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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wrist watch

Swatch 'Cayman' Quartz Wrist Watch

Partially verified

The 'Cayman' model (GN 137) is a quartz movement wristwatch manufactured by Swatch SA in Switzerland in 1994. Part of the company's spring/summer 1994 collection, this watch features a circular dial decorated with blue and green caiman figures against a yellow background. The case is constructed from pale blue plastic and is paired with a blue strap featuring a coordinating pattern. The buckle is pale blue plastic, matching the case. The watch is powered by a quartz movement and is marked on the case back with specifications including 'Patented Waterresistant' and 'Swiss Made'.

Front view of the Swatch 'Cayman' wrist watch showing the illustrated dial and patterned strap.
Front view of the Swatch 'Cayman' wrist watch showing the illustrated dial and patterned strap. — 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
GN 137
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 42049.1
Source-reported date
1994
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
6103

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 Dial Design

The dial is circular and finished in yellow, serving as a background for green and blue caiman figures. This graphic approach is reflected in the strap design, which utilizes a dark blue base accented by a recurring organic pattern in green and blue hues.

The case itself is molded from pale blue plastic, which maintains a monochromatic consistency with the pale blue plastic buckle. The watch maintains a slim profile, consistent with standard quartz-driven plastic cases of the period, designed to house the battery and movement components securely.

Evidence for this section
  • “Yellow circular face with blue and green caiman.”
  • “Pale blue plastic case.”
  • “Blue patterned plastic strap, pale blue buckle.”

Movement and Markings

The watch is operated by a quartz movement. Access to the battery is provided via a removable cover integrated into the rear of the plastic case. The back of the case features a series of impressions indicating its specifications.

The markings include the phrase 'Patented Waterresistant' and the origin statement 'Swiss Made'. Additionally, the numerals '408' and '6103' are present on the case back, providing internal tracking or production identifiers for this specific example.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quartz movement.”
  • “Marked on rear of case: '408', 'Patented Waterresistant', 'Swiss Made', '6103'.”

Collection and Provenance

This object is identified as one of 91 Swatch watches acquired by the museum. It was sourced from the brand's spring/summer 1994 collection.

The object is catalogued under the registration number ST 42049.1. It is documented within the museum's science and measurement collection area, where it represents a specific iteration of mass-produced Swiss quartz watch design from the mid-1990s.

Evidence for this section
  • “One of 91 Swatch watches purchased from the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection.”
  • “Registration number: ST 42049.1”
  • “In box with warranty & instructions.”

Open research questions

  • What specific design inspiration led to the use of the caiman motif for the 1994 collection?
  • How does the serial number 6103 relate to the production volume of the GN 137 'Cayman' model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swatch 'Cayman' Quartz Wrist Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSwatch SA“Swatch SA”
ReferenceGN 137“GN 137”
Registration NumberST 42049.1“ST 42049.1”
Case materialPlastic“Pale blue plastic case”
Movement typeQuartz“Quartz movement”
Country of originSwitzerland“Switzerland”
Case markings408, Patented Waterresistant, Swiss Made, 6103“Marked on rear of case: '408', 'Patented Waterresistant', 'Swiss Made', '6103'.”

Visible details

  • Circular dial with stylized caiman illustration
  • Pale blue molded plastic case
  • Blue strap with contrasting green and blue pattern
  • Visible battery hatch on the case back

Research qualifications

  • The source attributes the watch to the 1994 spring/summer collection but does not specify the exact month of manufacture.
  • The reference GN 137 is listed as the model identifier for the 'Cayman' watch.

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

Consulted source

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

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record afb4aa46b0

Terms in this record

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

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