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Swatch’s 2020 “1983” collection was a six-model reinterpretation of the brand’s first watches, not the original 1983 launch lineup. It paired that look back with two materials Swatch said were derived from castor seeds and packaging it described as starch-based and compostable.
What were the original Swatch models from 1983?
Swatch Group dates the birth of the first Swatch to 1983. Its official history describes the concept as a low-cost, high-tech, artistic and emotional Swiss Made “second watch.” The company says the watch had 51 components and was assembled on automated production lines.
That origin story helps explain why Swatch could treat a watch as both an accessible industrial product and a colorful style object. It is distinct from the later collection called “1983”: the 2020 name referred to a reinterpretation of the early watches, not a claim that the original launch comprised six models. Swatch Group’s history of Swatch
What was the Swatch 1983 Bio-Reloaded collection?
In September 2020, Swatch announced a collection titled “1983” as part of its Bio-Reloaded initiative. The company said it included six models that reinterpreted the first Swatch watches. It also noted custom typography created for signage at its new headquarters. Swatch Group’s 2020 announcement
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- Swatch Neon Collection
- Watch Size: 47mm round case with push/pull crown
- Water Resistance: 100 Feet
- 2 Year International Warranty
- Free battery exchange at Swatch retail locations
The available announcement confirms the six-model count but does not provide a complete list of names or reference numbers. A contemporary review’s mention of the GB100 as an early Swatch reference does not establish that it was one of the six 2020 watches. Fratello Watches’ 2020 review
What did Bio-Reloaded mean for the watches?
Swatch said the collection introduced two new biological-origin materials extracted from castor plant seeds and that they met the quality requirements it applies to Swiss Made products. The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry later described the materials as made from castor-bean oil. These descriptions establish a castor-derived material story; they do not show that the watches were wholly plant-based or quantify an environmental benefit. Swatch Group’s announcement and the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry’s October 2020 article
Rank #2
- Swatch Guggenheim Collection
- Watch Size: 41mm round case with push/pull crown
- Water Resistance: 100 Feet
- 2 Year International Warranty
- Free battery exchange at Swatch retail locations
How was the launch packaging described?
Swatch described the packaging as paper foam made by injection molding from potato and tapioca starch. The company said it was biodegradable, recyclable with paper waste, or suitable for home composting; its Japanese regional launch release repeated those claims. They refer to the packaging, not the watches, and the releases do not provide independent lifecycle analysis, specific biodegradation conditions, or a quantified comparison with conventional packaging. Swatch Group’s announcement and Swatch Japan’s launch release
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the collection cost at launch?
Fratello Watches reported launch-era prices of €65 for the 1983 models and €75 for other designs. Those are historical prices reported in 2020, not current listings. The available sources do not establish today’s price, stock, or a complete mapping of model names to references. Fratello Watches’ 2020 review
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SWATCH NEON
- Watch Size: 47mm round case with push/pull crown
- Water Resistance: 100 Feet
- 2 Year International Warranty
- Free battery exchange at Swatch retail locations
Rank #4
- SWATCH ESSENTIALS
- Watch Size: 47mm round case with push/pull crown
- Water Resistance: 100 Feet
- 2 Year International Warranty
- Free battery exchange at Swatch retail locations
Rank #3
- Collection: Neon
- Watch Size: 47mm round case with push/pull crown
- Water Resistance: 100 Feet
- 2 Year International Warranty
- Free battery exchange at Swatch retail locations
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