Swatch Watch, circa 1985

01

Artifact Overview

In the 1980s, adolescent and teen consumers across the world became attracted to a new type of watch called the "Swatch." First-marketed in the U.S. in 1983 the Swatch helped reestablish the Swiss as the world's major watchmaker. This watch was introduced as Generation X began to mature and acquire personal accessories. Swatch watches proliferated because of their aesthetic appeal rather than their functionality.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Wrist watch

Date Made

circa 1985

Place of Creation

Creator Notes

Manufactured by the SSIH/ASUAG Holding Company (1983-1986) or the Societe de Microelectronique et d'Horlogerie (1986-1998).

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Your Place in Time

Object ID

99.165.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plastic
Metal

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Width: 1.375 in
Length: 9.125 in

Inscriptions

on watch face: ANNVS SOLARIS - ANNVS STELLATVS - ANNVS VENTORVM | on back of face: S330/PATENTED WATERRESISTANT/5755/SWISS MADE/BATTERY/11,60x3,10/1,55V
Swatch Watch, circa 1985