I have written about the Richemont Group in the previous post. So, I decided to go on with the same topic, only this time I’m focusing on the Swatch Group, just to make sure you know what group your favorite replica watch belongs to.
Looking a little bit retrospectively, the Swatch Group began its activity as a response to the quartz crisis.
I’m not sure about the current status, but a couple of years ago, Swatch Group was the largest watch company in the world. I think not much has changed since then, and it is not excluded that it is still the largest company. So, without further ado, let’s see what watch brands it holds under its „jurisdiction”.
Blancpain
This brand has a long history, even longer than the United States as a country. It all began in 1735 and ever since, the Maison has built a wide array of modest to high complications timepieces. One of the most iconic collections refers to the Villeret line. In addition to it, the Fifty Fathoms line-up has made history in the horological realm and become the flagship of the brand. One of what he’s from this iconic collection was worn by the famous Jacques Cousteau in his documentary „The Silent World” movie.
Breguet
Many watch enthusiasts think that Breguet is in the same Group as Constantin Vacheron. Well, it’s not. But similar to the Vacheron brand, Breguet is one of the most important pillars in horology. At this point, I think it’s needless to mention that the tourbillon is the signature invention of this brand.
Apart from creating the industry-changing tourbillon, Breguet was the watchmaking house of choice for historical personalities. Winston Churchill and Marie Antoinette were just a few personalities who totally trusted this brand to create phenomenal masterpieces.
The brand also excels in building rare complications. Some of such complications refer to the world-time Hora Mundi and Equation of Time features. In case you are curious to admire the whole artistic beauty of Breguet, I recommend you take a closer look at the Classique, Reine de Naples, and Type XX collections. If you didn’t know what „phenomenal” means, you have the chance.
Harry Winston
This brand was actually founded by an American jeweler in 1932, in New York. It debuted with the „Premier” collection. Later on, the brand became even more resounding due to the loud „Opus” series. Following the acquisition by the Swatch group, the brand goes on to create both high horology and jewelry. One of the most fabulous lines is the ultra-intricate Histoire de Tourbillon models. In addition, collections like Midnight and Ocean brought the brand worldwide recognition and appreciation.
Jaquet Droz
This name is actually associated not only with modern watchmaking but with technology as well. To be more specific, the founder of this brand, Pierre, has brought a significant contribution to automatons development, which are currently considered the first mechanical computers. Nowadays, the watches coming from this brand are extremely specific, featuring breathtaking constructions and mechanisms. Due to its specific vision on clocks and watches, Jaquet Droz stands next to Blancpain and Breguet in the Swatch patrimony. To give just an example of Droz masterpieces, take a look at the Bird repeater 300th Anniversary Edition. This construction can’t be named a usual watch; it’s an entire work of art in the whose sense of the word. The watch comes with a miniature-painted natural landscape on the dial in which gorgeous tiny birds are flattering against the lush.
Other collections worth contemplating include the Grande Seconde and the Skelet-One.
I don’t recall having Jaquet Droz replica versions in our store. Neither I found any in other stores. And I can assume why. I can’t imagine how a replica manufacturer could reproduce such intricate beauty. Not in vain, many of the Jaquet Droz masterpieces are currently found in museums and expositions.
Longines
Did you know that the brand’s name comes from the „Long Meadows” translation? I didn’t. These meadows refer to the surroundings of the Swiss village where the watchmaking has been located since its very beginning, 1832.
This brand comes hand-in-hand with sports timing, being connected to the equestrian competitions and to only. Longines is a constant partner of the Olympics. The close connection with sports, especially with the equestrian one, makes me love the brand not only for its phenomenal timing technologies. I’ve written about the brand value in my previous posts. There, I highlighted the fact that many watch lovers buy watches not necessarily for their technical profile, but rather for their brand echo. So, let me tell you that Longines refers to such a specific segment of sports, that it becomes one of a kind.
As if it wasn’t enough, the company has been focusing on aviation vectors as well. To prove its aviation competencies, just take a look at the fabulous Hour Angle timepiece. In addition, Amelia Earhart was one of the many famous aviators proudly wearing Longines on their wrists.
Apart from its phenomenal mechanical constructions, Longines remains loyal to quartz mechanisms, without compromising creativity. In this context, the conquest VHP line is perhaps the best example to prove the idea. No need to say more, I think. You already know a lot about the Longines brand and watches, as I wrote a lot about them previously. And in most cases (if not in all) these were positive reviews.
Omega
The fabulous Omega! It would probably be not an exaggeration to say that this is the most trend-setting watch-making brand. At least, I see it that way and many of you guys probably share the same opinion.
Historically speaking, this brand made a powerful impact on the whole watch culture. It was among the first brands to invent tourbillons and minute repeaters for the wrist version of watches. Not to mention the phenomenal caliber co-axial escapement, which is completely the brand’s „baby”. Should I write about the beauty and the impact of the Moonwatch? You probably know it all.
Similar to Longines, Omega is also deeply involved in partnering with and supporting massive sports competitions and organizations. In this context, it has been a loyal associate of the Olympic Games, intermittently releasing Special Editions. Also, it has invested all possible financial efforts in challenging programs related to Ocean Cleaning.
Impeccable brand, impeccable history, impeccable watches.
Hamilton
This is another popular watchmaking brand, though few watch lovers are familiar with its belonging to the Swatch Group. The history of the brand dates back over 120 years, evolving gradually into one of the most honorable brands in horology. Watch enthusiasts love this watchmaking house for its balance between price and quality. While it delivers reliable movements and impeccable finishes, Hamilton’s price range is between $300-$3000. Therefore, customers are highly likely to own a masterful timepiece on the wrist at a pretty affordable price.
It all started with the manufacturing of pocket watches for railroad workers. Later on, it was upgraded to aviation watches due to its high accuracy and precision skills.
The most prominent Hamilton collections refer to the Khaki Field and Khaki Aviation line-ups. Though, it all depends on the individual preferences of each customer. Personally, I see these two collections as the most remarkable and worthy.
Mido
Similar to the Hamilton brand, Mido is a medium-range company from the Swatch group. By saying „medium-range”, I don’t necessarily mean average quality, not at all. On the contrary, this brand preserves absolute individuality, making it worthy of all attention. And remember, the Swatch Group monitors closely all quality-related standards. Therefore, no brand under its control is likely to offer inferior quality, even those that are budget-friendly.
On the whole, the brand currently focuses on producing predominantly men’s watches. These come in an elegant and sport-elegant spirit. Among the many brand breakthroughs, the Multifort watches have to be definitely pointed out. The line came out with the first anti-magnetic systems in automatic winding pieces. In addition, Mido was the one that discovered an unconventional water-resistance „secret”: it used cork between the crown and case to assure the watch’s waterproofness.
The philosophy behind the brand circles around three pillars: innovation, Aesthetics, and functionality. I don’t know about you, but I definitely see the reflection of this philosophy in collections like Belluna, Ocean Star, and Multifort.
Rado
Global recognition, Swiss spirit, and revolutionary materials: these are the words that come to my mind when it’s about Rado. I’ve been observing the brand lately and it surprises me with every new line-up. What I like the most about it is its innovation in every new design. When you think you have seen everything in watches, Rado comes with a new model, making you realize you know nothing about watch design. In addition to that, the ambition of using revolutionary materials simply amazes me. Altogether, these two criteria (design vision and ambition for new materials) make Redo the most forward-thinking design player of all the brands mentioned here.
According to my liking, I simply adore the Captain Cook line, soaked in vintage charisma. In addition, I must say that the True Square line intrigued me massively, even though I’m not the number one fan of square cases. In the same context, True Thinline amazes me with its ultra-minimalist construction, focusing only on the alluring texture of the dial. I won’t enter deeply into the technical details of these watches. It’s a subject for another post. But, the last thing I can say about this brand is that its philosophy stating that „if we can imagine it, we can make it” is completely justified.
Tissot
Tissot is another household name in the Swatch family. For more than 165 years of watchmaking, the brand has produced a wide variety of designs. Departing from sports style, it has evolved into stunning dress pieces. Currently, the brand’s portfolio has a lot to offer to both men and women with the most specific and exquisite preferences. Tissot began its activity in Switzerland and continues to keep its headquarters in the same location. It has evolved quickly and progressively, becoming worldwide recognized within only a few years of its foundation.
Personally, what I appreciate the most in Tissot watches is their classic air blended with contemporary trends. Needless to mention that the brand uses exclusively premium quality materials and mechanisms, just like all of the Swatch members.
I can spot the 5 most iconic timepieces from Tissot’s portfolio which I find stunning. By the way, all of them are available in their replica versions, so having one of them is an easy-peasy task. Here they are: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional Powermatic 80, Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium, Tissot Supersport Chrono, and Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Squelette Mechanical.
I’ll review the replica version of these watches in another article. By now, all I can say about these models is that they caught the attention of the whole watch community in 2022.
Final thoughts
Here they are the most remarkable watch brands from the Swatch Group. This group is the direct competitor of the Richemont group, which I described in the previous post. Frankly speaking, I’m confused about choosing which of both groups is the best. In my opinion, both are worth all the appreciation considering the spectacular timepieces that the community enjoys for them. What’s your opinion about these two major holding groups? Whose profile attracts you more? I’d like to know your insights on the matter.
Meanwhile…
I’d like to add some facts about the Swatch group so that you can understand its hugeness. The market capitalization of the group is about $13,8 billion. The jewelry and watches segment brings about 85% of revenue, and the rest of 15% of revenue is provided by electronic, production, and corporate segments. In the same context, Europe is the main funnel of revenue, accounting for about 47,5%. Asia is the second, providing about 40,1% of revenue.
On the whole, 18 brands are under the official wings of the Swatch group. In fact, these are only a few of the big numbers associated with the Swatch group. Either way, all of the watch brands from the big family come with impressive expertise and historical background. Therefore, I think that the value of these brands is far from being about money; it’s about overwhelming craftsmanship acquired throughout centuries.