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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Swatch 'Yellow Star' Wristwatch

Partially verified

The 'Yellow Star' wristwatch is a quartz-movement timepiece produced by Swatch SA in Switzerland in 1994. This watch is identified by the model number SSM 102. The design features a transparent black acrylic case and a circular blue face displaying yellow and black numerals. The watch is paired with a yellow textured leather strap, complemented by a transparent black buckle. The back of the case features an inscription stamped with the number '412'. This watch was acquired as part of a collection of 91 Swatch timepieces from the company's spring/summer 1994 collection. The object is catalogued by Museums Victoria under the registration number ST 42108.1.

Front view of the Swatch 'Yellow Star' showing the dial and textured leather strap.
Front view of the Swatch 'Yellow Star' showing the dial and textured 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
SSM 102
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 42108.1
Source-reported date
1994
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
412

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 Materials

The Swatch 'Yellow Star' is constructed with a transparent black acrylic case, which exposes the underlying quartz movement. The watch face is circular and coloured blue, featuring a sequence of yellow and black numerals. The dial layout includes internal and external numerical markings to track time.

The watch is secured with a yellow textured leather strap, which includes a transparent black buckle. The overall design reflects the specific aesthetic conventions of the Swatch 1994 spring/summer collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Transparent black acrylic case.”
  • “Blue circular face with yellow and black numbers.”
  • “Yellow textured leather strap, transparent black buckle.”

Technical Specifications and Markings

The timepiece is powered by a quartz movement. The back of the acrylic case allows for direct observation of the internal electronic components and the battery compartment. The rear surface of the case is stamped with the number '412', which serves as an individual identification mark for this specific unit.

The watch is identified by the model reference SSM 102. It was produced by Swatch SA in Switzerland as part of a broader production series that prioritised mass-manufactured, functional alternatives to traditional mechanical watches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quartz movement.”
  • “Quartz wrist watch, 'Yellow Star', SSM 102, Swatch SA, Switzerland, 1994.”
  • “Rear of case stamped '412'.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is held within the collection of Museums Victoria under the registration number ST 42108.1. It represents one item within a larger set of 91 Swatch watches purchased by the institution. These watches were curated to represent the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection.

The records indicate the watch was acquired by purchase, adhering to standard museum acquisition protocols for the institution's science and measurement collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “One of 91 Swatch watches purchased from the Swatch spring/summer 1994 collection.”
  • “In box with warranty & instructions.”
  • “Registration number: ST 42108.1”

Open research questions

  • Does the '412' stamp refer to a production batch or a unique serial identifier?
  • What is the specific relationship between the '412' case stamp and the model number SSM 102?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Swatch 'Yellow Star' Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object NameWrist Watch - Swatch, 'Yellow Star', Switzerland, 1994“Wrist Watch - Swatch, 'Yellow Star', Switzerland, 1994”
Registration NumberST 42108.1“Registration number: ST 42108.1”
Model NumberSSM 102“Quartz wrist watch, 'Yellow Star', SSM 102, Swatch SA, Switzerland, 1994.”
Case MaterialTransparent black acrylic“Transparent black acrylic case.”
Dial DetailBlue circular face with yellow and black numbers“Blue circular face with yellow and black numbers.”
Strap DetailYellow textured leather“Yellow textured leather strap”
Movement TypeQuartz“Quartz movement.”
Inscription412“Rear of case stamped '412'.”

Visible details

  • Transparent black acrylic watch case
  • Blue dial with numerical indices in yellow and black
  • Yellow textured leather watch strap
  • Visible quartz movement mechanism through the transparent case back

Research qualifications

  • The exact function or significance of the '412' stamp is not further specified
  • Full extent of included original documents within the box is not itemized beyond a general statement

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

Consulted source

Wrist Watch - Swatch, 'Yellow Star', Switzerland, 1994

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ed7fd1cbda

Terms in this record

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

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