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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Swatch 'Shining' Wrist Watch

Partially verified

This quartz wristwatch, identified as the 'Shining' model (reference PWK 191) by Swatch SA, was produced in Switzerland in 1994. It belongs to the Pop Swatch collection, a range launched by the company as an accessible alternative to traditional timepieces. The design features a transparent, clear acrylic case that exposes the internal quartz movement components, including the battery and circuitry. The dial includes orange markers and prominent hands. It is paired with a distinctive iridescent purple and blue cloth-covered leather strap. As a piece within the museum's collection, it was acquired as part of a group of 91 watches from the spring/summer 1994 release. The watch measures 24 cm in length, 4.8 cm in width, and 1.3 cm in height. The underside of the case displays stamped markings, while the strap indicates it was manufactured in France.

Front view of the Swatch 'Shining' wristwatch showing the clear acrylic case and movement
Front view of the Swatch 'Shining' wristwatch showing the clear acrylic case and movement — 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
PWK 191
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 42067
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 features a transparent clear acrylic case, which leaves the internal mechanical components visible to the wearer. This design choice aligns with the stylistic parameters of the Pop Swatch series, which sought to deviate from traditional watch aesthetics by focusing on high-visibility, synthetic materials. The dial is minimalist in its layout, featuring small orange dot markers and brightly colored hands that provide high contrast against the exposed movement.

The strap is a primary design element of this model, consisting of an iridescent fabric in shades of purple and blue applied over a leather base. According to the internal markings, this strap was manufactured in France, distinguishing its production origin from the main watch head assembly. The overall dimensions of the watch include a length of 24 cm and a width of 4.8 cm, consistent with the proportions of the Pop Swatch range.

Evidence for this section
  • “Clear acrylic case, workings visible, red hands”
  • “iridescent purple/blue cloth on leather strap”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is driven by a quartz movement. The movement is visible through the clear case, allowing for the direct observation of the battery and integrated circuit components.

This watch was designed as part of the broader Swatch concept, which was established in 1983.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quartz movement”
  • “watch was not intended to be a person's treasured keepsake, or indeed their primary watch, but their second watch”

Provenance and Identification

This watch is registered as accession number ST 42067 in the museum's collection. It was obtained as one of 91 pieces purchased from the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection. The model is specifically identified as the 'Shining', referenced by the code PWK 191.

Documentation accompanying the object notes that the rear of the case is stamped with the number '3' and the name 'Popswatch'. This marking provides confirmation of the model series and aids in verifying the specific watch within the context of the manufacturer's 1994 catalog.

Evidence for this section
  • “Registration number: ST 42067”
  • “One of 91 Swatch watches purchased from the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection”
  • “Rear of case stamped '3' & 'Popswatch'”

Open research questions

  • What specific chemical composition was used for the clear acrylic to ensure longevity and clarity?
  • How do the production numbers for the 'Shining' model compare to other watches in the spring/summer 1994 collection?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swatch 'Shining' Wrist Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerSwatch SA“Manufacturer, name: Swatch SA”
Model NameShining“'Shining'”
Model ReferencePWK 191“PWK 191”
Registration NumberST 42067“Registration number: ST 42067”
Place of ManufactureSwitzerland“Switzerland, 1994”
Case DescriptionClear acrylic“Clear acrylic case”
Strap MaterialLeather with fabric covering“iridescent purple/blue cloth on leather strap”
Movement TypeQuartz“Quartz movement”

Visible details

  • Transparent acrylic case showing internal movement components
  • Iridescent purple and blue fabric surface on strap
  • Orange dial markers with contrasting red and neon hands
  • Pop Swatch branding present on both the dial and case back

Research qualifications

  • The exact materials of the internal movement components are not specified
  • The long-term condition of the transparent acrylic plastic is not detailed beyond visual appearance

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

Consulted source

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

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3ffffead14

Terms in this record

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

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