Cheap Bastard: The Swatch Bioceramic C-White is an oversized bargain that’s eco-friendly, too
Time+TideIf you’ve already turned your horological nose up at the S word in the headline above, please remind yourself of the title of this column. T&T teems with timepieces that will set back four, five and even six figures – if that’s you, congrats on the start-up/inheritance/proceeds of crime. If, however, you feel like adding to your collection for the price of a degustation for one, have we got something cool for you.
The Swatch Big Bold – more on the deets later – has long had a playful, street edge. Something K-Pop boy bands would wear to show they’re still down with the real people. But the innovation now has a distinct green edge and is yet available in myriad colours.
What now? We’re talking bio-ceramics – a blend of two-thirds ceramics and a third bio-sourced plastics. Which means the latter are garnered from naturally occurring substances instead of petroleum. This in turn means the ticking on your wrist is somewhat desynchronised with that of the planet’s countdown to destruction.
The bracelet, loops and glass are all made of these bio-sourced plastics and for us, the standout shades are a dusty pink, pastel blue and the grey of a well-worn sweater.
Dimensions-wise, we’re talking a width of 47mm, a thickness of 11.75mm and a height of 44.80mm. In other words, made to be noticed.
Adding to the intrigue are nods to skeletonisation, a contrasting lug at two o’clock, hands with detailed panels and a motif of three concentric circles, which do away with the need for hour and minute markers. All of which strikes a balance between large and detailed. If this watch had a TV equivalent it would be the glory days of The Simpsons – the more you look, the more you see.
At its heart is a quartz movement and water resistance to three bars. Which is not a bad deal for $195. On top of which there’s a two year warranty and 14 days to change your mind.