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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Swatch 'Girasole' Wrist Watch

Partially verified

This quartz wristwatch, identified as the 'Girasole' model (reference SAP 100), was manufactured by Swatch SA in Switzerland in 1994. The watch features a clear mauve-tinted acrylic case and is fitted with a yellow, textured leather strap. The dial is designed with gilt and white detailing, displaying Roman numerals arranged around a central sunburst-like motif. The movement is quartz-based. This timepiece was acquired by the museum as part of a larger collection of 91 Swatch watches representing the spring/summer 1994 collection. The watch measures 23 cm in length, 3.5 cm in width, and 1 cm in height.

The watch featuring a clear mauve case, gilt and white Roman numeral dial, and yellow leather strap.
The watch featuring a clear mauve case, gilt and white Roman numeral dial, and yellow leather 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
SAP 100
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 42102
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 Dial Design

The overall configuration results in a watch measuring 3.5 cm in width and 1 cm in height. The design incorporates a gilt and white face, with Roman numerals serving as hour markers placed against a dark background.

A distinctive feature of the dial is the sun-like or jagged graphic element surrounding the center, which integrates with the positioning of the numerals. The watch is attached to a yellow leather strap, which displays a textured pattern across its surface and is secured by a transparent buckle. The aesthetic follows the intended design approach of the 1994 spring/summer collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clear mauve acrylic case, with gilt & white face & yellow leather strap.”

Movement and Construction

The internal mechanism is described by the museum as a quartz movement. The watch exhibits a construction where internal components are partially visible through the clear casing, including the case back.

The manufacturing focus for the Swatch brand in 1994 emphasized the creation of affordable, innovative alternatives to contemporary mechanical and digital market offerings. This specific watch was released as part of a broad seasonal collection, reflecting a business strategy intended to position Swatch products as secondary, fashionable accessories rather than traditional heirlooms.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quartz movement.”
  • “Swatch decided to come up with an affordable and innovative alternative that would also ensure watches could continue being successfully made in Switzerland.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is registered under the number ST 42102. It was acquired by the museum as a purchase and is documented as one of 91 examples selected from the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection.

This suggests a complete set as originally sold by the manufacturer during the period of its release in Switzerland.

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

Open research questions

  • Confirm if the movement is purely quartz or a specific automatic caliber, given the visual appearance of a rotor in the case back photo.
  • Verify the specific leather material and production method for the yellow strap.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swatch 'Girasole' Wrist Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSwatch SA“Association: type: Manufacturer, name: Swatch SA”
Model NameGirasole“Wrist Watch - Swatch, 'Girasole', Switzerland, 1994”
ReferenceSAP 100“Quartz wrist watch, 'Girasole', SAP 100, Swatch SA, Switzerland, 1994.”
Dimensions23 cm (Length), 3.5 cm (Width), 1 cm (Height)“dimensions: 23 cm (Length), 3.5 cm (Width), 1 cm (Height)”
Case MaterialClear mauve acrylic“Clear mauve acrylic case”
StrapYellow leather“yellow leather strap”
Movement TypeQuartz“Quartz movement.”
Registration NumberST 42102“Registration number: ST 42102”

Visible details

  • Clear mauve acrylic casing
  • Yellow leather strap with textured finish
  • Sunburst-style dial with gilt Roman numerals
  • Visible quartz movement seen from the case back

Research qualifications

  • The source categorizes the movement as 'Quartz', but the photograph of the back suggests a rotor-like component, potentially indicating an automatic or specialized quartz-hybrid caliber.
  • The material of the strap is described as 'leather' in the summary, while the physical description notes 'yellow leather'.

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

Consulted source

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

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 9f828995c5

Terms in this record

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

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