Looking for the best Swatch watches? We’ve got you covered, but first, a history lesson, because Swatch has one hell of a backstory. It only arrived in 1983 but is arguably responsible for saving the entire, centuries-old Swiss watch industry from collapse at the hands of America and the Japanese.
We are of course talking about the Quartz Crisis, which erupted in the 1970s as companies like Seiko and Citizen started producing quartz watches that were simpler, more accurate, more reliable and much cheaper than the automatic mechanical watches produced by Swiss companies for generations. One thousand Swiss watch companies disappeared in little over a century, as the country’s watch workforce tumbled by more than two-thirds.
The writing was on the wall – until Switch arrived. Swatch was the result of two Swiss watch groups combining forces to take on the Japanese at their own game. Made from plastic, with simple quartz movements and essentially designed to be disposable rather than fixable for the next generation, Swatch watches were cheap, cheerful and immensely popular – to the tune of over 2.5 million sales in less than two years.
Today, the Swatch Group includes luxury brands like Omega, Longines and Blancpain, plus Breguet, Hamilton, Rado, Tissot and others. Swatch itself still produces highly affordable plastic watches with quirky, playful designs. They are made for collecting and, crucially, for having fun.
We’ve rounded up the best new Swatches here because if we dived into the world of vintage Swatch, this list would be over double the size.
Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.
Quick list: what’s the best Swatch?
The Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Moonphase – Full Moon (buy now) is a lunar-inspired masterpiece with a Snoopy-adorned moonphase display, blending cartoon fun with cosmic charm.
The Swatch What if…green? (buy now) is a fun alternative take on the brand that inspires creativity and adds Swatch’s signature playful style to your wrist.
The Swatch Le Fils De L’Homme by René Magritte (buy now) is a wearable piece of surrealist art, perfect for lovers of mystery and whimsy.
The Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Blue Lagoon (buy now) is an ocean-inspired dive watch that playfully nods to luxury diving heritage.
The Swatch Fall-iage (buy now) is a bold, autumnal design celebrating golden leaves and cosy seasonal vibes.
The Swatch Sir Red (buy now) is an elegant red watch ideal for classy situations. It’s classic, understated design is timeless – perfect for when you’re getting dressed up.
The Swatch Neon Party To The Max Pay! (buy now) is an explosion of neon colours, made for those who love to bring the party wherever they go. It’s bright, bold and super retro.
The Swatch Quartzicle (buy now) is a sleek, minimalist timepiece very similar to Q’s iconic James Bond watch, offering a skeletal dial, quartz precision, and modern simplicity without the exclusivity price tag.
The Swatch Canyon Chaser (buy now) is a rugged, earthy-toned watch designed for explorers chasing outdoor adventures.
The Swatch Ultraciel (buy now) is a dreamy sky-blue timepiece that captures the serenity of a cloudless day.
The best Swatch watches you can buy today:
Best MoonSwatch
1. Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Moonphase – Full Moon
Stuff Verdict
The MoonSwatch Mission to Moonphase – Full Moon is a lunar-inspired masterpiece with a Snoopy-adorned moonphase display, blending cartoon fun with cosmic charm.
Pros
- Stunning all-white design
- Close tie to Omega history
Cons
- Hard to find (for now)
- Could be too bold for some
| MoonSwatch Mission to Moonphase specs | |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz chronograph with Moonphase indicator |
| Water resistance | 3 bar (30 metres) |
| Diameter | 42 mm |
| Weight | 29 g |
You won’t be surprised to see our favourite MoonSwatch is also one of our top Swatch watches too. Mass-produced – so you should be able to find one in a Swatch store – this all-white MoonSwatch features Snoopy the cartoon dog taking a snooze in a moon phase complication.
Snoopy has been associated with Nasa’s space missions since the 1960s, and has appeared on several models of Omega Speedmaster too, before also popping up on the Mission to the Moonphase. Here, he’s resting on a pair of crescent moons that rotate to show the various stages of the moon throughout each month. The moonphase dial also features a hidden message – Snoopy’s famous “I can’t sleep without a nightlight!” quote – that’s only visible when illuminated at night.
The rest of the watch is like all other models of MoonSwatch. This means a 42 mm bioceramic case, a battery-powered quartz movement and water resistance of 30 metres. The watch also features a chronograph system with a stopwatch and minute counters, and a tachymeter around the bezel that can be used to calculate the average speed of an object travelling a known distance.
The watch comes with a white velcro strap complete with Swatch and Omega branding. For more MoonSwatch recommendations, check out our guide to the best MoonSwatches.
Best square Swatch
2. Swatch What if…green?
Stuff Verdict
The What if…green? is a fun alternative take on the brand that inspires creativity and adds Swatch’s signature playful style to your wrist.
Pros
- Date and date window
- Striking square case
Cons
- Limited water resistance
- Fairly large
| What if…green? specs | |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz |
| Water resistance | 20 metres |
| Diameter | 41.8 mm |
| Weight | Not stated |
What if… is available in a range of colours, including black, white, mint, blue, yellow and pink, plus the green model we’ve featured here. The square case measures 41.8 mm in diameter and is 10.5 mm thick. It houses a battery-powered quartz movement and is water resistant to 20 metres – that’s fine for wearing in the rain or shower, but shouldn’t venture much below the surface of a swimming pool.
The case is made from Swatch’s Bioceramic material, which is the same it uses for the MoonSwatch series, while the matching green strap is described as being made from bio-sourced material. We especially like the geometric patterns around the circumference of the dial, and how a watch with such a simple design still manages to include both a date and date function.
Other features include glow-in-the-dark hands for telling the time in low light, an integrated strap with buckle, and a battery cover with its own watch face printed onto it. We like the classy colourway of the green model, the wide variety of the What If… collection means you’re sure to find one that matches your style.
Best arty Swatch
3. Swatch Le Fils De L’Homme by Rene Magritte
Stuff Verdict
The Swatch Le Fils De L’Homme by René Magritte is a wearable piece of surrealist art, perfect for lovers of mystery and whimsy.
Pros
- Iconic art on your wrist
- Off-the-scale quirkiness
Cons
- Maybe a little too quirky?
- Usual limited Swatch waterproofing
| Swatch Le Fils De L’Homme by Rene Magritte specs | |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz |
| Water resistance | 30 metres |
| Diameter | 41 mm |
| Weight | Not stated |
Fancy a piece of iconic artwork on your wrist? That’s exactly what this Swatch achieves, by featuring the 1964 painting Le Fils De L’Homme (The Son of Man in English) by Rene Magritte.
The artwork stretches across the entire dial and even covers the case and strap too. The only other details are a set of simple silver hour and minute hands, and a crown in the usual three o’clock position. The 41 mm plastic case houses a battery-powered quartz movement and the strap is made from silicone.
Water resistant to 30 metres, the watch also features the text “Ceci est une Swath avec une pomme” – “This is a Swatch with an apple” – on the back of the strap, nodding to Magritte’s surrealist work. Apples appeared in several Magritte pieces, including in a painting said to have inspired Paul McCartney to name the Beatles’ company Apple Corps.
Given the painting sold for over £4m in 1998, this affordable Swatch feels like quite the bargain.
Best mechanical Swatch
4. Scuba Scuba Fifty Fathoms Blue Lagoon
Stuff Verdict
The Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms Blue Lagoon is an ocean-inspired dive watch that playfully nods to luxury diving heritage.
Pros
- High-end Blancpain design
- Automatic mechanical movement
Cons
- Expensive for a Swatch
- Quite large
| Scuba Fifty Fathoms Blue Lagoon specs | |
|---|---|
| Movement | SISTEM51 mechanical |
| Power reserve | 90 hours |
| Water resistance | 91 metres (50 fathoms, of course) |
| Diameter | 42.3 mm |
| Weight | 44 g |
No list of best Swatches would be complete without the Scuba Fifty Fathoms. We’ve chosen the striking Blue Lagoon version, with its matching case, dial, bezel and strap. Much like how Swatch partnered with Omega for the MoonSwatch, the company worked with Blancpain (another member of the Swatch Group) for this aquatic creation.
Although expensive for a Swatch, the Scuba Fifty Fathoms features some up-market features, like an automatic mechanical movement that’s visible through the exhibition caseback. It has a massive 90 hours of power reserve, meaning it’ll keep time when not worn for over three-and-a-half days.
It also boasts 91 metres of water resistance – which is equal to 300 feet or 50 fathoms, naturally. There’s also some Grade A Super-LumiNova applied to both the dial, hands and unidirectional rotating bezel for nighttime illumination, plus, it comes with a NATO-style fabric strap made from recycled fishing nets. Like the MoonSwatch, this watch has a case made from Bioceramic. Other colour options include black, yellow, dark blue, light grey, green and coral.
Best big Swatch
5. Swatch Fall-iage
Stuff Verdict
The Fall-iage is a bold, autumnal design celebrating golden leaves and cosy seasonal vibes.
Pros
- Big and bold
- Skeleton dial design
Cons
- Could be too big for some
- Bio-sourced glass can scratch
| Swatch Fall-iage | |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz |
| Water resistance | 30 metres |
| Diameter | 47 mm |
| Weight | Not stated |
Here’s a lot of watch for the money. The Fall-iage, surely named after its autumnal orange hues, has a massive 47 mm case and a skeletal-style dial that reveals the quartz movement within. Other design features include oversized Arabic numerals and bright orange detailing set against a textured black dial.
The crown is located at the unusual two o’clock position, and the black and orange colourway is split by accents of green where the Bioceramic case meets the silicone strap. The bezel is also made from Bioceramic, and the dial is protected by what Swatch describes as biosourced glass.
Part of the Swatch Big Bold family, named for obvious reasons, the Fall-iage has 30 metres of water resistance, so it’s safe to swim in but don’t take it diving, and comes in Swatch’s special packaging that includes a box, sleeve and cushion.
Best dress Swatch
6. Swatch Sir Red
Stuff Verdict
The Sir Red is an elegant red watch ideal for classy situations. It’s classic, understated design is timeless – perfect for when you’re getting dressed up.
Pros
- Compact case
- Day and date window
Cons
- Too small for some
- Limited water resistance
| Swatch Sir Red specs | |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz |
| Water resistance | 30 metres |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Weight | Not stated |
A red version of Swatch’s equally smart Sir Blue, the Sir Red is a compact quartz watch with a no-nonsense, deep red dial, and a black case and strap both made from bio-sourced material.
At just 34 mm in diameter, this is a truly compact watch, yet it still packs a highly legible day and date window at the three o’clock position. Water resistance is 30 metres (also referred to as 3 bar) and the watch is driven by a battery-powered quartz movement.
As well as having a compact case diameter, the Swatch Sir Red is also very thin, with a case thickness of just 8.75 mm, and a lug-to-lug measurement of 39.2 mm. Part of Swatch’s Originals product family, the Sir Red is also available in blue, and similarly, compact watches are offered in black with gold markings, black with a white dial, and dark blue with dark blue.
Best Swatch with Swatch Pay
7. Swatch Neon Party To The Max Pay!
Stuff Verdict
The Neon Party To The Max Pay! is an explosion of neon colours, made for those who love to bring the party wherever they go. It’s bright, bold and super retro.
Pros
- Swatch Pay contactless integration
- Chronograph with tachymeter
Cons
- Huge case
- Could benefit from a different strap
| Swatch Neon Party To The Max Pay! specs | |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz |
| Water resistance | 30 metres |
| Diameter | 47 mm |
| Weight | Not stated |
We will make no excuse for the boldness of this watch. It won’t be for everyone, but we reckon it’s a whole heap of fun if worn with the right outfit and occasion.
Firstly, at 47 mm it’s a pretty big watch. Like, really big. Watches tend not to venture beyond 42 mm these days, so it’ll stand out even before you consider the colours. The case is transparent blue, the inner and outer bezels are pink and red respectively, while the trio of subdials are blue with red hands, the main hands are pink and there’s a splash of orange on and around one of the push buttons. Yeah, there’s a lot going on here.
There’s some practicality too, though. The red tachymeter bezel can be used with the stopwatch hand to calculate the average speed of an object travelling a known distance, and this watch can make contactless payments with SwatchPay!. So there’s no need to carry a wallet or even get your phone out to make a payment.
Other features include 30 metres of water resistance, while both the case and strap are made from what Swatch describes as bio-sourced material, and the dial is protected by bio-sourced glass.
Best steel Swatch
8. Swatch Quartzicle
Stuff Verdict
The Quartzicle is a sleek, minimalist timepiece very similar to Q’s iconic James Bond watch, offering a skeletal dial, quartz precision, and modern simplicity without the exclusivity price tag.
Pros
- Stainless steel case
- Skeleton dial
Cons
- Time only, no date
- Could benefit from a bracelet
| Swatch Quartzicle specs | |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz |
| Water resistance | 30 metres |
| Diameter | 42 mm |
| Weight | Not stated |
Remember when Swatch sold a limited run of watches identical to that worn by Q in the most recent James Bond movie? This watch, called the Quartzicle, is very similar to that timepiece, minus scarce availability and high secondhand prices.
Featuring a stainless steel case, with a silicone strap and steel buckle, the Quartzicle has a skeletal-style dial that gives a great view of the battery-powered quartz movement within. There’s 30 metres of water resistance, as is common across most Swatch watches, and the case has a 42 mm diameter, putting it on par with most conventionally sized men’s and oversized ladies’ watches.
The focus here is all on the movement, since the dial has nothing to distract – no Arabic numerals, no complications and no date window. There isn’t even a seconds hand, so while this watch isn’t much good for timing something, it majors in simplicity. At 6.7 mm, the Quartzicle is a remarkably thin watch, and comes with a silicone strap in beige. A new rose gold version is also available, called the Copper Flame.
Best Swatch chronograph
9. Swatch Canyon Chaser
Stuff Verdict
The Swatch Canyon Chaser is a rugged, earthy-toned watch designed for explorers chasing outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Tachymeter and chronograph
- Stainless steel case
Cons
- Arguably doesn’t look like a Swatch
- Limited waterproofing (for the looks)
| Swatch Canyon Chaser specs | |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz chronograph |
| Water resistance | 30 metres |
| Diameter | 43 mm |
| Weight | Not stated |
This watch feels like great value for money, since it carries many of the design features of a far more expensive timepiece. A traditional chronograph in every sense, the Canyon Chaser has three subdials with a stopwatch function, plus a tachymeter on the outer bezel, a stainless steel case and a classy leather strap.
Other features include water resistance to 30 metres and a date window at the three o’clock position. The yellow markings give the watch a subtle vintage vibe, while the 43 mm case diameter makes it slightly larger than other watches of this style, which tend to be 40 mm or 42 mm. The watch also has glowing hour markers, and silver hour and minute hands that also illuminate in low light.
Unlike many other Swatches, this timepiece comes with a brown leather strap, complete with a stainless steel half-buckle and contrasting white stitching.
Best two-tone Swatch
10. Swatch Ultraciel
Stuff Verdict
The Ultraciel is a dreamy sky-blue timepiece that captures the serenity of a cloudless day.
Pros
- Lovely dial colours
- Day and date window
Cons
- Slightly niche colourway
- Transparent case not for everyone
| Swatch Ultraciel specs | |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz |
| Water resistance | 30 metres |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Weight | Not stated |
Another member of the Originals product family, this compact 34 mm watch has a white dial that appears to shift between pink, blue and green. But it isn’t the dial that changes colour; it’s actually the Swatch Solar Spectrum glass that causes the colouration to change as it catches the light. It’s a neat trick that turns an otherwise plain watch into a miniature Northern Lights performance on your wrist.
The colours produced by the special glass neatly complement the pale blue silicone strap with buckle, and the look is finished with a transparent plastic case.
The Swatch Ultraciel also features a day and date window at the three o’clock position of the dial, and because that also suits below the special glass, it too appears to shift between a variety of colours in time with the dial. This quartz-driven watch has 30 metres of water resistance.
What to consider when choosing the best Swatch
As we’ve said repeatedly in this article, Swatch watches are about having fun. Prices can creep up if you head towards the Omega and Blancpain collaborations, but stick with Swatch itself and you’ll find lots of watches priced below US$220 / £200 and even US$120 / £100. These are watches that don’t take themselves too seriously and are designed to be collected on a reasonable budget.
Our advice would be to not think too much about your first Swatch purchase, especially if it’s at the more affordable end of the range. Go with your gut and pick whoever jumps out at you from the website or your local Swatch store – because, as is more likely than not, you’ll be back to buy another soon enough, and your collection has begun.
Do bear in mind that these watches are made from plastic, and that usually includes their ‘glass’. This tends to be made from a bio-sourced material that, while perfectly transparent, lacks the strength of glass or sapphire crystal, and will pick up scuffs and scratches. These can often be buffed out with a gentle polish, but it’s still something to remember.
Again, we stress that you shouldn’t be too precious with your Swatch – unless it’s a pricier MoonSwatch or Scuba Fifty Fathoms – and don’t be too worried if it picks up a scratch or two.
Lastly, keep an eye out for limited-edition Swatches. These tend to only be sold briefly from specific locations, but are often produced in small numbers and can quickly become highly sought-after. Bag one of those, look after it, and it’ll bring you as much joy as a mechanical watch worth significantly more.
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