Press release
This new series of five watch designs from Lorenzo Petrantoni confirms Swatch's long-standing quest to identify and then work in conjunction with creative mavericks whose dedication to innovation and artistic excellence equals that of the famed Swiss brand. Previous Swatch collaborations, regularly unveiled since the mid-1980s onwards, have resulted in stunning time pieces from high profile visual artists including Keith Haring, Kiki Picasso, Alfred Hofkunst, Mimmo Rotella, Alesandro Mendini, Ivan Navarro and Jean-Michel Othoniel.
As part of The Graphic Designers Collection from Swatch, Lorenzo Petrantoni proposes five different designs which are all equally amazing. Using a stark palette of black and white, the artist's complex array of illustrative patterns and motifs - which he achieves by reassembling cut-outs from old books, almost like a contemporary form of patchwork - are intricately printed upon the sleek silicone and plastic surfaces of the various watch designs. The quality of this printing process is incredibly precise, ensuring that every single detail can be minutely scrutinized and fully appreciated. Furthermore, each watch features the well-known Swatch logo printed on the inside of the plastic glass, creating a pleasing 3-D effect.
Born in Genoa, in 1970, Lorenzo Petrantoni went on to study graphic design at college in Milan, prior to embarking upon a successful career as an art director in France. Following a move back to his native Italy - which remains his base to this day - he has also evolved his graphic talents into the territory of illustration. His delicate and intricate creations take inspiration from the 1800's and in particular from old dictionaries of that era, from which he retrieves long-forgotten images to reassemble and reinvent for an appreciative 21st century audience. Petrantoni's work has, not surprisingly, been exhibited internationally and utilised throughout a variety of popular global advertising campaigns, as well as iconic magazines and newspapers.
Lorenzo Petrantoni explains his design inspirations: “The old and the new come together. Past and present, united in a unique project. This collection of five watches is the offspring of this perfect union. They were designed with decorations, characters and letters and symbols that date back to the 19th century. For me it has been a fascinating, surprising and original project. The idea was to give life to characters and objects from our past once more, while they are often forgotten in dusty bookshops, and to make them modern and aesthetically beautiful by using them for a young and stylish brand. Truly, there was nothing like a Swatch to welcome them into our times.”
The design for Lucky Draw (SUOZ123) encourages you to take aim and give it your best shot, thanks to its striking black and white dial which looks like a tiny-sized target! The case, made in solid black plastic, stylishly enhances the watch's white silicon strap which is printed with a mix of arrows pointing in different directions, as well as snippets of text in varying sizes.
Intricate printed patterns in circular formations, as well as a historical portrait and various decorative star shapes, all create a fabulously eye-catching effect upon the white silicon strap of Words (SUOZ124). A solid black plastic case and a white dial with bold yet slightly cryptic text printed on it all further heighten the visual sensation created by this particular design.
Reflecting Time (SUOZ125 ) makes a dramatic style statement - thanks to the bold exclamation mark, surrounded by decorative motifs, which dominates the watch's dial to dazzling effect. A solid white plastic case creates an elegant connection to the white silicon strap, upon which three printed portraits - originally culled from antique books, before being cleverly reappropriated by the artist - nestle alongside rows of small circular patterns. Fashionable and fascinating.
For a watch that leaves you in a spin, look no further than Hypnotic Eye (SUOZ126). The watch features a dial emblazoned with a stark, black spiral set against a white background, as well as a white solid plastic case and a white silicon strap - printed with a portrait on one side and an array of illustrative circular and triangular shapes and patterns on the other. A captivating creation!
Time Trial (SUOZ127) stares you firmly in the face, thanks to the distinctive antique portrait that peers out from its black and white dial, which is sealed in a solid white plastic case. Beautiful floral illustrations sprout across one side of the watch's white silicon strap, while stark Italian text dominates its opposite side. The overall effect of this design is both modish and slightly mysterious.
SUOZ123 LUCKY DRAW
Model: New Gent
Dial: black and white with a printed target
Case: black solid plastic
Strap: white silicone with a printed illustration
SUOZ124 WORDS
Model: New Gent
Dial: white with black printed text
Case: black solid plastic
Strap: white silicone with a printed illustration
SUOZ125 REFLECTING TIME
Model: New Gent
Dial: black and white with ornaments surrounding a white exclamation mark
Case: white solid plastic
Strap: white silicone with a printed illustration
SUOZ126 HYPNOTIC EYE
Model: New Gent
Dial: black and white with a spiral design
Case: white solid plastic
Strap: white silicone with a printed illustration
SUOZ127 TIME TRIAL
Model: New Gent
Dial: black and white with a printed portrait
Case: white solid plastic
Strap: white silicone with a printed illustration
