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Farr & Swit Retro Digital Mix Tape Vol. 1 Watch Review

August 12, 2024 Nick Lehner

Chicago-based watch brand Farr + Swit is a longtime friend of StrapHabit. The brand's Vice Edition Chrono included two StrapHabit straps (a teal Ridge Rubber, and a special edition of our Sailcloth Colorway straps). When Adam sent me a rendering of the new Mix Tape watch, I immediately asked if I could check out one for a review. He sent the full set over!

Farr & Swit Mix Tape First Impressions:

The Mix Tape will feel familiar to people who were kids in the 80s and 90s. The case and operation of the watch are pure retro, and the cassette image on the faceplate will evoke memories of trying to record your favorite song if you were lucky enough to catch it on FM radio.

Farr & Swit Mix Tape Details:

The Mix Tape is available in two variants: clear with a clear strap, and translucent blue with a black strap.

Both have a rectangular positive display. the faceplate around it evokes the image of a colorful blank cassette tape with a hand-written label. The watch is on side A, and is ready for 90 minutes of tunes!

Polished metal buttons adjust the time and operate the other functions.

Wearing the Farr & Swit Mix Tape:

Being thin and mostly plastic, the 24g Mix Tape is one of those watches that disappears on your wrist.

Until you glance down at it anyway. The fun dial and clear case ensure that you'll get a few comments, especially from people "of a certain age."

Compared to a Casio Royale. The display has fewer functions, but the watch is much more fun to wear. It's also significantly thinner and smaller at 35mm wide by 8.5mm thick. The dimensions are purely 80s (as they should be).

You might remember that watches of this style had a dim, yellowish bulb to illuminate the display from the side with a push of a button. The Farr & Swit Mix Tape has a similar function, but now the LCD is backlit in teal.

Farr & Swit Mix Tape Original and Replacement Straps:

Both versions of the Mix Tape come with a resin strap, Molded channels add flexibility. They also give the appearance of segments, like bracelet links.

The black strap subdues the brightness of the blue watch, while the fully clear version gives a cohesive look. The straps are comfortable, and fully appropriate for the vibe these watches go for.

In a fun twist, it turns out that StrapHabit TQ18 Q Timex straps fit on it! Black rubber is my go-to, but white looks great on the clear one too! Scroll down to the end of the article to see more photos. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.

The following TQ18 straps will look great on the Mix Tape!
FKM Rubber
Hybrid Leather
Hybrid Sailcloth

Farr & Swit Mix Tape Movement:

In the interest of throwback authenticity (and I'm sure to keep the MSRP low), the movement is a simple digital quartz-regulated LCD. It's legible and intuitive, with a day, date, and AM/PM display. It also has the typical alarm and timing features.

A brushed, stamped steel caseback is secured with 4 screws, providing 50m of water resistance. In addition to model info and specs, the battery type is engraved, which is a helpful touch.

Farr & Swit Mix Tape Conclusion:

Sure, the Mix Tape doesn't have an automatic movement like some of Farr + Swit's other watches, but it's also under $35. It's a great amount of fun for such a low cost. It also makes a great gift even for someone only casually into watches. Anyone with fond memories of that era would have fun wearing one of these.

To learn more about the Mix Tape, visit the Farr + Swit website. If you'd like to learn about some other great watches under $500, you can read the StrapHabit Top 10 list, or view other reviews of under $500 watches.

Specifications:

Name: Farr & Swit Retro Digital Mix Tape Vol. 1
MSRP: $34.99 (blue or clear), $59.99 (set of two)
Diameter: 35mm (37mm with buttons)
Height: 38mm
Thickness: 8.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Weight: 24g
Movement: Digital quartz
Battery life: 2 years
Water Resistance: 50m
Crystal: Acrylic
Strap: Resin