Swatch doesn't make $20 disposable watches anymore. I was in a Swatch store a couple of weeks ago, and the majority were in the $150-$200 range, with some going for $500 or more.
Swatch can afford to license the connector.
not worth the manufacturing investment for such a big company.
Isn't the whole point of being a big company that you can make big investments that a small company can't?
You can make larger investments. But, while you may have economies of scale for certain things, you probably also have overheads up and down and across the company for everything you do.
It doesn't help nearly as much to overcome fundamentally unattractive unit economics (unless scale can make them later become attractive).
That's incorrect. https://developer.apple.com/accessories/watch-bands/
https://mfi.apple.com/en/who-should-join
Who does not need to join:
Developers and manufacturers of non-electronic accessories, including non-MagSafe cases and Apple Watch bands
I apologise for my previous incorrect statements.
Apple licensed strap for my watch.
Next... Nike licensed shoelaces for my shoes?
I have a 20+ year old Swatch Skin which I like mostly because I have to look at my wrist to know if I'm wearing it. A thin unimposing plastic thing, "did it come in a cereal box?" as a wit once asked at lunch.
The Swatch leather-like bands get grungy and break in months, I've worn out a few. My local supplier closed, and the Ali Express replacement I finally got is wearing much better.