Renowned for its bold, colorful watches, Swatch pioneered the accessible Swiss watchmaking that defined the 1980s. Today, Swatch continues to innovate with on-trend collaborations, limited editions, and ever-expanding product lines. Read on to explore the world of Swatch and why a visit to their flagship UK store on Oxford Street is a must.
The Swatch Origin Story
Swatch began with a crisis. Swiss watchmakers were suffering in the 1970s from strong competition from Japan’s booming digital watch industry. To revolutionize the market, Swiss brand Omega created a new affordable, plastic Swiss made watch– and Swatch was born in 1983. The name fused “second watch” with “Swiss” as this was meant as a less expensive additional timepiece.
Iconic Swatch Designs
Swatch watches stand out for their distinct thin plastic cases and wide bands printed with vibrant, creative designs. Signature styles like the monochromatic New Gent and oversized Big Bold emerged in the 1980s. Collaborations with artists like Keith Haring made Swatch both fashionable and an accessible art canvas. Limited edition drops continue to use Swatch watches as a platform for artistic expression.
Beyond Watches – Swatchworld!
From its humble origins, Swatch has expanded into an extensive lifestyle brand. Swatch now encompasses clothing, bags, jewelry, fragrances, sunglasses and tech accessories infused with Swatch’s bold colors and pop art aesthetic. Their eclectic boutiques like the flagship Oxford Street location showcase the full Swatch experience. Don’t just buy a watch – immerse yourself in the creative world of Swatch!
Swatch 2.0 – Bioceramic and Skin
Despite its casual vibe, Swatch continues to innovate in materials and manufacturing. In 2019, Swatch introduced Bioceramic, an advanced ceramic infused with two-thirds natural extracted materials from rice husks, water, and potato starch. 2022 brought the debut of Swatch Skin featuring straps of an ultra-transparent, breathable and lightweight Swiss synthetic skin.
Swatch Stays On Time
While deeply Swiss, Swatch keeps its finger on the pulse of current trends. Recent stand-out collaborations include anime-inspired Dragon Ball Z, Pride Month, lunar new year, and partnerships with Coca-Cola and MoMA. For watch lovers, their Swiss Automatic collection shows technical expertise. Whatever your personal style, Swatch offers affordable Swiss quality.
Swatch Oxford Street
No Swatch experience compares to a visit to their five-story flagship UK boutique on Oxford Street. Opened in 2015, its glass front showcases the kinetic art Sculpture by Caballero. Inside, every surface bursts with color and art. The top floor Watch Works studio allows customizing your own Swatch. With in-store exclusive drops, this flagship truly brings Swatch to life!
Swatch’s story began in crisis but resulted in redefining accessibility and artistry in watches worldwide. Stay on time with Swatch by exploring their latest styles online or immersed in the ultimate experience at Swatch stores like Oxford Street.
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