Six New Neon Watches from Swatch

I know quite a few people eagerly awaiting the return of the Swatch Neon collection, with the 1992 Grand Prix SCJ101 model being the most famous among them.

Last year, Neon To The Max revived the original with an updated design, but according to experts, it missed the mark. Is there a model among the six new Swatch Neon watches that approaches the OG Grand Prix? And if not, are the alternatives good enough to brighten your day?

The 1992 Swatch Grand Prix SCJ101 is charismatic, desirable, and collectible. This chronograph in a 37mm case with vibrant colors is truly a vivid reminder of the 1990s. However, wearing them today also signifies that you are a Swatch enthusiast. We are fortunate owners of watches that, in NOS condition, can cost $800 and more. The Neon To The Max model released last year was too large to satisfy his desire for the original. I'm afraid the six new Swatch Neon watches will also not stop his desire to own the 1992 Grand Prix. But that doesn't mean there aren't attractive watches among the six new releases, three of which are chronographs.

Six New Swatch Neon Watches - Starting with the Three Non-Chronographs

Neon is very much like the 1980s and 1990s, but since everything comes back like a boomerang, this vibrant color scheme distinguishes itself with energy, optimism, and a bit of punk attitude. I can't look at neon colors without thinking of Doe Marr, a Dutch ska group that started small and turned into a hit machine. You may have completely different associations with neon, but you should have them, because neon colors made a huge impact when they appeared.

Just like the Neon watches from Swatch. The new models extend the Neon collection released last year, but draw their inspiration from decades ago. In addition to the inevitable bright colors, the watches stand out with bold graphic design elements. For example, the Neon Hot Racer SS08K119 model (left) priced at 120 euros. Like all other models in this collection, these 34mm watches, close to the OG Grand Prix, are made primarily of biomaterials and are rich in color and geometric elements. Inspired by the original 1989 Gent Hot Racer, the new watch uses the thin Skin Classic case. Inside are green hour and minute hands running across a dial segmented into four different colors. The strap is also multicolored.

The 34mm Neon Pink Podium (middle) can be purchased in a regular version (SO28K111/ €75) or in a Pay! version (SO28K112-5300/ €90). These watches are an evolution of the 1990 Pink Podium model, and their purple-pink mix stands out the most. In the Neon Rider SO29G106 model (right) priced at €90, a 41mm case made of transparent matte green material derived from biobased sources is used. Inspired by the original 1989 model, this watch also combines black, yellow, orange, and a bit of blue colors.

A Trio of Neon Chronographs

To fully capture the atmosphere of the 1980s and 90s, Swatch increased the number of color settings. The three new chronographs are also styled with heritage in mind, but there is no direct descendant of the Grand Prix among them.

Let's start with the larger models - 47mm Neon Jelly SB02K100 (165 euros) and Neon Jelly Pay! SB02K101-5300 (€180). Although the main theme is transparency, neon yellow, orange, green, and blue tones dominate. The colored buttons match the buckle on the strap, which perfectly unifies the wild design. These watches are inspired by the original 1993 Jelly Stag model.

Although the Neon Wave SUSJ404 (middle) is slightly smaller at 42mm wide, it still resembles them closely. This chronograph, priced at 130 euros with a transparent matte yellow case and a bold multicolored dial, is not ordinary either. Nevertheless, these watches, with the orange second hand and additional dials paired with blue, turquoise, and purple, are the most introverted of the six new Swatch Neon watches (if that's even possible).

The last watch is the Neon Flash Arrow SUSG408 (right). In terms of price and size, they are similar to the Neon Wave SUSJ404 and have the same battery-powered chronograph mechanism in a transparent matte green case. Like the Neon Wave, Neon Flash Arrow is a reinterpretation of an early 1990s model. The segmented multicolored dial with a date at the 3 o'clock position is the most striking element. It is also highlighted by a yellow second hand and a matte pink textured strap with transparent matte yellow-blue loops and a transparent matte green clasp.