I didn't queue, and I'm glad
By Abby Turner, Melbourne ยท
Remember 2022, when people lined up outside Swatch stores for hours to get one of these? I was on a run of nights that week and thought the whole thing was hilarious.
Now that the hype has cooled, here's what it is. A bioceramic case shaped like the Omega Speedmaster, 42 mm wide and 13.25 mm thick, a chronograph with a tachymeter scale, an acrylic crystal, a black dial and a velcro-style fabric strap. Quartz. US$275 to $285.
Good stuff: it's light, it looks fun, and having a Speedy-shaped watch without the Speedy price is a laugh. The chronograph sweeps nicely for timing things.
Not so good: the acrylic crystal scratches, the fabric strap is a sponge for hand sanitiser, and 30 m of water resistance is a bit pathetic. I've also heard plenty of grumbling about the build quality, which you'd expect at this price but it still stings when you've paid more than a G-Shock.
It's a fun watch. It's not a work watch. Buy it if you love the Speedmaster look. Skip it if you want something tough.