In April we had written about Swatch’s new BioCeramic range, launched just as Watches & Wonders 2021 Geneva flagged off. Made from a unique mix of materials – ceramic and bio-sourced plastic made by Swatch itself – the April launches had followed the 2020 release when the brand had first launched their bio-sourced watch. This month, Swatch has taken the material and line to the next level. To space.

Inspired by NASA and its iconic spacesuits is the new Space Collection, a series of five watches, three of which feature elements of their bio-sourced material -- two-thirds ceramic and one-third bio-sourced plastic. The latter is a material extracted from the seeds of the castor plant, which works towards making the watches soft to the touch, while the ceramic brings in resilience. The resulting Bioceramic is a material that’s increasingly become important to Swatch, with the brand announcing some time ago that by the end of 2021, all key Swatch product lines would explore the use of Bioceramic.The three new watches are testament to that, and represent the ‘desire to explore the stars and new horizons, inspiring people to dream big, create their own universe and make the most of their time on earth.’

Big Bold Chrono ExtravehicularDirectly inspired by the white spacesuits of astronauts, first worn by Story Musgrave and Donald Peterson in 1983, this white 47mm chronograph features a Bioceramic case and a bio-sourced plastic glass. The chrono function starts 10 seconds ahead of the hour, in an ode to the countdown that is part of space missions. The crown is at 3 o’clock alongside two pushers, while the red and blue strap loops and NASA logo complete the design. 

Price: Rs 12,650

Big Bold Chrono LaunchSimilar to the Extravehicular, in that this too is 47mm watch with a Bioceramic case and a bio-sourced plastic glass, with the chrono timer set 10 seconds ahead, the Launch however, is a different colourway. Crafted in orange, the colour find inspiration in the Advanced Crew Escape Suit, also known as the Pumpkin Suit, worn by astronauts for their ascent into space. The watch has blue and white strap loops, a silver-colored dial, and NASA logo complete the design.

Price: Rs 13,000

Big Bold JumpsuitThis timepiece is inspired by the everyday blue jumpsuits astronauts wear while working in the NASA facility. The 47mm watch has a Bioceramic case and bio-sourced plastic glass; the crown is positioned at 2 o’clock, with white strap loops.

Price: Rs 9,950

Take Me to the Moon ‘Gent’ and Space Race ‘New GentThe two watches not featuring BioSourced material, Take Me to the Moon ‘Gent’ has a transparent case, while, the Space Race ‘New Gent’ has a mirror-effect silver-coloured dial.

Price: Rs 7,250 (Take me to the Moon)

All watches will be available by end July