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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Swatch 'Point Waves' Wrist Watch

Partially verified

This quartz wristwatch, known as the 'Point Waves' model (reference PWR 109), was manufactured by Swatch SA in Switzerland in 1994. It belongs to the Pop Swatch product range. The watch features a clear acrylic case housing a quartz movement. The aesthetic design is characterized by a distinctive wave pattern rendered in royal blue, red, and green, which is repeated across the watch face and the attached elastic strap. The item was acquired by the museum as part of a set of 91 Swatch watches purchased from the 1994 spring/summer collection. The rear of the watch case is stamped with the manufacturer's mark and the specific Pop Swatch identification.

The Swatch 'Point Waves' wristwatch showing the patterned dial and elastic strap.
The Swatch 'Point Waves' wristwatch showing the patterned dial and elastic 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
PWR 109
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 42060
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

Design and Aesthetic Properties

The watch utilizes a clear acrylic case, which reveals internal construction elements while framing the dial. The dial and the accompanying elastic strap share a unified graphic pattern consisting of royal blue, red, and green waves, providing a high level of visual integration between the watch head and its mounting hardware.

The watch is designed with a simple, high-contrast face. The yellow hour and minute hands provide legibility against the complex wave-patterned background of the dial. The overall length of the ensemble, when the band is unfolded, is noted at 26 centimeters, reflecting the scale of the Pop Swatch range, which often featured larger, more expressive dimensions compared to the standard Swatch collections of the era.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clear acrylic case, face and elastic strap patterned royal blue, red and green in wave pattern.”
  • “configuration: Overall Dimensions, dimensions: 17 cm (Length), 4.8 cm (Width), 1.3 cm (Height), comments: BAND FOLDED BACK IN BOX, TOTAL LENGTH 26 CM.”

Technical Specifications and Markings

The watch is powered by a quartz movement, consistent with the Swatch production ethos of providing accessible timekeeping technology. Technical markings are limited to the reverse of the case, which serves to identify the specific product line and provide verification of the manufacturer. The case back bears the stamp 'Popswatch' along with the character '3', which denotes its identity within the company's manufacturing records.

The watch is officially categorized under the reference number PWR 109. This numeric code correlates to the 1994 spring/summer collection, representing one of 91 distinct watches acquired during that period.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quartz movement.”
  • “Inscription: Rear of case stamped '3' & 'Popswatch'.”
  • “One of 91 Swatch watches purchased from the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection.”
  • “In plastic box with warranty & instructions.”

Provenance and Collection Status

The object is part of the collections held by Museums Victoria, specifically categorized under the Science and Measurement collection area. It was obtained through a direct purchase, forming part of a larger acquisition of 91 Swatch watches that document the brand's output from the 1994 spring/summer catalogue. The acquisition serves as a record of late 20th-century horological design and the company's strategy regarding the production of affordable, disposable, or mood-oriented timepieces.

As an object of interest in the history of industrial design and measurement, the watch is archived with the registration number ST 42060. The documentation indicates that the watch remains complete with its original, though folded, elastic strap, allowing for a comprehensive view of the object as it was presented to the consumer at the time of its release in 1994.

Evidence for this section
  • “One of 91 Swatch watches purchased from the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection.”
  • “Collecting areas: Science & Measurement”
  • “Registration number: ST 42060”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the stamped '3' on the case back in the context of the Pop Swatch production codes?
  • How does the 'Point Waves' model's production volume compare to other watches in the 1994 spring/summer collection?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swatch 'Point Waves' Wrist Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSwatch SA“Manufacturer, name: Swatch SA”
Model NamePoint Waves“'Point Waves'”
Reference NumberPWR 109“PWR 109”
Country of OriginSwitzerland“Switzerland”
Registration NumberST 42060“Registration number: ST 42060”
Case MaterialClear acrylic“Clear acrylic case”
Movement TypeQuartz“Quartz movement”

Visible details

  • Clear acrylic watch case
  • Elastic strap with royal blue, red, and green wave pattern
  • Yellow hour and minute hands
  • Stamped 'Popswatch' on case back

Research qualifications

  • The exact composition of the elastic strap materials is not detailed.
  • The status of the movement's functionality is not documented.

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

Consulted source

Wrist Watch - Swatch, 'Point Waves', Switzerland, 1994

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 66b0834604

Terms in this record

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

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