5th Avenue, where the brand's flagship store is located, and features Art Deco design.

Avenue C Mini Elliptic Ref.AVCQHM16WW053

Basic specifications Case size: 15.6mm x 32.3mm
Case material: 18K white gold Dial color: White shell Movement: Quartz Power reserve: Approx. --
Waterproof performance: Daily life waterproof

This model features an elliptical case design and a bezel set with diamonds. It is an elegant ladies' watch that reflects Harry Winston's aesthetic as a jeweler.

Jaquet Droz Edition

Grand Second

First introduced: 2002

The Grande Seconde collection was inspired by a pocket watch made in 1784 and features an “8” shaped dial layout with the hour and minute displays at 12 o’clock and the large seconds display at 6 o’clock overlapping.

Grand Second Skeleton Ref.J003525542

Basic specifications Case size: 41.5mm
Case material: Plasma ceramic Dial color: Skeleton Movement: Automatic Cal.2663 SQ
Power reserve: Approximately 68 hours Water resistance: 3 ATM

This skeleton model follows the iconic dial design of the Grande Seconde while highlighting the structural beauty of the movement. It is a watch that exudes a modern interpretation of Jaquet Droz, combining tradition and innovation.

summary

The Swatch Group is not just a collection of watch brands, but can also be said to be the "industrial foundation" that drives the entire watch industry. Each of the brands under its umbrella takes on the challenge of watchmaking with its own unique philosophy and technology, and the diversity and high level of perfection are the group's greatest attractions. This is clear when you look at each model introduced in this column.

For example, Omega's Speedmaster is an iconic presence that has walked alongside the history of space development, while the Seamaster has functional beauty that appeals to everyone from professional divers to Bond fans.

On the other hand, Breguet's collection is imbued with the tradition and artistry of watchmaking that dates back to the 18th century, and series such as the Classique, Marine, and Aeronavale exude a fusion of craftsmanship and modern technology.

Additionally, Blancpain's Villeret, Harry Winston's Avenue, and Jaquetdroz's Grande Seconde are all timepieces with deep history and design, exuding unique individuality like no other.

In this way, just by looking at the Swatch Group's models, you can get a sense of how deep, diverse, and rich the world of watches is. There may be a watch here that will decorate your wrist.

Why not find your very own piece from the Swatch Group's exquisite lineup?