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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Swatch Flymagic is a 2019 limited-edition automatic watch built around a visual reversal: its Sistem51-based movement is turned around so the mechanical side faces the dial. Its small seconds hand runs backward, while the hour and minute hands keep their familiar direction. Swatch Group identified it as the first watch to use a Nivachron hairspring.
What is the Swatch Flymagic?
Flymagic was a three-model Swatch collection launched in 2019. Rather than hiding its movement behind the dial, it brings the caliber’s components and transparent rotor to the front. The design makes the mechanics part of the display and gives the watch its unusual counterclockwise-running seconds hand.
The launch edition comprised 500 numbered watches of each model worldwide. Swatch Group Japan’s 10 May 2019 release listed these references and names:
| Reference | Model name | Launch details |
|---|---|---|
| YHG100S | Black Suspense | Stainless-steel case |
| YHS101S | Redsurprise | Red-gold PVD-treated case |
| YHS100S | Blue Hawk | Stainless-steel case |
The Japan release said 15 pieces of each model were allocated to Japan. Those regional numbers do not change the worldwide limit of 500 per model.
#1 Best Overall
- ESSENTIALS COLLECTION
- Watch Size: 42mm round case with push/pull crown
- Water Resistance: 100 Feet
- 2 Year International Warranty
How does the inverted Flymagic movement work?
The automatic caliber is based on Sistem51, but its architecture was reversed to display the movement on the dial side. Hodinkee reported that 15 components were added to make the caliber function in this orientation. The visible arrangement includes the movement components and a transparent rotor.
The inversion changes the seconds display: its small hand moves counterclockwise, or backward relative to an ordinary watch. An inversion mechanism preserves the expected time curve for the hour and minute hands, which continue to advance in their usual direction. Swatch Group Japan reported 19 visible jewels and a maximum power reserve of 90 hours.
Rank #2
- 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
What Nivachron adds—and what the launch claims mean
Flymagic was the first watch to use a Nivachron hairspring, according to Swatch Group’s launch archive. The company described Nivachron as a newly developed titanium-based alloy intended to reduce magnetic influence and resist temperature variation and shocks.
The published magnetic-resistance figures differ by source and should not be collapsed into one universal specification. Swatch Group said the hairspring reduced magnetic influence by a factor of 10, depending on movement type. The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry FH said the alloy reduced magnetic-field influence by up to 20 times. Both are launch-era manufacturer or industry descriptions, not independent test results established here.
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Rank #3
- Swatch Holiday Collection
- Watch Size: 42mm round case with push/pull crown
- Water Resistance: 100 Feet
- 2 Year International Warranty
The FH’s 7 March 2019 account also said that “30% of returns to after-sales service where timepieces must be demagnetised.” It did not identify a dataset, geography, or methodology for that figure, so it should be read as an attributed statement from that account rather than a universal rate.
Flymagic specifications
| Specification | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 45 mm stainless steel; one variant uses red-gold PVD treatment |
| Overall thickness | 14.8 mm, as reported by Hodinkee |
| Movement thickness | 5.8 mm, as reported by Hodinkee and the FH |
| Movement | Automatic, Sistem51-based and reversed for dial-side display |
| Power reserve | Up to 90 hours |
| Frequency | 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) |
| Jewels | 19 |
| Water resistance | 30 m, per Hodinkee |
| Crystal | Anti-reflective sapphire, per Swatch Group |
| Straps supplied at launch | One rubber strap and two calf-leather straps |
The distinction between the 14.8 mm case thickness and the 5.8 mm movement thickness matters: these measurements describe different things. Swatch Group Japan also reported five patents pending at launch; Hodinkee noted that Swatch did not specify their subject matter.
Rank #4
- Collection: SISTEM51 PETITE SECONDE
- Watch Size: 42mm round plastic case with push/pull crown
- Water Resistance: Up to 100 feet
- 2 Year International Warranty
- Automatic and amagnetic movement powered by your moves - 90 hour power reserve.
Launch price and present-day buying context
Prices reported at launch are historical, not current resale valuations. Swatch Group Japan listed ¥180,000 including tax per model in its 10 May 2019 release. Hodinkee reported launch pricing starting at $1,500 and availability beginning in April 2019.
The Flymagic was a limited launch collection, and current new-stock availability, resale prices, seller quality, and service-part availability are not established here. Anyone considering a pre-owned example should verify the exact reference, condition, seller, and which of the originally supplied straps are actually included. The launch sources provide no replacement-strap dimensions or fit data, so compatibility should be checked against a reliable reference before buying a substitute.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Collection: 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
