Swatch 'Farfalla' Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1994
The Swatch 'Farfalla' is a quartz-movement wristwatch manufactured in 1994 by Swatch SA in Switzerland. Released as part of the Pop Swatch range, the watch features a clear acrylic case and a distinctive elasticated fabric band decorated with a multi-colored butterfly pattern in shades of red and purple.
The dial continues the thematic butterfly motif. This example is catalogued as part of a series of 91 Swatch watches acquired from the spring/summer 1994 collection. Designed as an accessible alternative to traditional mechanical timepieces, the watch emphasizes casual wearability and seasonal design. The case back bears stamps identifying the watch as part of the Pop Swatch product line.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Quartz & electronic watch
- Movement
- Quartz
- Reference
- PWV 101
- Inscription
- Rear of case stamped '3' & 'Popswatch'
- Manufacturer
- Swatch SA
- Case Material
- Clear acrylic
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Swatch SA
- Registration Number
- ST 42059
Design
- Visible features
- • Elastic band features a repeating butterfly pattern • Dial graphic coordinates with the band design • Clear acrylic case reveals the internal quartz movement • Includes the original plastic Pop Swatch branded box
- Design and Appearance
- The 'Farfalla' model belongs to the Pop Swatch collection, characterized by a distinct approach to material and graphic design. The watch utilizes a clear acrylic housing, which serves as a frame for both the dial and the attachment points for the wristband. The visual identity is defined by a butterfly theme, with the dial face and the elasticized fabric strap both featuring a coordinated, multi-colored pattern dominated by red and purple tones. The strap is designed as an elastic loop rather than a traditional buckled bracelet, reflecting the functional style associated with the Pop Swatch range. The aesthetic is explicitly intended to serve as a fashion-forward, secondary timepiece, contrasting with traditional mechanical watches prevalent during the period of its production in the mid-1990s.
- Acquisition and Context
- This object is part of a larger institutional collection, representing one of 91 Swatch watches purchased by the museum from the brand's spring/summer 1994 collection. The acquisition serves as documentation of the company's design output during a period when the brand sought to offer innovative, affordable alternatives to the mechanical watch market. The model 'Farfalla' (PWV 101) serves as an example of the manufacturer's strategy to produce watches that were treated as seasonal accessories rather than permanent, heirloom-quality goods. The inclusion of the original packaging provides a complete record of the product's retail presentation at the time of its initial distribution.
- Technical Specifications and Markings
- The watch is powered by a quartz movement, consistent with the technological focus of Swatch at the time of its 1994 production. The assembly is housed within the clear plastic case, which is identifiable through specific markings on the reverse. The case back features stamped inscriptions, specifically the number '3' and the trade name 'Popswatch', verifying its membership in the specific product line. The item comes with its original accompanying documentation and storage. The box itself is marked with the 'Pop Swatch' branding and the designation 'Swiss Made', confirming the manufacturer's stated origin.
Identification
- Reference
- PWV 101
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The source attributes the watch to a specific 1994 collection, but specific manufacturing month is unverified
- Research required: The long-term durability of the original elastic band is not documented in the source