Swatch You.Automatic Chronographs

August 1st sees the arrival of two new colour schemes for Swatch's current flagship watch, the Right Track You.Automatic. A Chronograph with a plastic diaphane body and Swiss made automatic movement the Right Track will now be available in no less than five colour schemes. Pictured above is the original Black and silver with red detailing, released 2009. January 2010 saw the release of the same watch but White with a silver bezel and Blue with a silver bezel. Neither new watch looks quite as sleek as the all black model, but the Blue is especially attractive (though I am biased - Navy is my favourite colour of this season).

But come August, the range will be bolstered by two additions in all black, one with yellow gold accenting (the Sunrise model) and another with Rose Gold highlights (the Sunset variation). I have to say that both are superb and much dressier than the original, which, thanks to its scarlet flashes, had a somewhat sporty feel. The Right Track Sunset is my personal favourite – black and rose gold are a real classic combination this season and when present in a watch look good with black trousers, shoes, tie and belt, a white shirt, navy blazer and rose gold belt buckle, cufflinks and tie tack. For dinner parties, team it with a black tux and bronze bow tie for a cool revamping of traditional colours.

All Swatch need to do now is release a brown and rose gold variation so all bases are covered for this, the warmest shade of precious metal. And it’s all happening at the right time too. As autumn approaches, these subdued colours are never more wearable.

As for functions, this watch sports a smart chronograph with second hand, 30 minute counter and 6 hour register, no numerals, a date window at 3 o’clock, a tachymeter around the non-rotating bezel and 5 minute increments printed in fine Arabic numerals around the inside of the face. The strap is crocodile effect leather (black on the Sunrise and Sunset models, and Blue or White on the respective January releases), and the buckles match the metal of the face.

All watches in this range carry a partially see-through case back so the finery of the interior can be viewed and appreciated. The power reserve is in the region of 46 hours when fully wound. The diaphane case makes this watch extremely lightweight and easy to wear for long periods and the decision to go with leather as the strap material pays dividends with its absorbency by keeping your wrist dry. All Right Tracks retail at £239 and are available from any Swatch store or www.swatch.co.uk.

All in all, the Right Track is a classy timepiece and a good Automatic from Swatch.

Rating: 8/10


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