Swatch is a design machine and probably produces more new watches each than any other Swiss watch maker; and for 2015, we see the Swatch Irony XLite collection. Of course, Swatch’s prolific design lab makes sense, since Swatch is a major money maker for the larger Swatch Group where the Swatch watch brand sits as the stable base. Because there are a lot of people around the world who buy Swatch watches, and because they make fun and affordable gifts, we like to cover them. Also, even high-end watch lovers like to get a Swatch every once in a while, given their fun designs. Swatch timepieces also have the unique benefit of being an inexpensive watch you can wear around watch snobs without them snickering at you.
In the watch industry, Swatch watches are also seen as one of the few timepieces you can wear to any brand that they won’t get upset about despite it being one of their watches. No, Swiss watch makers aren’t at all competitive… Those who don’t know might also find it interesting that in order to not look as though he is favoring one brand or another, Swatch Group Chairman Nicolas Hayek almost exclusively wears Swatch watches (often one on each wrist) while making public appearances and during major watch industry events such as Baselworld.
Swatch Irony collection timepieces have a huge amount of variety and tend to be the slightly higher-end Swatch models, as they use some metal in the cases – most of these watches, for example, have aluminum and plastic cases. These models further focus on futuristic design, which I think is pretty cool. Given the “XLite” name, it is also safe to say that the Swatch Irony XLite collection timepieces aren’t at all heavy on the wrist.
For Swatch, the entire point of the Swatch Irony XLite collection is to focus on the light-weight design that uses plastic and aluminum, as well as the colorful contemporary (yet still familiar) designs. There is a light playfulness to the designs that is both modern and attractive. What I like about most Swatch watches is that while they can get abstract in their designs, most all retain the core elements that make up what a time-telling watch dial should be.
The Swatch Irony XLite collection includes both three-hand and chronograph models in various colors. The chronograph models are my favorites, and for the money, these are pretty cool. Each contains a Swiss quartz movement, with varying specs. Basic details on each of the models is below, including the model name and reference numbers. Prices for the new Irony XLite timepieces are between $120 – $175 and are available on store.swatch.com.
YYS4001AG ENDLESS ENERGY
Model: New Irony Alu Chrono
Dial: Blue with white and silver-colored designs, date window at 3 o’clock
Case: Aluminum with translucent blue plastic insert, blue pushers and crown
Bezel: Aluminum bezel
Bracelet: Adjustable aluminum bracelet with blue plastic insert in the sides of the links
YYS4000AG BLACK ENERGY
Model: New Irony Alu Chrono
Dial: Black dial with white markings, date window at 3 o’clock
Case: Aluminum case with opaque black plastic insert, black pushers and crown
Bezel: Aluminum bezel
Bracelet: Adjustable aluminum bracelet with black plastic insert in the sides of the links
YYS4003 FEEL STRONG
Model: New Irony Alu Chrono
Dial: Black dial with orange and white markings, date window at 3 o’clock
Case: Aluminum case with opaque orange plastic insert, orange pushers and crown
Bezel: Aluminum bezel
Bracelet: Black and orange silicone strap
YYS4002AG LEMON SQUASH
Model: New Irony Alu Chrono
Dial: Yellow dial with black and red markings, date window at 3 o’clock
Case: Aluminum case with opaque yellow plastic insert, yellow pushers and crown
Bezel: Aluminum bezel
Bracelet: Adjustable aluminum bracelet with yellow plastic insert in the sides of the links
YYS4005 BLACK WHEEL
Model: New Irony Alu Chrono
Dial: White dial with black designs, date window at 3 o’clock
Case: Aluminum with translucent dark gray plastic insert, dark gray crown and pusher at 2 o’clock, red pusher at 4 o’clock
Bezel: Aluminum bezel
Bracelet: Black and white silicone
YYS4004 RED WHEEL
Model: New Irony Alu Big
Dial: Black dial with white and red markings, date window at 3 o’clock
Case: Aluminum case with translucent red plastic insert, red pushers and crown
Bezel: Aluminum bezel
Bracelet: Black silicone strap
YES4000 GO RUN
Model: New Irony Alu Big
Dial: Blue with white and orange designs, date window at 3 o’clock
Case: Aluminum with opaque blue plastic insert and blue crown
Bracelet: Rubberized blue leather with white stitching
YES4005 GO DANCE
Model: New Irony Alu Big
Dial: Sun-brushed silver dial with white designs, date window between 4 and 5 o’clock
Case: Aluminum with opaque white plastic insert and white crown
Bracelet: Gray and white silicone
YES4003 GO CYCLE
Model: New Irony Alu Big
Dial: Black dial with white and silver markings, date window at 6 o’clock
Case: Aluminum case with translucent black plastic insert, black crown
Bracelet: Black leather
YES4001 GO JUMP
Model: New Irony Alu Big
Dial: Black dial with white markings, date window at 3 o’clock
Case: Aluminum case with translucent red plastic insert, red crown
Bracelet: Red perforated leather strap
YES4002 GO JOG
Model: New Irony Alu Big
Dial: Bronze dial with silver markings, date window at 3 o’clock
Case: Aluminum case with opaque black plastic insert, black crown
Bracelet: Gray and black textured silicone strap
YES4004 GO CLIMB
Model: New Irony Alu Big
Dial: Blue dial with green markings, date window at 3 o’clock
Case: Aluminum case with opaque green plastic insert, green crown
Bracelet: Gray and green silicone strap
