After a suspenseful week on social media, Swatch announced the launch of its new BIOCERAMIC WHAT IF? collection on Friday. Squaring up to the competition, the new range and its accompanying marketing campaign reimagine a world where Swatches weren’t round. Each of the four new watches features a square-shaped case and dial that draws inspiration from early Swatch prototypes of the 1980s. Sustainably made, playful, and above all else, fun, take a look at the new BIOCERAMIC WHAT IF square Swatches (Squatches?) below.
Core Features of the new Bioceramic What If..? Square Swatches
At first glance, the unexpected shape of the new models trumps all of its other features fair and square. Their design is inspired by preliminary designs that didn’t make the cut against the round-shape cases Swatch later became popular for. Boasting a strong and angular square shape, each of these bold faces measures 33.25mm by 33.25 mm with a hearty 10.5mm thickness. In terms of fit, Hodinkee described the new watches as sitting ‘like an Apple Watch with sharper edges’.
But there is also lots to love about the Bioceramic What If? watches beyond their first impression. Aside from its shape, the bioceramic build of each watch is also very central to the collection’s appeal. Bioceramic is an innovative blend of ceramic powder with bio-sourced materials, which results in a resilient yet soft-to-the-touch finish. The brand debuted its first bioceramic watch back in 2021 and has gradually been incorporating it more and more into its portfolio. Most notably, bioceramic was used in its collaborative MoonSwatch range with Omega.
Moreover, these Squatches are environmentally-conscious right down to their bio-sourced glass that encases each dial. Although sustainable, this glass does not sacrifice practicality and keeps the dial readable even from a side-on view. Additionally, each strap is made from bio-sourced material secured with a bioceramic buckle to match the case.
Above all else, one of our favourite things about the collection is its variety. With four colourways to choose from, the collection is available in either green, grey, black or beige. All models feature bold hour, minute and second hands as well as a weekday and date display at 3 o’clock. For added functionality, the hour and minute hands have a luminescent inlay so the watch is legible even in low-light conditions. However, aside from these shared features, each of the colourways has its own distinctive character and dial design.
Swatch Bioceramic What If… Green (33.25mm) White Dial / Green Strap SO34G700
One of the most colourful models of the launch is this green colourway. In addition to its green strap and case, it features a white dial with an intricate green geometric frame around its perimeter. The baton hour markers blend seamlessly into the outer minute track, giving the resultant design a contemporary feel. On the reverse side of the watch, a tiny added detail is a mini circular green dial. Although not functional, this mini painted dial acts as a quirky cover to the movement’s battery.
Swatch Bioceramic What If… Grey (33.25mm) White Dial / Grey Strap SO34M700
Comparatively, the grey colourway features a much more classical design. Faintly reminiscent of art deco-style watches, this model is a refreshingly understated addition to the Swatch portfolio. Echoing this influence are the black hour and minute hands, which take on a more traditional syringe shape. Delicate grey Roman numeral indices also adorn the dial and are accompanied by dot minute markers. To round off the design, a pale grey bio-sourced material strap secures the watch to the wrist. Moreover, like the green model, the grey model also has a playful mini dial to cover the battery on its case back.
Swatch Bioceramic What If… Black (33.25mm) White Dial / Black Strap SO34B700
The black colourway is certainly one of the most aesthetically versatile in the collection. Arguably also the most quintessentially ‘Swatch’, its white dial features clean-cut black baton indices. To aid with precise time reading, between each hour marker are smaller baton minute markers. Tying in the design are the black rectangular hands, which mimic the shape of the indices. Finally, overleaf on the battery cover is a mini white dial with Arabic numeral indices and a red second hand.
Swatch Bioceramic What If… Beige (33.25mm) Blue Dial / Beige Strap SO34T700
The last of the new BIOCERAMIC WHAT IF square Swatches is the beige colourway. Breaking away from the white dial design of its counterparts, at its centre is a striking blue dial. Upon it are mixed white indices and silver-framed hands to stand out against the blue. Reinforcing the rich hue of the dial are the beige case and strap, creating a dynamic yet timeless overall look. Moreover, as on the other models, the beige features a miniature blue dial on its battery cover.
Will you dare to be square with the new BIOCERAMIC WHAT IF square Swatches? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments.
