An iconic piece from Swatch’s early 1990s chronograph era, the Swatch Grand Prix SCJ101 is a highly distinctive Swiss-made vintage chronograph known for its vibrant racing-inspired design and unmistakable translucent yellowed plastic case. Released in 1992, this colourful chronograph combines a bold graphic dial with multiple timing functions, an outer tachymeter scale, and Swatch’s lightweight quartz construction.
With its compact 37 mm case, colourful vintage aesthetic and unusual 22-jewel quartz chronograph movement, the Grand Prix SCJ101 has become an especially interesting model among collectors of vintage Swatch chronographs. The ©️ SWATCH AG 1992 marking on the dial further identifies its period of manufacture.
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Collector’s Note
The Swatch Grand Prix SCJ101 is one of the most recognizable chronographs from Swatch’s early 1990s period. Its exuberant racing-inspired styling, translucent yellowed case and colourful dial capture the experimental design language that made vintage Swatch watches so distinctive.
The model was introduced in 1992, and the SCJ101 has developed a strong following among vintage Swatch collectors. Contemporary collector references identify it as one of the more sought-after vintage Swatch chronographs, with examples appearing regularly in the international collector market.
This particular example retains its original strap, although the strap is now in aged/old condition. For practical everyday wear, we recommend replacing the strap in the future while preserving the original strap with the watch as part of its originality and collector appeal.
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Specifications
* Brand: Swatch
* Collection: Swatch Originals Chrono
* Model: Grand Prix
* Reference: SCJ101
* Production Year: 1992
* Dial Copyright: ©️ SWATCH AG 1992
* Country of Origin: Switzerland
* Movement: Swiss Quartz Chronograph
* Movement: ETA Quartz Chronograph
* Jewels: 22 Jewels
* Functions: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Chronograph
* Chronograph: 12-hour chronograph with 30-minute and 1/10-second indications
* Tachymeter: Outer tachymeter scale
* Case Material: Translucent / yellowed plastic
* Case Diameter: 37 mm
* Case Thickness: Approx. 10.7 mm
* Crystal: Plastic
* Strap: Original Swatch strap
* Water Resistance: 3 ATM / 30 metres — original specification; current resistance not guaranteed
* Battery: 394 / SR936SW, 1.55V
* Battery Specification on Case Back: 9.50 × 3.60 mm
* Origin Marking: Swiss Made
The 37 mm case diameter and approximately 10.7 mm thickness are consistent with published SCJ101 specifications.
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Case Back Details
The case back features the following original markings:
* BATTERY
* 9,50 × 3,60
* +
* 1,55 V
* PATENTED
* WATERRESISTANT
* SWISS MADE
* TWENTY-TWO (22) JEWELS
* 346
The 9.50 × 3.60 mm marking corresponds to the specified battery dimensions, while the 1.55 V marking identifies the operating voltage.
The TWENTY-TWO (22) JEWELS marking confirms the unusual 22-jewel quartz chronograph configuration documented for the SCJ101.
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Movement Highlights
Powering the Grand Prix is a Swiss ETA quartz chronograph movement with 22 jewels, an unusual and technically interesting configuration for a quartz Swatch.
The movement provides the watch with its chronograph timing functions while maintaining the accuracy and convenience of battery-powered quartz technology. The multi-register layout allows measurement through the chronograph functions, complemented by the outer tachymeter scale.
The watch uses a 394 / SR936SW-type 1.55V silver-oxide battery, corresponding to the dimensions indicated on the case back.
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Why You’ll Love It
* Iconic Swatch Grand Prix SCJ101
* 1992 vintage Swiss-made chronograph
* Highly distinctive early-1990s racing-inspired design
* Translucent/yellowed plastic case
* Compact 37 mm case size
* Unusual 22-jewel ETA quartz chronograph
* 12-hour chronograph functionality
* 30-minute and 1/10-second timing indications
* Outer tachymeter scale
* Original Swatch strap retained
* Increasingly sought-after among vintage Swatch collectors
* Excellent addition to a vintage Swatch or Swiss quartz collection
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Important Note
This is a vintage pre-owned timepiece from 1992. All specifications, including movement details, battery type, dimensions, water resistance, and other manufacturer specifications, are based on the watch’s visible markings and available reference information and are provided for reference only.
The watch retains its original strap, which is in aged/old condition due to its age. While the original strap is included as part of the watch’s originality, we recommend replacing the strap in the future for regular everyday wear. The original strap should ideally be preserved separately if replaced.
Due to age, previous use, replacement of consumable components such as the battery, and service history, actual performance may vary. The original WATERRESISTANT marking should not be considered a guarantee of current water resistance. We recommend avoiding exposure to moisture unless the watch has been professionally pressure-tested.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and accurately represent the watch’s current
