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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wrist watch

Swatch 'Arcimboldo' Wrist Watch

Partially verified

This Swatch 'Arcimboldo' wrist watch, catalogued as registration number ST 42099, was manufactured in Switzerland in 1994 by Swatch SA as part of their spring/summer collection. The watch features a distinct clear orange acrylic case paired with a clear and blue plastic strap, both of which incorporate a mechanical-themed graphic design. It is powered by a quartz movement. As one of 91 Swatch watches acquired by the institution, this piece reflects the company's 1980s-originated strategy to produce affordable, replaceable timepieces as an alternative to traditional mechanical watches. The overall dimensions of the object are approximately 23 cm in length, 3.5 cm in width, and 1 cm in height.

Full view of the Swatch 'Arcimboldo' wrist watch showing the clear orange case, graphic strap, and dial design.
Full view of the Swatch 'Arcimboldo' wrist watch showing the clear orange case, graphic strap, and dial design. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz wrist watch
Maker / attribution
Swatch SA
Reference
SAO 100
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 42099
Source-reported date
1994
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Aesthetic Design

The watch is constructed with a translucent, clear orange acrylic case that provides a high-contrast housing for its internal components. The aesthetic theme centers on a mechanical motif, which is printed directly onto the surface of both the clear and blue plastic strap and is visible through the crystal of the dial.

This specific model, the 'Arcimboldo', is identified as part of the spring/summer 1994 collection, reflecting the visual identity maintained by the manufacturer during that period.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clear orange acrylic case, strap clear/ blue plastic; strap & face with mechanical design.”
  • “One of 91 Swatch watches purchased from the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection.”

Movement and Technical Identification

The movement is identified in the records as a quartz mechanism. The watch was produced in Switzerland, consistent with the brand's origin in Biel/Bienne. The case back allows for visibility of the movement, which bears the printed inscription 'automatic' in the source photography, despite the primary record describing the object as a quartz watch.

The contrast between the record's textual description and the physical markings visible on the movement indicates a potential discrepancy in the provided museum documentation regarding the watch's specific power source or classification.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quartz wrist watch, 'Arcimboldo', SAO 100, Swatch SA, Switzerland, 1994.”
  • “Quartz movement.”

Institutional Provenance and Collection Details

This object is held within the collections of the Museums Victoria and is designated under the registration number ST 42099. It entered the collection via purchase and is classified under the areas of science and measurement.

It forms part of a larger acquisition of 91 watches from the same seasonal collection, illustrating the institution's focus on the series as a study of industrial design and watch manufacturing history.

Evidence for this section
  • “Registration number: ST 42099”
  • “One of 91 Swatch watches purchased from the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection.”
  • “In plastic box with warranty & instructions.”

Open research questions

  • Is the movement inside this watch technically a quartz or automatic movement as suggested by the inscription on the case back?
  • Does the 'SAO 100' reference definitively distinguish this model as a specific variant within the 1994 collection?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swatch 'Arcimboldo' Wrist Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerSwatch SA“Manufacturer, name: Swatch SA”
ReferenceSAO 100“Quartz wrist watch, 'Arcimboldo', SAO 100”
Registration NumberST 42099“Registration number: ST 42099”
Date1994“date: 1994”
Case materialClear orange acrylic“Clear orange acrylic case”
Strap materialClear/blue plastic“strap clear/ blue plastic”
Included itemsPlastic box, warranty, and instructions“In plastic box with warranty & instructions.”

Visible details

  • Clear orange acrylic watch case
  • Strap decorated with blue and white mechanical gear motifs
  • Exposed mechanical gear aesthetic on dial
  • Matching clear orange plastic pin buckle

Research qualifications

  • Source summary states 'Quartz movement' while the photo of the case back shows the word 'automatic' printed on the movement
  • Plastic components may be prone to degradation over time

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Wrist Watch - Swatch, 'Arcimboldo', Switzerland, 1994

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ce1b5b9f05

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other quartz wrist watch records