This page does not contain any fancy pictures but I hope to provide some substantial information for collectors. If you want to see some pictures of interesting swatches then go to my virtual swatch museum. Although I am probably a bit biased, it is highly recommended , especially the section about special packagings.

Older Swatch info

news from 1999 are below:

• Austrian and German .beat access specials.  Here is a belated report about two .beat access specials from Austria that were released in the last millennium (not!  they were released in 1999, the new millennium starts in 2001... but you knew this already :-) The first .beat access special Sölden'99 (Corkscrew, SXB100) was given away during the Swatch The Club event in Sölden in November 99.  The strap has an additional "Swatch The Club" logo. Here is a picture of the watch.  Not very exciting.  The second austria .beat access special Soulcity'99 (Corkscrew, SXB100D) was distributed for the Soulcity event during new years eve in Vienna.  A new strap and an additional papersleeve. Here is a picture.  A third .beat access special Garmisch Boarder-X 2000 (Corkscrew, SXB100F) will be released for the BoarderX event in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (4-6 FEB 2000). Here is a picture.
• Lufthansa Millennium special.  The German air line Lufthansa has distributed a special swatch to the employees who had to work during the changeover to the new millennium on 31-DEC-1999 to 1-JAN-2000.  The watch comes with a blue leather strap and in a special paper sleeve.  On the strap, a silver pin with the Lufthansa symbol and "2000" is affixed.  Here is a picture of the watch and the packaging.  The watch looks similar to the gent Armour Clad (GM712, 1999) but it is a different watch because the Lufthansa special has the ref. no. GM714.  The seconds hand of the Lufthansa Millennium is yellow instead of white and the color of the day/date disc is different!  Here is a picture of the watch.
• Bibendum Michelin special.  For the 100th anniversary of the Michelin company, a special swatch has been created in 1998 (1000 pcs have been made). Here is a picture. It is a Solar swatch Fuoco (SRN101C, 1996) with a new strap.  Thanks to Alain Choisy for the picture and information.
• First USA bank access specials.  The First USA bank has issued two access specials.  Both access specials were issued only to employees of First USA Bank to be used within the Cafés of the Bank. The Access feature was linked to their credit card account and swiped to pay for their lunch. The first access special is the Juventus Ora et Signora access with a special velcro strap.  Here is a picture.  The second access special is the Juventus Ora et Signora access with a special plastic strap.  Here is a picture.  A poster was also used to promote the two access specials.
• Two new access specials.  Two new access specials have been released recently.  The first one (SKK103AB, a Clearance access with a new strap) was distributed for the giant men's alpine world cup in Alta Badia (Italy) on 19-DEC-1999.  Limitation is 1200 pcs, 600 pcs were sold and 600 were distributed as gifts.

The second one is called Fit For Fun(SKK103FI, again a Clearance access with a new strap).  Fit For Fun is a German sports magazine.  No idea about limitation. Thanks to Alessandro Guidi(?) for the picture and to Andrea Martinetto for the information.
• Hewlett-Packard and Swatch.  Read all about it here. Thanks to Kelvin Ng  for the information.
• Maui .beat special.  During the swatch the club event in Hawaii last week, a special .beat was released and given to participants. Here is a picture of the watch and goodies.
• Netherlands Haagse Bluf special.  A new special packaging called Haagse Bluf containing the nice Agatic Agatac swatch has just been released at the swatch store in Den Haag, Netherlands.  The store has been opened recently.  The packaging is numbered and limited to 500 pcs.  The Agatic Agatac swatch has been refitted with a special loop around the strap.  The watch is packaged in a nice box which contains pencils, several cards, and a calendar.  A nice packaging!
• Japanese Keiki Surf Classic special.  During the Keiki Surf Classic event in Japan on 30-OCT, swatch has distributed 200 specially stickered swatches.  Check out this page for details.
• Portuguese Boomerang swatch.   A special Boomerang Swatch (the old musicall Tokyo [SLZ100, 1996] with a new strap, yawn!) will be released on 15-OCT by the portuguese mobile phone company Optimus. Here is a picture of the watch.  The swatch will be sold in a "boomerang" package including a mobile phone by Nokia. 20,000 units of this package will be released at the price of $160 US.  It will not be sold at swatch stores. It will only be available at Optimus stores. Also Optimus has a special phone number where all Optimus clients can dial free to get the internet time. Thanks to Adriano Oliveira for the information and picture and to Ricardo Rocha for the picture.
• Taiwan Swatch.book.  Another book about swatches has been released in Taiwan.  Apparantly, it is the first of a series of six(!) books about swatch which will be released in the future.  Here is the cover and here is the inside of the book.  My website may be featured in part four of the series.Update: Part two of the Taiwan Swatch.book has just been released.  120 important swatch specials are featured in this book. Here is a picture of the cover.  The retail price of the book is NT250 (approx $9 US).  Thanks to Sophia Chang for the information and pictures.
• Italy Wave Tour special.  During the stop of the wave tour in Florence, Italy, a swatch the club event took place on the weekend of September, 18-19th.  A special limited and numbered (600 pcs) packaging (a transparent plastic "wave") of the Cutback .beat access swatch was distributed during the event.  It is different from the German Cutback.beat access special.  Here is a picture of the packaging and here is a picture of the content of the box.  Thanks to Roberto Tintori  for the pictures.
• Two new refitted swatches.  Two older swatches were recently distributed with a new strap for some events.  The first one (Reproject, GB171) was distributed for the 6 days Orientierungslauf (orienteering) from July, 24 to 31, 1999 in Switzerland.  Hereis a picture of the swatch.  The second one (Bestione, GJ112) was distributed by the Schweizer Eisenbahnerverband SEV (federation of swiss railroad workers).  Here is a picture. Thanks to Christine Tanner  for the pictures.
• Swatch wrist phone.  The idea of a "swatch watch phone" has been rumoured for quite some time now.  Prototypes have been shown on last CeBit fair in Hannover, I think.  Here is a new picture of the "phone on your wrist".  Do you think that this will be a success?  I don't think so...  Thanks to Brian Pier for the picture.
• US "Back To School" special packaging.  Swatch took one of the best Swatches (Jelly Piano) and put it in a plastic folder with a Swatch pen and two Swatch notepads and calls it Back To School special.  Jelly Piano was chosen due to its popularity. The package is labeled "Jelly Piano Special Pkg." and has a code of GZ159C, 7000 pieces were made. The price in the USA is $50.  Here is a photo of the most unnecessary Swatch special of the year. Thanks to Brian Pier for the information and picture.
• Taiwanese IF access special.  The Taiwanese FarEasTone technology company is going to release a Clearance access with a special loop. The loop will have word "IF" printed. About 20000 pieces will be released!  If I understand correctly, the access swatch will be available alone or in a special box for around $70 US.  Here is a picture of a newspaper ad and here is a picture of the special.  Update:  There are at least five(!) versions of this special:  The special is available with access Clearance  (blue-grey loop around the strap) and with gent Transparent (GK209) with four different loops (blue-grey, pink, green, and orange).  Thanks to Michael Kuo and Sophia Chang for the information and picture and to Jacky Beauverd for the update.
• Hong Kong Chauve-Souris special.  A new special packaging of the Chauve-Souris gent swatch from the current collection is available in Hong Kong now.  It is packaged with a funny money box. Here is a picture of the nice looking special.  No idea about limitation or if it is available outside of Hong Kong.
• Two DFS Olympic specials.  Swatch does it again:  Flooding the market with special olympic watches.  This time, it seems as if the watches are only available in the duty free stores of the chain DFS.  DFS are in Australia, HK, Singapore, Taiwan, Tokyo Narita Airport, Hawaii, and LA airport.  Both specials are older watches refitted with a new strap and in a paper slip case.  The first special is the 1993 gent Cancun (GN126C), the second special is the 1993 gent Sol (GK151D).  The watches do not look that badly...  So, the special swatches are available outside of Australia but they will not be soo easy to get.  Thanks to Michael Kuo and Sophia Chang  for the information.
• Taiwan Swatch book.  A book about swatches (they want to call it swatch bible [but this name is already reserved :-]) has just been released in Taiwan. It has all models from 96-99. Retail price is only NT$280! (about $10 US).  Hereis a picture of the cover of the "bible" and here is a sample page from the book.  I have to admit that the "bible" doesn't look too bad.  Part II of the bible has just been released. Here is a picture of the cover and here is a picture from the inside.  Update:  On 25 Aug, part III of the bible was released.  It covers the swatch years '93 to '95 and '99 / '00.  Here is a picture of the cover of part III.   Thanks to Michael Kuo for the information and to Sophia Chang for the pictures.
• Italian soccer special.  The italian soccer club MILAN A.C. will soon release its own swatch scuba access special. The watch will be called 100 X 100 MILAN.  It will be available from the end of August. Here is a picture of the access swatch and here is a picture of the loop around the strap.  Update:  25 pieces of 100 X 100 MILAN  have been signed by old champions who played with the team (Baresi, Rivera, Prati, Lodetti) or famous (at least in Italy) supporters.  They have been auctioned, 5 per day (everything is sold now!).  The 25 pieces are now sent the to high bidders with a certificate and an official T-shirt of Milan team.  Here is a picture of the signed watch plus T-shirt etc.  Thanks to Andrea Martinetto for the information, to Roberto Tintori for the pictures, and to Roberto Quadrini for the update.
• Club event in Sintra, Portugal.  From August 10 to 13, an event organized by swatch the club intl. took place in and around Sintra, Portugal.  Originally, the event was also open to Portuguese people but this was cancelled and so the event was only for club members who sent their application to the club intl.  No special watch or packaging was released for this event.  The special Sintra access swatch Monte da Lua was officially launched and the second club watch Sun & Moon was also given to the participants of the event.  On August 11, the solar eclipse was watched (Portugal was a strange place for watching the eclipse because it was only partial there...).  More details and pictures from the event can be found on the excellent pages by Ricardo Rocha and the (in)famous Alby Grosso.
• Colors access special.  I bet that you have not seen the following special so far (although you probably have heard of it).  For the opening of the restaurant Colors in Zurich, Switzerland on 14-MAY-98, a special access swatch (a Clearance access with a special strap) was distributed as invitation ("Einladung") to the guests.  The watch was presented in a very nice black velvet box with imprint COLORS.  Thanks to Christine & Sam Tanner  for the information and picture.
• FIS Irony special.  An irony special was made for the 75th anniversary of the International Ski Federation (FIS) this past winter (98/99) in Vail, Colorado, USA.  It was made and distributed to the skiers, officials, members of the FIS. It is a 1995 Irony Beach Rider (YDS102) with a yellow "Happy Joe" Band. There is a small bronze square on the strap saying "FIS" and a picture of 2 skis. Here is a picture of the watch and here is a closeup. Thanks to you know who for the information and picture.
• Unique swatchy artworks by Matthias Winkler.  Not too much activity in the world of swatch right now (summer!), so I show you some unique artworks that the swiss artist Matthias Winkler (designer of the gent watch Zeit²) has made.  He writes: "Each image is an original, that means there is only one such unique work in the world!  The frame is made of handmade wood."  Each picture costs between 750 and 960 Swiss Francs.  The pictures are called (try babelfish for a translation of the German titles :-):  Zeit der Liebe ("Nr.1"), Bewegte Zeiten("Nr.2"), Im Moment ("Nr. 5"), Blick zurück ("Nr. 6"), Tanzstunde ("Nr. 15"), Zeit des Aufbruchs ("Nr. 16")
• Portuguese Zeit² special.  On July, 7th, another painting session with the swiss artist Mattias Winkler (he designed the gent watch Zeit² from the current collection) took place in Portugal.  Reason for the event was the opening of a swatch store in the Vasco Da Gama shopping center.  Swatch made another special paper sleeve for the watch as shown on this picture.  On the 9th of July, again in Portugal, Mattias Winkler was present at the openning of a new Swatch Store at BragaParque, in Braga, in the north of Portugal.  He also signed a few more paper sleeves, very similar to the Vasco da Gama ones.  Thanks to Tiago Gama for the update.
• Japanese Nagano access special.  Around the time of the Nagano Olympics'98 in Japan, a special access Nagano (ref.no. SKK106F, a refitted Magic Snow) has been released.  The watch was offered to athletes and VIPs of the Swiss Olympic Committee.  So this is quite old already but it has not surfaced very often so far.  Here is a picture of the watch.  Thanks to Christine Tanner  for the picture.
• German Cutback .beat access special.  The Swatch Wave Tour starts from August 3 to 7 in Munich, Germany.  Swatch will release a .beat access swatch called Cutback in a special packaging limited to 20,000 numbered pieces "only".  Here is a picture of the watch (the photo also shows a promotional postcard which is not included with the watch!).
• Singapore Millennium specials.  The Singapore Millennium special swatch is specially designed for a fund-raising event for The Singapore Millenium Trust fund and comes in two models featuring Singapore landmarks such as Changi Airport's control tower and the Merlion. It has been launched on July 16, along with 20 limited edition sets autographed by President Ong Teng Cheong, costing S$10,000 each (SG$1 = US$0.588). Both watches will retail at S$75 each. Also available are watches autographed by local celebrities (TV personnel) for S$120.  The first special is Mania: Sea Traffic (GO 101) from S/S 94, refitted with an orange strap featuring symbols of Singapore, rendered in free flowing style. The ring has "Singapore Milennia Mania" printed on it.  The other watch is called TechnoMania. Once again, this is a refitted Soleil (GL105) from S/S 93, with blue straps. The strap features the same symbolsbut in a digitised/stylised form. The ring is similar.  Both watches are packaged in a special paper box.  Thanks to Desmond Teo and Bernard Tey for the information.
• Japanese Messenger special.  A new special will be released on the 27th of July in Japan.  Swatch is a sponsor of a new movie called  Messenger. You can choose to buy either Irony scuba 200 or .beat and there will be a very nice packaging included as shown on these pictures.  The special packaging includes the watch, the green box, one of the metal items (a ring with a silver "swatch" imprinted plate), but not the white T-shirt.  To get the T-shirt, you have to buy even more watches, and then you enter a lucky draw for the T-shirt :-(  Thanks to Vincent Lin for the information.
• Japan Loft Summer '99 special.  The LOFT department in Japan has released two special packagings. They are Blackliner (GB161) and Flitter Glow (SDK903) both with new velcro strap.  Both come with a soft case as you can see on the pictures:  Blackliner and Flitter Glow.  Thanks to Vincent Lin for the information.
• SOS Kinderdorf charity swatch.  In the beginning of July, a new swatch for charity will be released.  The standard gent swatch in a special packaging is made to honor the 50th anniversary of the "SOS Kinderdorf" (SOS Children's Villages), a charity organization to help children in need.  From every swatch sold, (only) $2US will be donated to "SOS Kinderdorf".  The watch will not be limited and is part of the F/W 99/00 collection.  Update: This swatch will be sold during the charity concerts of the Bucharest Young Symphonic Orchestra in Switzerland (3 - 13 June 99;  Zuerich, Genf, Basel, Luzern, Bern, Neuchatel, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, Vaduz) in a special papersleeve (limited to 1500 pcs).  Here is a picture of the watch and the special packaging.  The watch is really nice!  The special (unlimited) packaging that is available worldwide looks as follows:  box (similar to Glorious Runner etc.) and inside.Thanks to Thomas Bürki and Christine Tanner for the information and picture.
• Vasco Rossi .beat special. A .beat special called Rock to a new .beat was distributed in Italy for the concert of Vasco Rossi. Here is a picture.
• Mattias Winkler Zeit² art special.  A limited edition (300 pcs) prerelease (ref.no. GK298C) of the gent swatch Zeit²  (it is part of the upcoming collection) has been distributed during several "painting sessions" with the swiss artist Matthias Winkler.  The watch comes in a regular bigger plastic box and in a white papersleeve numbered xxx/300 (well, a number 301/300 also exists!!).  Each papersleeve is individually designed by Matthias, really beautiful.  Here is a picture of the special.  One painting session took place in Zandvoort (Netherlands) on 31 may during a Dutch collectors meeting.  The sleeves from the dutch session are not numbered.  Another painting sessiontook place on 23 June during the Gold member event in Biel (more than seven hours!).  The remaining specials (about one hundred) may be distributed during another swatch event later this year. Thanks again Patrick, you know why!!!
• Halloween 99 special.  After the success of last years Halloween special, the '99 Halloween special looks also good!  This year, the theme of the watch are ghosts.  Ghosts instead of the hands, ghosts on the strap.  The watchGeisterstund is packaged in a tombstone. Thanks to Jacky Beauverd for the picture.
• Gold- / Pioneermember event / Jungfraujoch event.  During the last week, the annual Gold- and Pioneermember event took place in Biel and other places in Switzerland.  See and read all about it on a special page.  Page updated on 6-JUL-99!
• Austrian Club summer event / special.  On the weekend of July 2 to 4, an excellent club event organized by Swatch The Club Austria took place in Tyrol in Kirchberg near the famous town of Kitzbühel.  About 20 people (from Germany, Italy, Switzerland (hi Charlie :-), and of course Austria) took part at the event.  We went river rafting and downhill mountainbiking (this was exciting :-) and we had lots of fun.  Gudrun had nice swatchy gifts for everyone, thanks again.  And we received a very special access swatch (less than 40 pieces have been made!):  A Clearance access with a nice imprint "summer 1999" on the strapand on the plastic box.  Also, the plastic box contains green "grass" and comes in a nice yellow Swatch The Club paper envelope. Here is a picture.  I hope to have some pictures of the event soon.
• Basel '99 skin special.  A skin special has been released for the jewelery fair in Basel (Switzerland).  It is the Monoblue skin with a new loop around the strap (ref.no.SFN100C).  Limitation is unknown.  Here is a picture of the watch.  No special packaging.
• Big Summer Opening access special.  A special access swatch Big Summer Opening has been released in Saas Fee (Switzerland) during the weekend of 25 to 27-JUN 99.  Only 100 pieces have been made. Here is a picture.  Thanks to Jacky Beauverd for the picture.
• Portuguese Sintra access swatch.  In late summer, swatch will release an access swatch called Sintra in Portugal (and probably other countries as well).  Here is a picture of the swatch.  Similar idea to other city access swatches (eg. Rome, Salzburg etc.). And similar design to the Berlin access :-( The watch will feature images of the very nice Sintra palace which we visited during last year's trip with Swatch The Club to Expo 98.  Thanks to Jorge Malheiro for the info and to Ricardo for the picture.
• Jazzfestival Montreux .beat special.  This year, the Jazzfestival in Montreux (Switzerland) takes place from July 2nd to 17th.  During the event, Swatch will sell a swatch .beat special limited to 750 pieces.  It is the .beat Net-time with a new strap and in a special packaging with mouse-pad and T-shirt (price is 175 Swiss Francs). Here is a picture of the packaging and here is a picture of the watch.  On July, 9th, Swatch The Club organizes a cocktail party for club members. During the party, the .beat special will be sold to those who have reserved a place on the party.  Contact Swatch The Club for further information. Update: Besides the .beat special, they will also sell an older MusiCall (Blue Vibration, SLR 117) refitted with a new strap.  This musicall special (picture) will not be limited.  Thanks to Thomas Bürki for the information.
• Empire State Building special.  A new special Empire State Building is available in the USA only.  A nice new watch (picture) in a nice papersleeve.  I don't think that it is limited or hard to get.
• Deutsche Bank special.  It seems as if the Deutsche Bank has distributed a special swatch (a Smile scuba (SDK127, 1996) with a new strap and scuba ring [we haven't had this before I think]) to many (all?) employees of the company (similar idea to the DaimlerChrysler special).  The swatch was distributed to all the staff because of the recent merger with Bankers Trust Company. The swatch comes in a special papersleeve.  Here is a picture of the swatch, and here is a closeup of the new scuba ring.  A detailed report with more nice pictures is on Cliff's nice website.  I know that this swatch has been distributed in Germany as well.  As with the DaimlerChrysler special, not all the swatches are the same.  The scuba loomi Fluoscope (SDJ900) has also been distributed. More pictures of this special on Peter Rollings site.  Update: A German Deutsche Bank employee told me:  "There are about 7 to 10(!) different versions available; loomi/non loomi, plastic strap with citynames (as shown on Cliff's pics) or leather, etc.  All of the Deutsche Bank swatches have a scuba ring with city names, a special paper sleeve, and the name "Deutsche Bank" on the loop.  I have a Deutsche Bank special with a Black Gondola scuba (ref.no. is SDM100C, say so on the sticker). Thanks to Peter Rollings and Achim Baumhör  for the update.
• Singapore Adamastor special.  The rumoured Singapore Adamastorspecial is finally available. It is just an outer paper sleeve for the Adamastor. The outer sleeve (picture)has some info on the baby Dugong that Swatch Group Singapore has adopted at the Underwater World Singapore.  Not exciting. Thanks to Desmond Teo for the information.
• La Caixa SKIN specials.  Update:  I don't know if I'm the first one to notice this:  The skin swatch of the La Caixa special has the same design as the skin Monoblue (SFN100 [N=navyblue]) but it is a new model (in black).  Here is a picture comparing the two swatches, you can see the difference in the colour and you can see that the Monoblue skin has "(c) 1996" while that La Caixa skin has "(c) 1998"! Funny, isn't it?  Original news was:  Two new skin specials are available in Spain now.  Each one is limited to 1000 pcs.  Both specials feature the same black skin watch.  One has a jelly strap, one has a black strap.  Both straps feature a color logo related to the spanish painter Miro.  The logo is also on the packaging.  Here is a picture of the black La Caixa skin.  Not too impressive! Here is a picture of the box of the special.  The watch does not have a special ref.no.  The specials are distributed by the spanish bank "La Caixa" in Barcelona.  These watches are not for sale.  They will be given away to customers of the bank. Thanks to Thomas Buerki for the information and to Sonia Borrell for the update and to Berjac from the Netherlands for the pictures.
• Singapore Millenium special.  Desmond Teo sends me the following info: "2 special models of a Millennium Swatch Watch (commemorating the unveiling of the Singapore's Official Millennium Countdown Clock on June 15th; it will be revealed via a live telecast on the eve of the millennium to over 30 major cities around the world) are available very soon. Each comes with a strap exclusively designed designed for Singapore that includes representations of significant symbols, monuments and sites in the city. The Millennium Swatch is the first Swatch designed specifically for Singapore, and will be available only in Singapore."
• Arrabal Vallée de Joux special.  The play entitled The Car Cemetery by the spanish artist Fernando Arrabal will be performed in Le Sentier (Switzerland) June 10 through 26, 1999. Also, an exhibition Miroir d'Arrabal featuring some of Arrabal's private collection of paintings will be shown in Le Sentier until July 4th. To cover their costs, the organizers have ordered 1,000 Swatch Gents Arrabal Vallée de Joux watches, each presented in each own pack, numbered and manufactured specially for the occasion. The special is the swatch Reposition (GB170) with a new strap.  Here is a picture of the special.  Looks nice!  Thanks to Jacky Beauverd for the picture.
• Umbria Jazz Festival access special.  A new access special has been released.  This time, the access swatch can be used as an entrance ticket for the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy.  Again, the special is a Clearance access with an extra look around the strap. Here is a picture of the swatch.  The watch is sold in the swatch stores in the region Umbria in Italy.
• Another swiss tourist swatch.  After the nice Tell Me swatch, another special will be released for tourists in Switzerland only.  This time, the evergreen swatch Barry (do you see the relation to the alps? :-) will be rereleased in a special blue box with a cover.  On the inside of the cover is a picture of a St. Bernards dog.  Here is a picture of the swatch.  Thanks to Thomas Bürki for the information and Jacky Beauverd for the picture.
• Cirque Du Soleil special.  New Update: It is very very likely that the watch will be cancelled due to disagreements between swatch and the circus.  The rumoured event on June, 28th has definitively been cancelled!  No new date has been set so far.  Alby Grosso reports on his website:  "A very nice special will be released in June for the canadian circus called "Cirque du Soleil".  The watch will be launched during their European tour at the show in Napoli (Italy).  The watch will be given to the spectators of the show.  Mr.Hayek Jr. will be there for the launch of the special. I've heard that it's very nice."  Thanks to Brian Pier for the update.
• Two older special swatches.  Recently, two swatches surfaced that were apparently distributed one or two years ago.  I have never seen or heard about them before.  One is a refitted Clearance access which now features a musical logo on the strap.  Here is a picture of the watch.  Apparently, it was distributed in late '97 to employees of the swatch factory.  Very few pieces must have been made.  The other special is a refitted Ocean Breeze chrono (SCK 107) which was distributed by the switzerland postal service. Here is a picture of the chrono special.
• Vienna marathon '99 access special.  A new swatch access special was given to VIPs and journalists during the recent marathon in Vienna on May, 30th.  Only 200 pieces have been made.  Here is a picture of the watch. Thanks to Otto Schreiber and Valter Podgornik for the information and picture.
• Panamerican games swatch.  A new swatch special for the Panamerican Games in Winnipeg (Canada) has been released.  It is available in Canada and USA only.  Apparently, it is an old swatch (Cool Fred, GK 150) with a new strap.  Hereis a picture of the watch.  Apparently, it comes in a special papersleeve. It is probably not limited.   Thanks to Thomas Bürki and Christine Tanner for the information.
• Berchtesgaden VIP access.  During the FIS snowboard world cup championships in January '99 in Berchtesgaden, Germany, a special access swatch has been made and was distributed to VIPs and journalists.  Again, it is a variant of the Magic Show access with a special extra loop around the strap.  Here is a picture of the watch and here is a picture of the nice loop.  The special has no new ref.no. (still SKK106) but the price sticker shows that this watch has not been distributed in the stores because it carries no price in German Mark!
• Berner Versicherung special.  The Berner Versicherung (Bern [a city in Switzerland] insurance) has released a special swatch.  It is the Top Secret swatch (without net) with a new strap.  On the strap and on the packaging is the logo of the Berner Versicherung:  A racing bear!  Here is a picture of the watch and here is a picture of the packaging.  Looks quite nice.  Only 30 pieces have been made! Thanks to Christine Tanner for the info and pictures.
• Laax Korkscrew digital access special.  On the weekend of 10/11 April, a swatch the club event took place at the BOARDERCROSS®WORLD TOUR FINALS 1999 in Laax, Switzerland.  I was lucky enough to take part at the event.  It was great and definitely worth the trip.  Thanks again to all organizers.  Click here if you want to read a detailed report about the event (with many nice photos).  Another nice report about the event can be found on Peter Rollings new site.  The digital .beat access swatch special Korkscrew (ref.no. SXB 100C) was launched on that event.  It is limited and numbered to 1000 pieces. About 150 to 200 swatches (only!) were distributed to club members, 200 swatches were given to the boarderX athletes, and the rest was given to VIPs, media, and journalists. Here is a picture of the watch (it is numbered on the back) and here is a picture of the number on the plastic box.  We also received a nice BoarderX backpack which I haven't seen before.  It is black and features an orange X.  On Saturday, the big swatch boss Nick Hayek sr. came to Laax, gave autographs and talked to club members.  That was really great because he had time for everyone.  He signed a card made especially for the Laax event, my orange swatch down feather vest (check this out!  Cool, isn't it? :-) and other stuff.  No other special swatches were sold during the event.  The digital .beat access swatch will not be available in the stores before September.  Thanks to Peter Rollings for some pictures.
• Taiwanese mother's day gift.  Together with the purchase of the mother's day swatch Dear Mum and if in posession of a VIP invitation card, customers in Taiwan received a small photo book suitable for Polaroid photos.  Four colours in total:  light green, yellow, blue and pink. Here is a picture of the outside (two books) and here is a picture of the inside.  Thanks to Sophia Chang for the information and pictures.
• Swatch Club watches Collectors box.  Swatch tries again to make some cash from innocent collectors :-/  Soon, Swatch will release an ultimate collectors box, numbered and limited to 1000 pieces containing the first seven club swatches Golden Jelly, Lots of Dots, Scribble, Crystal Surprise, Point of View, Looka, Garden Turf.  Here is a picture of the box.  I don't like it...  Thanks to Thomas Bürki and Andrea for the info.
• Swarovski manufactures for swatch.  The well-known manufacturer Swarowski has made the imitation stones for a few swatches in the recent collections.  Check out this picture from the recent magazine of the "Swarovski" crystal collector's society (yes, we are not alone :-) Thanks to Michael Kuo for the information and picture.
• Rotterdam City Pass Access swatch. The Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Rotterdam, in charge of tourism policy in the City of Rotterdam (famous for the largest port in the world) is now preparing a City Pass access swatch for use in this city, in the tradition of City Passes for Rome, Salzburg and so on.  This special access is being designed in April 1999 and will feature a skyline of the city. It is bound to look beautiful! Price is announced to be 100 Gulden, the standard Swatch price in the Netherlands. That is a bit less than $50. The access function will provide access to sights, a "chipknip" money function and various discounts. Plans are 15,000 pieces will be produced and the introduction is scheduled for around September this year. The kick off will be a big happening, probably during the "Wereldhavendagen", the World Harbour Days. Check out Hans' website for more information about other Dutch specials.  Thanks to Hans van Buuren for the story.
• Sweet Teddy Maxi.  A maxi version of the Sweet Teddy swatch is available for sale in the Netherlands only.  It is limited to 100 pieces only!  If you are interested in getting this cute maxi swatch, you can fax the Rotterdam swatch store at 0031-10-2409941. Here is a picture of the maxi and here is another one of the full maxi.   Thanks to Peter Kranendonk  for the information and pictures.
• Portuguese .beat special. Here is a nice report from Rui Mendes:  On 8th March 99, the .beat digital swatches were launched in Portugal during a Swatch party. Here is a picture of the invitation (outside and inside).  More than 1000 people were there, and they was some animation.  They made some games, where 10 Provider .beat watches were offered.  An auction took place there, with an Adamastor tube (#498/600) going up to $500US!. Also, a new limited and numbered (500 pcs) special packing for the Provider .beat was launched.  It looks like a computer's accessory box, and comes with a book in Portuguese about the internet ("Internet Future")! It is numbered in the box, in the book and in the watch warranty. Here are some photos: The Box, Opened Box,  Inside of the Box,  the Watch and the Book,  the Label,  the Box Number  and  the Warranty Number.
• Two errors on It's coming swatch.  Did you notice that the Millenium calendar swatch It's coming does not have one (June 19-22-21-22) but two errors?  The other error is that May 31 is missing :-)  Thanks to Panos Kokkinopoulos for the hint.
• French Be Mine Easter chocolate special.  Finally (if not too late :-), swatch has started something similar to my webpage:  A section News from your country.  Most of the sections for the different countries are still empty ("At this time there are no updated news...please check back soon! ").  The German section contains only official advertisement blurb, nothing really interesting.  The only interesting section is the French section:  If my french is still good enough and if I understand correctly, Swatch will release a Be Mine special in France on 3rd of April to celebrate easter.  The watch is sold in a special sleeve similar to a chocolate box.  Alby has a picture of the French Be Mine special on his site.
• Sierra Nevada event / special.  On the weekend of 13-14 March 99, a swatch the club event took place during the ski world cup finals in the Sierra Nevada in Spain.  A special access swatch was released during this event.  1200 pieces have been made (not numbered), about 900 were given to club members, VIPs, press etc.  The watch will not be available anywhere else.  Here is a photo of the special swatch (looks like a Clearance access with a new strap).  Furthermore, the quite rare special packaging of Jungle by Poussin was distributed (swatch finally got the authorization by Poussin!).  Mr Hayek signed about 50 of these special packagings.  The 1999 club swatch Space Dream was launched, a nice Maxi swatch of Space Dream also exists.  The club swatch comes in a blue box with a poster of all moon phases of 1999.  And the rumoured autograph session with the Spanish artist Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (Swatch "Agatic Agatac") did not take place!!  Alby Grosso also has a good report with many photos about the event on his site.  Here is another report by Peter Rollings about the event:  "On arrival each guest received a welcome pack, this was a Swatch backpack.   The color is red and blue with the pocket on the front in white with the logo of Sierra Nevada, in side was a t/shirt - Ski finals pin - program of the finals - Swatch umbrella - Border X hat.   On Friday we were given the chance to purchase one of the Jungle Scuba Loomi's in the POUSSIN package.  Then after some lunch, Mr HAYEK sr.arrived to sign the package for us all.  Saturday we got the "Sierra Nevada 99" Access Swatch (SKK-103X). Again, only one each (1200pieces). Sunday after breakfast, 20 people had the chance to be the first to purchase the new club watch "Space Dreams". Also we had grandstand tickets for each day of the Skiing together with a pass into the VIP area for drinks and snacks. Thanks to Ricardo and Rui Mendes for the information and photos.
• Swatch covers the Centre George Pompidou in Paris / new art specials. I hope that you know the Centre George Pompidou, a large museum of modern art in Paris.  The Centre George Pompidou will be reconditioned during the next two years.  To cover the ugly stands around the building, swatch has produced the largest billboard (34.7m by 112.85m) in the world.  You can see a picture of the billboard on the swatch homepage. The billboard features pictures of many people, all have one thing in common:  They are wearing a swatch.  The photos on the billboard are taken by Michael Comte, he also made the photos of the supermodels for the skin ads.  During the renovation (the next two years), several(!) swatch art specials will be launched.  Update:  The first art special relating to the renovation of the museum has been released. It was designed by Renzo Piano, an Italian architect. It is a standard gent's model in bright colors, it is called Jelly Piano, ref.no. is GZ159. Update no.2: I was in Paris over the weekend.  The billboard is really huge!  Unfortunately, they have placed a big tent directly in front of the billboard so you can't see the billboard completely.  Also, the watch Jelly Piano described before is available all over Paris.  It is really nice and comes in a white paper sleeve.  It does not seem to be limited. Here are pictures of the watch and the papersleeve (front, back, inside). Thanks to Thomas Buerki  for the information and to Brian Pier for the update..
• Singapore CAAS special. This is a special that was released by CAAS (Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore) to its employees (less than 1000) for making the Singapore Changi Airport the top airport in the world for the last 10 years. The special was released in 1st Jan 1998. It is a 1992 model Cuzco with a new band. The band is gold in color with pic of air planes and the control tower of Changi Airport. It also comes with a paper sleeve and a certificate. The model code is GK154C.  Update: I finally found some pictures of this quite rare swatch:  Watch, back of the watch, certificate, back of the certificate. Thanks to Chua Kok Sian for the story.
• Calendarium misprint.  Swatch has managed to come up with a misprinted millenium swatch.  Check out the month of June, it features the date "22" two times.  The error is supposed to be fixed now although I have seen only misprinted Calendariums so far.  This means that there will be two versions of Calendarium. Thanks to Ricardo  for the information.
• Dutch Advantage tennis special.  To celebrate the ABN tennis ATP tournament in the Netherlands (15-21 Feb 99), swatch has released a special numbered packaging of the Advantage tennis swatch.  The new packaging is similar to the one that is world wide available except that it now also contains two real tennis balls.  The packaging is numbered and limited to 1500 pieces, although only 1000 pieces have actually been manufactured so far.  Here is a picture of the packaging and here is a picture of the sticker with the number.  Original selling price is 120 Dutch Guilders (about $60 US).  It might be worth a try to contact Rob V. at www.squiggly.com to get this special at a reasonable price because Rob is also located in the Netherlands.
• Austria Irony Club special.  Swatch The Club Austria has distributed a few special Irony swatches to long-time club members.  The Blue Road Irony (YGS706) has been refitted with an adjustable metal bracelet featuring a special Swatch The Club engraving on the clasp.  Here is a picture of the watch.
• Singapore Be Mine special.  The Singapore Be Mine special was released on 27th January 1999 to celebrate the grand opening of the swatch flagship store at Plaza Singapura and also the launching of the 99 S/S collection. Only 500 pcs were made but there is no limitation number.  There was a hoohaa created on the last day of the launch 31st Jan, because a small time local unauthorised dealer wanted to buy up a large quantity of the special but Swatch people there decided to limit to each customer to buy 1 each. The Police was subsequently called in and they sold him the quantity he wanted. Currently it is quite difficult to find as most of the stocks have been sold out. Not to hot with the Singapore collectors but it seems overseas swatch collectors are buying the specials. Hereare pictures of the special. Thanks to Desmond Teo for the story.
• New (old?) refitted swatches.  Two refitted swatches surfaced recently.  One is a refitted Greenset gent swatch from 1993. Here is a picture of the watch and here is a closeup.  Apparently, it was distributed by the US chain Footlocker. Does anyone know when/why this swatch was distributed?  The other refitted swatch is a refitted access Direction from 1996. Here is a picture of the watch and here is a closeup.  It may have been distributed in Austria for an air show in 1998.  Does anyone have more info?  Thanks to Otto Schreiber for the pictures.
• Italian Val Di Sole Boarder X special.  On the weekend of Jan 30/31, one event of the Boardercross world championship 1999 took place in Italy, in Val Di Sole (Trentino).  Because swatch is a sponsor, swatch used this occasion to host a Swatch event. Swatch collectors received a package consisting of a Boarder X hat, a daily pass, some Swatch pens and a copy of "Swatch Watch News".  A swatch special was also released (about 50 pieces, ref.no. SHB103C):  The upcoming access swatch Boarder-X was refitted with a special velcro strap featuring two tags on the band.  One tag has "1st Boarder-X Worlds '99" printed on it, the other one "Access Val di Sole".  The watch comes in a black sleeve with "Val di Sole'99-ISF Snowboard World Championships" - " 24th-31st January 1999" imprint. Here are pictures of the watch with the two special tags.  And here are the pictures of the sleeve.  Part of this story was nicked from the new website of  the "famous" Italian collector Alby Grosso.
• Spanish Agatic Agatac special.  A special packaging of the Agatic Agatac artist swatch has been released in Spain.  It is only available in Spain and it comes with a semi-transparent plastic cover with a circa 50 pages photo book.  The very very nice book features the work of Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, the designer of the swatch. She has worked for swatch in the past for several occasions.  Limitation of the special is unknown, it is not numbered.  Here is a picture of the special.  Yasuhiro Minato also has two good pictures (1 and 2) on his new excellent site "Fun of Swatching".  Thanks to Ricardo from Portugal for the information and picture.
• Variations of Valentines Special 99.  This year, the Valentine's watch is called Time For Love and will have a special "hearty" packaging to communicate love perfectly.   Here is a picture of the normal packaging of the watch.  It seems as if at least two official variations exist:  The first special comes from Taiwan.  The regular special Time For Love is accompanied by a test tube with 12 heart shaped candies, limited to 5920 pieces but not numbered.  In Chinese, the pronuanciation of "5920" is equal to "I do love you".  Here is a picture of the Taiwanese special (candies tube only). The second variation is apparently available in the US.  Heart-shaped candies again. Here is a picture of the US special (the only special thing about this special are the candies, the heart-shaped packaging is available worldwide!). Thanks to Sophia Chang for the information and picture.
• Tampere Access specials.  Tampere is the third biggest town in Finland:  180,000 inhabitants.  The local transporting enterprise celebrates a jubilee: its 50th anniversary.  A special access swatch (in three different versions) has been released by Swatch to celebrate this jubilee.  This access swatch can be used as busticket (you may have guessed this already!).  These swatches are only available in Finland. Update:   The Tampere access swatch seems to be the Menang swatch with three different straps: One black velcro, one blue velcro and one steel.  They may be available from a department store called Stockmanns in Tampere. The fax number is: ++358 32133573 (hopefully correct :-). Price is approx 275 Finnish Mark ($55 US). Here are pictures of SKK108C (black velcro), SKK108D (silver flex), SKK108E (navy blue velcro).  Thanks to Thomas Buerki for the information and to Gunilla Duvner for the update.