The Manual Wind: Swatch Touch Zero One Activity Watch

By Ian Schwam Published August 5, 2015

Swatch Touch Zero One; 2015 FallWinter; 1508 Touch Zero One — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The smart watch market has been around for some time now. Whether it be Samsung, the Pebble, or the latest and most anticipated Apple watch, this market has nearly been saturated. It is still up in the air if these are desired and can be a considered a success by their makers, but that is not stopping others from entering the arena. One company that was bound to make an entry has done so at the right time; Swatch. Known as the affordable yet fashionable timepiece, Swatch has brought their latest to the masses at a once again reasonable price point. With the look of the Apple watch but far cheaper, Swatch might cause another frenzy like they did with the Sistem 51.

The Swatch Touch Zero One is meant for the active lifestyle. Its large digital display gives offers up a range of information that surpasses just date and time. Debuted with beach volleyball in in mind, one of its sensors is capable of counting hits of the ball as well as intensity. This same sensor is capable of counting your claps as a fan on the sideline as well. The ever-popular step counter is also a function that can be programmed to indicate the status of your set step goals. Although quite different from the highly functioning smart watch, there is one factor that sets this piece apart from the other; battery life. Running on a regular swatch battery, there is no need for nightly charging. Granted this is a stretch from the capabilities of other smart watches, The Touch Zero One still offers the look and feel.

Recommended Videos

Although they have called this a smart watch, smart Swatch has it all wrong. This is a smarter activity accessory. The Touch Zero One is more of a Fit-Bit with function. A downloadable application for both iphone and Android makes this piece far more desirable on the wrist than any other motion sensing band on the market. Now all the fitness tracking people out there can tell the time in multiple time-zones, date, have alarm sets and keep track of their goals with a waterproof fun digital timepiece. Look for this to be on sale soon at a price point under $200.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…

Topics

Haircare

Fashion & Style

From Maine with heritage: Rancourt & Co debuts bison leather camp loafer

Rancourt & Co bring heritage to a new hybrid style

pair of rancourt and co camp laofers

Known for their family-owned business and quality craftsmanship, Rancourt & Co continues to keep alive the heritage of timeless and sophisticated construction. Based in Maine, Rancourt & Co. has made a name for itself with elevated styles that last despite time and trends. Between casual shoes and formal options, Rancourt & Co. has a vast lineup that has it all. In their newest launch, the American company takes on two of its best-known silhouettes, camp mocs and loafers, for a hybrid style that is as durable as it is sophisticated. With holiday events and more just around the corner, the newly released Belgrade Camp Loafer provides the versatility of a shoe that can be dressed up or down. Arriving in a new cognac shade, this multi-use camp loafer is the perfect addition to any autumn wardrobe.

Rancourt & Co. brings heritage to a modern hybrid shoe

Fashion & Style

Graphpaper and PUMA elevate the Speedcat Plus in a monochrome triple-leather

PUMA's Speedcat sneaker gets a minimalist upgrade

puma speedcat sneaker

In the last couple of seasons, PUMA’s Speedcat silhouette has slowly become the brand’s answer to Adidas’ Samba and Nike’s Cortez revival. As the other brands continue to reinvent and reimagine some of their iconic sneakers, PUMA has taken to designs like the Speedcat for another pass through the spotlight. As the sneaker continues to reach a new audience with playful prints and textures, the brand hasn’t slowed down on releasing new iterations of the classic sneaker. In their latest collaboration on the Speedcat, PUMA has joined forces with Japanese label Graphpaper for a pared-down and subtle take on the sneaker that’s equally as retro as it is elevated. While this partnership takes on the Speedcat Plus, the silhouette’s more statement version, the iconic shape and style of the original Speedcat remains, with remnants of its racing past still visible.

Graphpaper gives PUMA’s Speedcat Plus a luxe makeover

Fashion & Style

Zenith’s space-forged chronograph goes worldwide

Zenith's Space-Forged Chronograph Expands

CHRONOMASTER SPORT METEORITE

Zenith has expanded global availability for its Chronomaster Sport Meteorite, a timepiece featuring authentic space fragments integrated into the dial.
Previously exclusive to Japan, the 41mm chronograph now reaches international markets through Zenith boutiques and authorized retailers at $17,500. Each watch incorporates a dial crafted from genuine meteorite that traveled through space for millions of years before reaching Earth and Zenith's Le Locle facilities.
The meteorite dials showcase the Widmanstätten pattern, a geometric formation created when molten iron cools gradually in space's vacuum. Hand-finishing reveals these cosmic crystalline structures, ensuring each dial remains unique. Against this extraterrestrial backdrop, Zenith's signature tri-color chronograph counters in silver, light grey, and anthracite create visual contrast with circular azuré finishing.
The stainless steel case preserves the design language of Zenith's 1969 A386 chronograph while incorporating contemporary elements like a black ceramic bezel marked with 10-second graduations. Pump-style pushers and modern proportions blend heritage aesthetics with current styling, while 10 ATM water resistance ensures daily practicality.
The timepiece houses Zenith's El Primero 3600 movement, the latest iteration of the brand's high-frequency chronograph caliber that earned the 2021 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève "Chronograph" award. Operating at 5 Hz with a silicon escape wheel, the movement achieves 1/10th second precision with the chronograph hand completing full rotations every 10 seconds.
The caliber provides 60 hours of power reserve and displays refined decoration through the sapphire caseback, including a blue column wheel, horizontal clutch, and openworked rotor featuring the Zenith star emblem.
The package includes both an integrated steel bracelet and black rubber strap for wearing versatility.