Today we delve into the magic of the Swatch. Did you wear them in stacks on your arms? Did you cover them with neon guards? I still remember occasionally having to move my rubber Swatch guard to the side so I could read the time. But I didn’t care–the guard was cool! To some, these Swiss-made gems may as well have been bangles–collectible fashion statements rather than functional watches. To others, they were the ultimate time-keeping device.
Our Friday Video Pick is a commercial from from the year 1989. Sure, the watches could be a bit edgier, with louder geometric patterns. After all, by the late ’80s, Swatches had passed their style heydey. But with a commercial this stylized, it almost doesn’t matter what they’re selling! My favorite: the Swatch behind the surfer. What’s yours?:
Stay tuned for a future blog post on collecting ’80s Swatches. They ARE collector’s items now, you know! Do yourself a favor and head to eBay. Type in “80s Swatch watch” and take a little trip down memory lane. This site even breaks down their Swatch selection by year (1985, 1986, etc). I bet you’ll see a watch either you or a friend of yours owned…
Happy Friday!
Lil Miss Red T-Shirt says
Swatch Watch needs to make a come back. Fun post…. I remember all sorts of neon and patterned watches from that era.
Jan Griffiths says
I remember this commercial as well as the previous one that was posted. I have the third watch ( the one with the surfers), which I got on Ebay a few weeks ago for a great deal. That Swatch is called “Stormy Weather”. So five 80s Swatches now, and ain’t gonna stop. Love those 80s Swatches!!