What is happening to Swatch watches?
As a fashion accessory Swatch watches where not made to last forever. Yes, they are Swiss
quality and yes, they are well made. They keep time well and can handle a lot of water and
shocks. But again, they will not last for ever. Among the initial requirements for this new
watch at the end of the seventies was the fact that it should last for about ten years. It
clearly outperforms that requirement because in general Swatches do last about twenty years.
After that and sometimes earlier things start to go downhill. Since Swatches were issued first in 1982
more and more are seeking help.
Here are descriptions of
the things that can and will go wrong.
1. Your straps will break.
Sooner or later you will wear down the original straps. Wear them long enough and they simply break.
2. Your straps attachment points will break out.
The nodges where the straps attach to the case will start to wear and after some time pieces will break out. After even more time it will become impossible to even attach a strap. The breaking of the case is found on weaker colour cases (like orange) earlier than on other colours.
3. Your battery will run out of power.
After three to five years the battery wears out and the watch stops running.
4. Your battery cover cannot be replaced.
After many normal battery replacements or one bad one pieces of the case break off and you will not be able to put the cover back on.
5. Battery corrosion.
If you leave the battery in for too long after it stopped working the battery will leak and corrode inside the battery compartment. It's hard to get out and it will not start up even with a new battery. If other moisture gets into the case the same thing may happen.
6. Case damage.
The case is likely to get scratched and even battered after periods of wear. If it's old enough it will crumble until nothing is left.
7. Case yellowing.
Any transparent case is likely to get yellowed after some time, even if not worn and kept out of direct sunlight.
8. Crystal damage.
The crystal is likely to get scratched and even battered after periods of wear. Sporters like golf and tennis players always seem to be able to even break their crystal.
9. Movement failure.
Any Swatch can stop working after some time. The mechanical components have worn down.
10. Luminous hands falling apart.
The fluorescent (glow in the dark) hands are filled with a material that deteriorates after some years. The inside of the hands literally falls apart leaving big holes. The stuff that falls out of the hands will start wandering around the inside of the watch and eventually make it stop working.
11. Dust around the crystal.
Around the crystal is a small slot where dust and other stuff can creep in. After some time it will start to look real nasty.
12. Your specific problem.
There may be several other problems with your valued timpiece. Don't hesitate to tell us.