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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Swatch 'Garage' Wristwatch

Partially verified

This 'Garage' model (LB 136) is a ladies' quartz wristwatch produced by Swatch SA in 1994. Part of the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection, the watch features a black acrylic case measuring 21 cm in total length. The dial is decorated with a black and white dog face illustration. The watch is completed by a strap constructed from patterned fabric on a leather base, accompanied by a standard black pin buckle. The movement is quartz-powered, housed within the synthetic case. This specific example is identified in the collection of Museums Victoria as one of 91 Swatch watches acquired from the same seasonal collection. The case back bears stamped numbers and the manufacturer's mark, while the internal side of the strap is inscribed with branding and material origin details.

Front view of the Swatch 'Garage' wristwatch showing the black and white dog-face dial and patterned fabric strap.
Front view of the Swatch 'Garage' wristwatch showing the black and white dog-face dial and patterned fabric strap. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Swatch SA
Reference
LB 136
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 41982
Source-reported date
1994
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
405, 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 watch utilizes a black acrylic case, which serves as the primary housing for both the quartz movement and the dial assembly. The dial is characterized by a high-contrast graphic depicting a dog's face in black and white. This central image is complemented by peripheral markers, and the overall composition aligns with the brand's aesthetic approach from the 1994 collection.

The watch is secured to the wrist via a strap that features a black and white patterned fabric exterior. The lining of the strap is constructed from leather, with markings indicating its origin. The entire assembly terminates in a simple pin-style buckle, providing a functional interface for the user.

Evidence for this section
  • “Black acrylic case with black and white dog face”
  • “strap black & white patterned fabric on leather.”

Movement and Functionality

The timekeeping mechanism within the 'Garage' model is a quartz movement. This technology was selected by the manufacturer to provide an accessible, mass-produced alternative to mechanical horology.

The case back provides access to the battery through a circular, coin-slotted hatch, a consistent feature of this manufacturer's design language.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quartz movement.”
  • “Rear of case stamped '405' & '6103'.”

Markings and Institutional Context

The object is identified by the registration number ST 41982 within the museum's collection. The reverse of the case features specific stamped numerical identifiers, specifically '405' and '6103', which distinguish this individual watch. The interior of the strap carries the manufacturer's name, confirming its status as a product of Swatch SA.

As part of a larger institutional holding, this watch is documented as one of 91 pieces acquired from the spring/summer 1994 release.

Evidence for this section
  • “Registration number: ST 41982”
  • “One of 91 Swatch watches purchased from the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection.”
  • “Rear of case stamped '405' & '6103'.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific intended function of the numbers '405' and '6103' stamped on the case back?
  • Does the 'Made in France' stamp on the leather strap lining indicate the country of origin for the strap component specifically, while the movement and case remain Swiss-manufactured?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swatch 'Garage' Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerSwatch SA“Manufacturer, name: Swatch SA”
Model NameGarage“Wrist Watch - Swatch, 'Garage', Switzerland, 1994”
Model ReferenceLB 136“'Garage' LB 136”
Movement TypeQuartz“Quartz movement.”
Case MaterialBlack acrylic“Black acrylic case”
Strap ConstructionFabric on leather“strap black & white patterned fabric on leather.”
Case Inscriptions405, 6103“Rear of case stamped '405' & '6103'.”
Acquisition Date1994“date: 1994”

Visible details

  • Dial features a stylized dog face graphic
  • Case back includes a central battery hatch
  • Black pin buckle secured to the fabric-covered strap
  • Strap interior marked 'GENUINE LEATHER MADE IN FRANCE'

Research qualifications

  • The exact purpose or sequence of the stamped numbers '405' and '6103' is not clarified beyond their location on the case back
  • It is not confirmed if the battery hatch is fully functional or contains a period-correct battery

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

Consulted source

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

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 66db340a6c

Terms in this record

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

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