The word Swatch actually comes from Slim Watch. Since its launch the Swatch watch has gone on to become the most successful wristwatch of all time, and The Swatch Group, the parent company, is the largest and most dynamic watch company in the world.



But why has a cheap, plastic watch become so beloved by millions the world over?

The Swatch Watch was first introduced in 1983 and single-handedly saved the Swiss watch industry. Swatch watches were loved by all. They appeal to people of all ages, and backgrounds. Whatever type of watch you're looking for, there's a Swatch watch for you. The collection of Swatch watches is vast but the following is a little of what is on offer.

Children love Swatch watches and for many, it's the first watch they ever own. The perfect introduction for children is the Flik Flak Swatch watch. The cute but funky designs of the Flik Flak really appeal to the young. The Flik Flak collection comes in various themes like Paddington Bear, Ballerina's, Scaring monsters, Manga Mania, and much more! They're Swiss made with a shock-resistant aluminum case, scratchproof mineral glass and a hard-wearing textile strap. You can even machine wash the Swatch Flik Flak on a 40C cycle - preferably wrapped in a sock. Each watch is also water-resistance to 30 meters.

For those who want something a little more mature there's the Swatch Irony collection. Swatch watches are renowned for being made from plastic but the Irony collection all have a stainless steel case. The Irony collection is more classic in design when compared to the more funky plastic collections. The Big Irony Swatch watch is a very nice man's watch whereas the Swatch Irony Lady Lady is for ladies who want feminine style. But choosing a Swatch doesn't mean sacrificing Swiss workmanship. The Swatch Irony Chrono is for those who want a watch with chronograph. The Irony Automatic by Swatch is a beautiful watch with a superb Swiss movement - you don't need batteries as it winds itself as you wear it.

The Swatch Skin watch was a success from the moment of its launch. It's an incredibly thin watch at just 0.39mm! The Skin watch appeals to both men and women and its simplicity of design complements its thin case. My favourite is the Swatch Skin with white face and white strap.

The Swatch Beat has a very retro-look to it. It was the first Swatch watch to have a digital display. It gets its name because it divides the day into 1000 beats. The Beat watch by Swatch also comes with a lot of extra features: two different time zones (or Internet time), a timer, a stop function, an alarm function, a small animation (just for fun), and a countdown function. This is a great watch for boys - even those who are fully grown.

Swatch has been making all these watches for years, but it doesn't just rely on the watches it has made in the past. Today's collections are just as exciting as the ones of yester-year. The new collection of Artful Innocence by Swatch is one of the best children's watches to have ever been made by any watch maker. I can't think of a better watch to give a child. There are many other watches in the new collection; however, my favourite has to be the Bird Twister from Swatch. I really love the bright, bold coloured circle and parrots! It sounds awful but it really comes together to give a beautiful whacky and cute watch.

Swatch watches are for those who are still young at heart. They've been with us for over 20 years. For many - including myself - a Swatch was the first watch we ever owned. I still own a Swatch watch - the Bird Twister - and probably will always buy a new Swatch every once in a while.