Call me crazy, but I still think Swatch watches are totally cool. I never have gotten over them. I was never too keen on the crazy colored ones, but the classic black ones are just awesome. I owned a few in the 80's, always the classic black, always the large size instead of the tiny girls'/ladies' ones. Above is an of a vintage one from the Swatch Keith Haring collection of the 1980's.
Everyone knew those kids in school who wore 2 or 3 or 4 Swatches one after the other on their wrist. Weren't they the same kids who had the 'Member's Only' jackets? My family didn't have enough money for multiple Swatches or 'Member's Only', and my paltry salary (literally $2 an hour plus tips in 1984) at the donut shop was just enough to buy a bit of music on vinyl now and again.
Almost as cool as the watches were the innovative Swatch Guards. LOVED those things! I had the classic black watch and a collection of 4 or 5 guards. Throughout the years I have ruined many watches by either dropping them on concrete or accidentally hitting them against a brick wall while struggling to carry kids or grocery bags. Every time this has happened I have thought "If only I had a Swatch Guard!".
I have always really loved things that are simple yet utilitarian (form AND function counts)and am sure that it goes back to the aesthetic of the 80's, when black,red and silver stuff in sleek but utilitarian designs ruled. I loved the Bauhaus inspired revival of the time, which could be seen everywhere from clothing to home design to advertising. I don't have the guts (or money) to decorate my home in this outmoded styling, but certainly DO have the guts to get a Swatch guard, and gosh darnit, I'm gonna do JUST THAT! AND SOON!
7 comments:
I've always had a thing for watches, like some women have a thing for shoes. I blame the Swatch phenomenon for that.
I loved them too. I had a black one with white hands/numbers and another black one with lime green hands/numbers. I wish I could get the black and lime one again sooooo much.
You know, margi, there is a big business selling old vintage swatches on Ebay. I think they cost a bundle...
Have you been to the official swatch website? I don't think they are as cool as they used to be. I was looking for one a few months ago and didn't find any I feel in love with - enough to spend that kind of money.
Me? I had a clear one. It was awesome. I had tons of guards for it too. I had a few other ones in different colors (never wore more than one at a time though) but the clear was always my favorite.
Speaking of 80s fashion...I KNOW you still have those black rubber bracelets! I still have a handful of mine too.
80squeen
You know, I had a bunch of those rubber bracelets, 80's queen, i used to wear like 20 at a time. they have disappeared from my junk jewelry box, they are probably in the bottom of one of the kids' closets.
Yes, i have been to swatch, they have a section for classic or retro styles, but they are not the same. Close, but not the same at all.
Ah, the 80's...yes. My high school years. Your particular swatch example is super cool and I'd guess it's worth a good penny due to the fact that the designer is no longer with us. Fun post! I found you thru Etsy. :) ~Tina
Oh great, Tina, I'm glad you found it ;-)
You are right, the person selling that one probably made a bundle on it. I was searching for my son's Converse all-stars yesterday and saw an old version of all-stars that was the 'Keith Haring Series' with his signature on the sole - so about that time he was EVERYWHERE. I have never seen an artist market himself like that guy did.
Please do join us again here to reminisce some more!
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