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news from 2019 are below:

• Swatch Xmas Market.  The first Swatch Xmas market was held on 14-DEC at the Swatch Drive Thru Store in Biel, Switzerland.  Christine Tanner has sent me a few photos from the Xmas market. Several rare Swatch Season models no longer available in the shops were available, including Hollywood Dream (GZ116, 1990, 10 pcs were available at 105 CHF only!), Jingle Jangle (2003, GZ408), Star Edition (GZ199, 2009), Hocus Pocus (GZ122, 1991), Magic Spell (GZ148, 1995), ...  It was also possible to create a special SwatchXYou Drive Thru Xmas market.  Update:  The number 00,001/10000 of Star Edition was available for sale at the Xmas market.  This is very very unusual, as the number 1 of each special edition is usually reserved for Nick Hayek's personal collection, the Planet Swatch museum etc.  Does anyone else own a #1 of any official Swatch special?  If yes, please send photos.  Update 2: Rainer Haas owns the Mimmo Paladino artist special Oigol Oro #001/100 (GZ113, 1988), presented to the Dalai Lama (together with the original correspondence / envelope).   Update 3: Here is the Xmas special Red Knit 00001/14999 (back of the watch). Update 4:   820. Hafengeburtstag Hamburg Club Event Special 01/100 (from 2009) and FIVB Berlin Skyball 2003 001/111.  Thanks to Rainer Haas for the information and photos and to Alexandre Brunner and Wolfgang Seiler for the photos.
• Bürgenstock Resort Destination special.  A new Destination New Gent special B-Viewtiful (SUOZ320, 90 CHF, Destination Special #66) has been released on 04-DEC at the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland.  The watch is also available at the Zurich airport.  Update:  Here is some more information about the Bürgenstock Resort Destination special and the Bürgenstock Resort.  Thanks to Fabien Perissinotto for the photo.
• SwatchXYou Pop-up store Japan.  The first SwatchXYou pop-up store will open for one week starting 25-DEC at the Isetan Shinjuku Store, Tokyo, Japan.  Six Japanese artists have been invited to create a special SwatchXYou design.  Some of the artists will also sign their watches on 25-DEC.  The designs and the artists are:  1. Chocomoo (canvas);  2. Jun Inoue (canvas);  3. Kosuke Kawamura (canvas);  4. Ouma (canvas);  5. Yoshi47 (canvas);  6. Towmei-Line (canvas).  Here is a "on the spot" paining by Yuka Chocomoo. Update:  The six special SwatchXYou designs are now available in the Japanese Swatch Online Store.  Update 2:  Since 13-JAN, the six special SwatchXYou designs are now available worldwide for a limited time, eg. US Swatch Online Store.
• Zappos special.  For the 20th anniversary of the company, a New Gent special Zappos (SUOW107I) has been issued by Zappos (online shoe and clothing retailer) in MAR-2019.
• Swatch Art Connections.  For the eighth anniversary of the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai, Swatch has now created Swatch Art Connections, a virtual exhibition that presents fun, crazy and interesting projects that Swatch has developed following fruitful encounters with artists-in-residence at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel.
• Fourth Hong Kong Destination special.  Without a big announcement, Swatch has released a fourth Hong Kong Destination Gent special which is only available at Hong Kong Airport:  I Night HK (GB299C, 600 HKD, Destination Special #68).  Here is a photo of the actual watch.  It is a Gent Blackhot (GB299) from 2017 with a special strap.  Previously, this strap was available (at Hong Kong Airport only) with three different other Swatch watches.  The three previous Hong Kong Destination specials are:  1. Flower Bay (SUOZ232, 2016); 2. Greetings From Hong Kong (SUOB702Q, 2016, sold out);  3. Lion Rock (GZ706, 2018).
• Sardine SwatchXYou. A special Sardine SwatchXYou is now available in the Swatch Online store.  This watch is related to the "Sardines" movement in Italy (protest against Matteo Salvini’s populist politics).
• Hawaii Destination special.  A Hawaii Destination Gent special called Pau Hana Time (GZ339, $80 US) has been released on 07-DEC.  The watch is packaged in the usual Destination paper sleeve. Swatch Proteam member Coco Ho was present at the Swatch Ala Moana Store to sign autograph cards.
• Swatch Club UK Xmas party.  The traditional Swatch Club UK Xmas party took place on 07-DEC at the Flight Club Victoria in London.  Pioneer member Bob Gardner reports:  "There were about 30 Swatch collectors present and everyone had a great time playing darts and the usual eating and drinking." During the Darts competition, the first prize received a Maxi Swatch in Graffiti and any Swatch from the current Xmas collection.  The last prize received a Swatch Bum Bag and also any Swatch from the current Xmas collection.  Very nice!  Bob also sent me a few photos from the event.
• Banana SwatchXYou specials.  At Art Basel Miami, a controversial spotty banana duct-taped to a wall artwork Comedian by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan was sold for $150,000 US.  A few days later, the banana was eaten by a hungry performance artist called David Datuna from Georgia.  Swatch has taken the opportunity to release two different SwatchXYou Banana specials "DON'T TOUCH":  1. A truly minimalist banana on an empty canvas;  2. A bananas variation (canvas).  Very funny!  Here is a photo of an actual Banana SwatchXYou.
• Glitter Online Exclusives.  Four Glitter... Swatch watches (Gent and New Gent) are available exclusively in the Online Store.
• Holiday Event 2019.  The traditional Swatch The Club Holiday Event 2019 took place in Budapest, Hungary from 28-NOV to 01-DEC.  108 Swatch Club members from 14 different countries participated at the event, including 12 (out of 15) new Gold members who were invited to the event.  Each event participant received a special limited Big Bold Light Up Your Night (SO27Z104S).  The watch is limited to 200 pcs and numbered xxx/200 on the back of the watch, on the packaging, on the outer white box and on the sticker.  Here is a photo of the watch in the opened packaging.  The best feature about the watch is the "glow in the dark" dial, packaging, and some parts of the strap (inscription).  Great watch!   Here is a detailed report with many photos from the event.
• Geneva Swatch store reopening.  Christine Tanner has sent me a report with some photos from the recent Geneva Swatch store reopening and the launch of the Swatch Sparklebold in Switzerland.
• Bari Swatch auction.  A very nice Swatch collection consisting of circa 450 lots (and approx. 600 watches) has been auctioned on 07-DEC in Bari, Italy at the Federico II auction house.  As the minimum bids were often above market value, many lots went unsold.
• SwatchXYou Xmas design.  A new SwatchXYou Xmas design is now available in the Swatch Online Store.  Update:  A second SwatchXYou Xmas design (Penguin canvas) is now available in the Swatch Online store.
• Swatch and Herofest.  Swatch has announced a new partnership with the Herofest, Switzerland's biggest gaming convention (22-24-NOV).  The BIG BOLD Swatch watches will be promoted.  You can win a Swatch BIG BOLD during the Cosplay contest.  This watch has a special Herofest loop.  I am not sure if this loop was available to the general public (my guess is "yes).  A special Swatch Bold Move Award trophy was also handed out.  Update:  The official Swatch website has a nice report about Herofest.
• PyeongChang 2018 Olympics NOC specials.  For the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games in February, NOC (National Olympic Committee) specials have been issued as usual:  A Gent Never Out of Color Germany (GZ316?) is available in a special paper sleeve.  Similar watches for many other countries exist, eg. Never Out of Color Liechtenstein (GZ316C, loop and sleeve) and Never Out of Color Romania (GZ316F, loop), Never Out Of Color Kazakhstan.  Thanks to Fabien Perissinotto for the information and to Daniel Licata for the photos.
  
• SwatchPAY! in Germany and Austria.  SwatchPAY! is now available in Germany.  Six different SwatchPAY! watches are available in the German Online Store. This report has more details about the new payment system.  According to this report, SwatchPAY! is also available in Austria.
• Porto Destination specials.  A new Destination New Gent special Swatch Porto (SUOZ315, 80 EURO, Destination Special #64) has been released on 27-NOV in Porto (Portugal).  This time, the watch is packaged in an unsual paper sleeve, with the Destination theme on the back of the sleeve.   However, it has the special Greetings From loop.  Additionally, a special packaging Porto Reserva (SUOZ315SC, 145 EURO) is available in a limited and numbered edition of 185 pcs.  The watch is numbered on the back of the watch. and it is packaged in a little wine barrel with an embossed number xxx/185.  The outer paper box is also very nice.  The Porto Reserva watch has a different strap compared to Swatch Porto (white background vs. blue background, also white on the back vs. blue on the back).  Update: A special Porto Limited SwatchXYou canvas is now available in the Portuguese Swatch Online Store.  Thanks to Pedro Mota for the information and photos.
• Art Week Sigrid Calon SwatchXYou.  During the first week of each month, Swatch will collaborate with different artists and present unique SwatchXYou canvases which will be available for one week only.  For December, Swatch presents two different canvases (Fungrid / GridFun) by dutch artist Sigrid Calon.  You can order the special SwatchXYou here.  Previously, Sigrid Calon has designed two Swatch watches:  1. New Gent Duet In Green & Pink (SUOZ208);  2.Gent special Duet In Blue & Red (GZ298S).
• Osaka Destination special.  It seems that a second Osaka Destination special (SUOB134E, 12100 JPY, Destination Special #65) is available in Osaka (Japan) since 28-NOV.  It is a New Gent Skeletor (SUOB134) from 2016 with a special strap.  The first Osaka special was the Gent Nandeyanen (GB247V), released in SEP-2017.
• Big Bold special.  A Big Bold special Sparklebold (SO27Z102, 310 EURO) is now available for sale.  The watch is limited to 525 pcs (not numbered) and it is packaged in a black box (similar to the BAPE boxes) in a paper box with golden letters BIG SPARKLE BOLD.
• Swatch Black Friday.  Swatch is hinting at some nice surprises for Black Friday.
• SwatchPAY! in the Netherlands.  SwatchPAY! is now available in the Netherlands.  Six different SwatchPAY! watches are available in the Dutch Online Store.  Swatch Creative Director Carlo Giordanetti was present at the launch event in Amsterdam.   More countries (incl. Germany) will follow very soon.  Stawi has a nice report about the event on his webpage.
• Hong Kong Swatch auction.  A Remarkable and Extremely Rare Collection of 2,974 Swatch Watches will be auctioned on 26-NOV in Hong Kong at Bonhams as lot 941 of the Hong Kong Watches 3.0 auction.  The collection contains many Swatch watches from 1983 to 2003, including rare watches such as Kiki Picasso, Mimmo Paladino, Keith Haring, Velvet Underground, Davos Symposium, ...  Update:  The collection was sold for HK$ 500,625 (€ 58,101) incl. fees, so only the minimum bid was offered (or not much more).  This is a bit disappointing considering that the collection comprised (besides the superrare watches listed above) a complete 1983 collection (incl. Fachhandellogo), 2 sets of Keith Haring, 2 Fond. Maeght sets and much much more.
• Edinburgh Destination special.  A new Destination New Gent special Auld Reekie (SUON130C, 66 GBP, Destination Special #60) is now available exclusively at the Princess street store in Edinburgh, Scotland.  It is a New Gent Striure (SUON130) with a special strap.  Update:  It celebration of St. Andrews Day, Auld Reekie is now available in the Swatch UK Online shop until 30-NOV.
• SwatchXYou Italy Thanksgiving special.  A new SwatchXYou artist special celebrating Thanksgiving, designed by Italian Fashion Designer Alessandro Enriquez is now available in the Swatch Italy Online store (canvas).  The special is available until 08-DEC according to this Instagram posting.  Two special Maxis have also been created.
• Xmas special 2019.  As announced on some south korean blogs some time ago and now on the chinese swatch.tmall.com, the Xmas special 2019 is a Gent Scintillante (GZ335S), limited and numbered to 5005 pcs, packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  Price in China is 760 CNY (~97 EURO), or 90 CHF, 80 EURO, $90US in the respective countries.  It is an (almost) reedition of the famous first Xmas special Sir Limelight (GB106) from 1985 but this time without real diamonds, only "silver-colored glitters and multi-colored swatch sparkles".  The watch will be sold starting 28-NOV.  Here is a photo of the actual watch in the packaging.
• Chinese New Year 2020 special.  2020 is the Year of the Rat in China.  A Gent special Cheese! Squeak Squeak! (GZ327) will be sold for 760 CNY (~97 EURO) in China, or 100 CHF, 90 EURO, $100US in the respective countries.  The watch is packaged in a cute special packaging. The watch will be sold starting 28-NOV.  The info about the watch can be found on the chinese swatch.tmall.com
• Third Hodinkee Swatch special.  On 21-NOV, the third Hodinkee Swatch special SISTEM51 HODINKEE Generation 1986 (SUTZ406) has been released, retail price is $170 US ($165 US for a short period of time).  The watch has the new balance spring Nivachron made out of a new non-magnetic compensating alloy, used first in the Flymagic Swatch.  You can find all the technical details at Hodinkee., including a description why this Swatch is deeply inspired by Emerald Diver (GG703) from 1986.  The Instagram teaser video shows a black Swatch with red markers on the dial :-)  The watch is not a numbered edition, but quantities are limited.  The watch is packaged in a nice paper sleeve and it features the sleeve design on the back of the watch.  It will probably be sold out quickly as the last two watches.  It is available at the NYC Times Square store (great advertisement at Times Square) but also online at the US Swatch Online Store and Hodinkee (free worldwide shipping!).  Update:  After less than 18 hours, the special is sold out on the Hodinkee website.  And after less than 3 days:  Also sold out at the US Swatch Online store.  Thanks to instagram.com/thepaulrossi
• SwatchXYou Courtney Conlogue Proteam special.  On 21-NOV, the third SwatchXYou Proteam special Balibu has been released.  Again, the canvas has been designed by Gabriel Ebensperger, this time together with Swatch Proteam member Courtney Conlogue (US Surf).  Here is a very nice information page about the special.  A very limited special packaging is also available.  Here are photos of the actual packaging, it is very nice!
• Oxford Street Store reopening.  On 13-NOV, the London Oxford Street Store was reopened after being closed for renovation.  A limited edition 313 watch is available for 70 GBP to celebrate the reopening.  This special 313 watch (SUOB719C) is a limited edition (313 pcs), a New Gent The Indexter (SUOB719) from 2016 with a special "Oxford Street" strap and a nice paper sleeve with imprint #SWATCHOXST.  Here and here are some photos from the opening celebration (including party!).  Update:  The watch is still available as of MAR-2020.  Thanks to Steven Crouch for the photos.
  
• HR Giger Maxi auctioned.  On 10-MAY, a unique Maxiwatch by Swiss artist HR Giger has been auctioned for 32,000 CHF.   The Maxiwatch is one of six unique pieces made in 1991, based on a Swatch Maxi watch.  The Maxi watch was painted using airbrush technique, additionally, a new holograph dial was inserted.  This Maxiwatch was displayed in 1991 at Art Basel.  Update:  On 08-NOV, a different HR Giger Maxiwatch was auctioned at Dobiaschofsky in Berne, Switzerland.  Again, the estimate was quite high:  $25,000 US.  The second Maxi watch was sold for 40,000 CHF.  Thanks to Christine Tanner for the hint.
• Our Swatch Quattro @ Planet Swatch Museum.  Our Swatch Quattro (SUOZ194S, #019/100) is now on (hopefully :-) permanent display at the Planet Swatch museum in Biel, Switzerland.  The museum is always worth a visit as there are constant major and minor improvements all the time.
• Sankt Martin SwatchXYou.  A special Sankt Martin SwatchXYou is now available in the German Swatch Online Store.  Here is some information about the traditional St. Martin's Day celebrations in Germany, explaining the canvas of the SwatchXYou.  I haven't found any other Swatch Online Store where this is available.
• Berlin Wall SwatchXYou.  On 09-NOV, Germany celebrates 30 years since fall of Berlin Wall.  A special SwatchXYou Berlin Wall is now available for a limited time in the Swatch Online store.
• Jared K. Nickerson SwatchXYou.  On 06-NOV, two SwatchXYou artist specials by US artist Jared K. Nickerson were launched in Seattle  during a nice party with the artist.  Two watches are now available for a limited time:  1. The Hive - Casual Fridays (canvas);  2. TV Kills Everything (canvas).
• Art Week SwatchXYou.  During the first week of each month, Swatch will collaborate with different artists and present unique SwatchXYou canvases which will be available for one week only.  For November, Swatch presents two different canvases (Together Forever / Move On Up) by Nicole and Petra Kapitza who work together in East London, combining colour, mathematics and patterns.  You can order the special SwatchXYou here.  Previously, Nicole and Petra Kapitza have designed two Swatch watches:  1. New Gent Psycadelic (SUOW155);  2.Gent Sixtease (GW197).
• 30 years Swatch Club.  In 2020, Swatch Club will celebrate its 30th anniversary.  The Club was launched in 1990, with the first club watch being Golden Jelly (GZ115).  As a teaser for the 30th anniversary celebrations, a huge Time To Celebrate artwork is now being shown at the Planet Swatch museum in Biel.  Looking forward to visit many club anniversary parties next year!
• Street Superior Big Bold special.  For Singapore's premier sneaker & streetwear convention Street Superior (02 and 03-NOV), the Swatch Big Bold collection will be available with a special Street Superior X Swatch loop.
• Taipei Destination special.  A new Destination New Gent special Taiwan Dering (SUOZ319, 2850 TWD ~84 EURO), Destination Special #63) is now available in Taipei (Taiwan).  The watch is packaged in the usual Destination paper sleeve.
• Texas First Bank special.  Many years ago (when?), a company special Texas First Bank was issued.  It is a Scuba Sailor (SDW100) from 1999 with a special imprint on the strap.
• Mount Titlis specials.  A Gent special Mount Titlis (GK733F) is available in the Swiss Lion shop (the world's highest watch shop) on the top of Mount Titlis in Engelberg, Switzerland.  It is a Gent Snowcovered (GK733) from 2000 with a special strap, packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  Previously (since 2003), an Access special Mount Titlis Access (SKK103HA) was available in a paper sleeve.  And a blog from 2007 shows a third Mount Titlis special, again in a paper sleeve.
• Three Swatch Revival watches.  It already had been hinted at when the new Fall / Winter 2019/20 collection was presented to the press:  Swatch is now starting to reissue original Gent designs from the 80s as New Gent watches (totally unchanged) as "Revival" watches:  1. Sir Swatch19 (SUOB169);  2. Revival (SUOB171).  I assume that "Nine To Six19" was considered as an awkward name, so Revival was chosen instead.   As a surprise, a third watch (a former Xmas special) will also be available:  3. Bergstrussli19 (SUOK142).  I like the fact that those popular designs are available again to the general public in a contemporary, unlimited version but reissuing limited specials ....  Not sure if I like this... Will the art specials (Fondation Maeght / Folon / Keith Haring ...) be available at some point in time again as well?  The three watches are issued in a special paper sleeve as you can see here on the photos of the actual watches:  Bergstrussli19 / Revival.  Here is some more information on a website from South Korea and the three watches are now available in the Online Store as "Vintage Collection" (the name suggests that there might be more watches like these in the future).  Update:  Comparison photo of the actual watches:  Overview / Sir Swatch / Bergstrussli.   Thanks to David Rippmann for the photos.
  
• Halloween SwatchXYou.  A Halloween SwatchXYou is now available in the Swatch Online Store, featuring a very spooky canvas.  It is available until 04-NOV.
• Siam Discovery Swatch Popup store.  Bernardo Tribolet ("Environment Design Conductor Swatch") has posted a few photos of a nice Big Bold Swatch Popup Store at Siam Discovery Bangkok, Thailand.  A different shopping experience!
  
• 200 Swatch watches in London.  An 'Extraordinary' collection of 200 unworn Swatches (“Swatch, the All It Takes Is the Will to Do It Exhibition”) will be shown from 25 to 28-OCT in London, at Perpetual, Phillips’ new private sales boutique at its Berkeley Square HQ.  This 'exciting' Swatch collection features 'rare' and significant pieces from the 1980s and ’90s including a Tresor Magique Platinum Automatic, a C-Monsta on the Beach and a number of editions by the fashion icon Vivienne Westwood. It is great that Swatch watches are now getting a broader interest again...  If you are in London at the exhibition, it would be great if you can send me some photos...  Update:  Prices range from about $90 to $2,180.  More photos here (yes, a recently sought after Grand Prix Chrono (SCJ101) from 1992 is also available!).  Even Hodinkee has a nice report with many photos about the exhibition!  Update 2: Here and here are some photos from the actual sale.  Hopefully, it was a great success!
• ECAL Lausanne SwatchXYou.  Swatch is collaborating with ECAL (Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne) in Switzerland.  Swatch Club Switzerland has sent out an invitation (17-OCT) to discover the students artworks.  On this evening, you can also create a SwatchXYou "directly while you wait" and you will get a special loop only available on this day. Update:  Five unique SwatchXYou designs were presented at ECAL and these are now available in the Swatch Online Store, packaged in a special paper sleeve:  1. 68Lines by Jorge Reis (canvas);  2. Fête Du Slip by Laetitia Khiara (canvas);  3. Strands by Sébastien Galera Larios (canvas); 4. Horae by Caroline Perrenoud and Sofia Papaefthymiou (canvas);  5. Topographic by Antony Demierre (canvas).  Some photos from the launch by Jean-Bernard Mani and @dg_tal_finger. #swatchXECAL   Update:  The Fête Du Slip design has now triggered a report "Mum spots VERY RUDE pattern on watch but others say they can only see ‘swirls and lines’" in UK tabloid press The Sun. :-)  And a Swiss Online magazine now reports about the Sun report...   Thanks to Fabien Perissinotto for the information.
• Marand XV Years special.  In 2004, an Access Special Marand XV Years (SKK102D) was released for the 15th anniversary of the IT company Marand, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
• Guillaume Pilet SwatchXYou.  A very nice SwatchXYou EXTRACURRICULAR designed by Swiss artist Guillaume Pilet is now available in the Swatch Online Store, featuring a very colourful canvas.
• Two new Swatch PAY! watches.  Two new Swatch PAY! watches are now available in the Swiss Online Store:  1. Graphite PAY! (SVIM100-5300);  2. Ocean PAY! (SVIN103-5300).  As usual, the watches are packaged in a nice paper sleeve.
• Blick SwatchXYou.  A special SwatchXYou Blick is now available in the Swiss Swatch Online Store for one week only, featuring a newspaper like canvas.  It celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Blick newspaper.  Here is a very special sample design...  Update: blick.ch has a nice online report about the production details of the SwatchXYou Blick.    Thanks to Stefan Kluge for the hint.
• Swatch Headquarters & Museum Tour for shareholders.  On 12-OCT, a guided tour at the new Swatch Headquarters followed by a visit of Planet Swatch & the Omega Museum will be held for Swatch Group shareholders.  You will have to wear the 2019 shareholders watch Bi-Üs to participate.  Update:  Here are a few photos from the shareholders visit to Swatch HQ.  It was much less crowded (maybe 100-200 shareholders in the first hour) compared to the week before when 3000-5000 visitors came when Swatch HQ was opened to the general public.  So we a lot of time to talk to the Swatch employees who guided us through the building...
• Swatch Employee special.  A special New Gent Access(?) Swatch Only Green has been handed out to Swatch Employees in Biel, Switzerland.  Due to the silver ring inside, I assume that the case also contains the "Access" technology.  The watch is used as entrance card, time recording identification etc. at the new Swatch Headquarters in Biel.  This watch also exists with a "keychain" strap and it also exists in different colours (eg. Swatch Only Blue, Swatch Only Yellow (with wooden loop! another photo) or Swatch Only Pink).  It will be very very hard to find this watch (for a Swatch collection :-)
• Interlaken Store Opening SwatchXYou.  On 10-OCT, the renovated Swatch Store Interlaken ("Top of Europe Flagship Store") has opened its doors again to the public.  The Interlaken Flagship Store is the first Swatch store worldwide with a permanantly installed SwatchXYou printing machine ("get a SwatchXYou while you wait").   To celebrate the reopenening of the store, a special Interlaken Store Opening SwatchXYou design was available but for one day only (10-OCT).   Here is a nice report by Christine Tanner (with a few photos) and here is a newspaper report.  Thanks to Christine Tanner, Alexandre Brunner and Fabien Perissinotto for the information and photos.
  
• SwatchXLouvre collection.  A new SwatchXLouvre collection has been launched on 09-OCT at the Swatch Store in the Carrousel Du Louvre:  After the first release of L.E.P. (SUOZ316) in JUL-2019, four new watches have now been unveiled:  1. New Gent Lisa Masquée (SUOZ318);  2. New Gent Henrytheforce (SUOZ317);  3. Gent Hairyblue Mary (GZ337);  4. Gent Flèche D'Amour (GZ414).  The watches are not limited and they are packaged in a nice paper sleeve (with detailed explanations on the inside of the sleeve).  Addtionally, a SwatchXLouvre Special Set (SZS30) containing Henrytheforce (SUOZ317) and Hairyblue Mary (GZ337) will be available, it is limited and numbered to 553 pcs (opened box / closed box).  The watches in the special set are not numbered.  During the launch, several nicely dressed actors were present:  Mona Lisa / Henri IV / Maria de' Medici.  Update:  You can now buy the watches in the French Online Store, the collection will be available worldwide starting 24-OCT.  120 of the 553 special sets SwatchXLouvre Special Set will be sold in China.  Update 2: The license for this SwatchXLouvre collection ended on 31-MAR-2021, all remaining watches and straps have been withdrawn from sale on 01-APR-2021.  Thanks to Christine Servian and to Ida Lutolf for the photos.
  
• New Fall / Winter 2019/20 Collection online.  The new Swatch Fall / Winter 2019/20 collection can now be found online.  It has the following themes:  1. Bau Swatch (already available online);  2. I Love Your Folk;  3. Knightliness.  Especially interesting for Swatch collectors:  Two old favourites will be rereleased as New Gent:  1. Sir Swatch19 (SUOB169);  2. Nine To Six (SUOB171).  Update:  Here is a picture of the actual watches (shown during the Swatch HQ Inauguration on 05-OCT).  Update 2:  The next part of the new Swatch Fall / Winter 2019/20 collection is now available online:  Knighliness ("Fit for kings and queens of style").  The most interesting watch is surely a very nice variation of the old Gent Swatch Sir Swatch:  New Gent Super Sir (SUOB170).  This one will make a nice pair with the yet-to-be-released New Gent Sir Swatch 19 (SUOB169).  Additionally, two corresponding SwatchXYou designs are now available in the Swatch Online Store:  Knightliness Silver / Knightliness Gold.
  
• Time to Art Maxis in Jordan.  According to this Instagram post, a Time To Art Maxi artist exhibition is currently on display in Jordan(!).  16 Jordanian artists are telling their stories on Swatch Maxi.  Some Maxis are truly fantastic!?You can vote for your favourite Maxi until 21-OCT!  Here is some more information about this project.
  
• Swatch Inauguration SwatchXYou.  On 05-OCT (2pm to 6pm), the new Swatch HQ in Biel has been officially opened.  Everyone could visit the building during that time.  An exclusive Swatch Inauguration SwatchXYou design with a special two-sided loop ("Biel 05.10.19 / I Was There") were available during this day only.  Here is an example design.  More than 3000 people visited the new Swatch HQ during the day.  Here are some impressions from the new Swatch HQ.  Swatch has invested more than 220 Mio. CHF in the new buildings in Biel, including 125 Mio CHF for the spectacular new Swatch HQ designed by Shigeru Ban (interview with S.Ban).   The two-sided loop was also available for all other Swatch watch sizes (from Gent to Big Bold).  Update:  Here is a nice report by Christine Tanner (with a few photos).  And here is a photo of the special  Swatch Inauguration SwatchXYou.  Thanks to Christine Tanner for the information and to Fabien Perissinotto and Alain Choisy for the photos.
• Watchmen Swatch special.  A special New Gent Swatch Watchmen (SUOB702CT) was given to attendees of the RSVP only HBO Watchmen Party on 04-OCT at the New York Comic Con 2019.  It is a New Gent Black Rebel (SUOB702) with a special strap, packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  The watch is limited to 400 pcs.
• DowPAC specials.  A special New Gent DowPAC (SUOK105OKWW) has recently surfaced.  Update:  It is a New Gent (SUOK105) with a special strap and a nice paper sleeve, designed by Kristen Patuto.  I assume that DowPAC is the Dow Inc. Political Action Committee, a voluntary group of concerned employees and retirees, who through personal contributions to DowPAC, support state and federal candidates in the U.S.  Update:  A similar Gent special DowPAC Gent (GB290C) also exists, packaged in a paper sleeve as well.  Thanks to Nicolò Codato for the photos.
• SwatchXBape specials.  Swatch has posted some teaser pictures about a SwatchXBape special which will be released in the next days.  A Bathing Ape (ア・ベイジング・エイプ A Beijingu Eipu) (or BAPE) is a popular Japanese clothing and lifestyle brand.  The Swiss Building Designer and basketball player André Paca from Biel has published a photo of the SwatchXBape special (a Big Bold Swatch, closeup) on Instagram.  Looks nice and it will probably be very much sought after.  Update:  The watch comes in a nice packaging as you can see in this unboxing video.  The pre-release takes place on 01-JUN in Japan (already shown under a cloth in Tokyo), with a global release following on 15-JUN.  In fact, a whole SwatchXBape collection will be released:  Six different watches, not only one watch.  The collection has a "city" theme with watches for Paris, Tokyo, London, New York, World and Swiss.  Update 2:  The complete BAPE collection consisting of six watches has been unveiled in Japan:  1. BAPE The World (SO27Z700, 19993 pcs, not numbered);  2. BAPE London (SO27Z701S, 1993 pcs, numbered);  3. BAPE New York (SO27Z702S, 1993 pcs, numbered);  4. BAPE Paris (SO27Z703S, 1993 pcs, numbered);  5. BAPE Bern (SO27Z704S, 983 pcs, numbered);  6. BAPE Tokyo (SO27Z705S, 1993 pcs, numbered).  Price for each watch is ￥18,360 (~151 EURO) in Japan.  All BAPE watches are contained in a nice special box (closed box) with a number plaque for the five city watches.  For the hardcore collectors, a super limited BAPE x Swatch Complete Set (SO27ZS01, closed box) will be issued in a numbered and limited edition of only 83 pcs.  Price for the Complete Set is ￥124,200 (~1026 EURO) in Japan or TWD 31500 (~910 EURO) in Taiwan.  Good luck in locating one...  Update 3:  Several bloggers / influencers were invited for a fantastic launch event on 01-JUN, here is a great video report.  Update 4: Swatch held many small launch sales events in Swatch stores all around the world on 15-JUN.  It seems that the five limited city specials were only available in a few countries (Switzerland, UK [London], France [Paris], USA, ...).  Here are a few photos from the launch in Frankfurt, Germany.  Update 5: All five city editions are now sold out in Tokyo.  Update 6: Some photos of the very rare BAPE special box (#51/83):  protection packaging / outer packaging / closed box / opened box / close up / number S51/83 on the back of the watch.  Thanks to Hans van Buuren for the photos.
• Second Big Bold collection.  The second Big Bold collection is now available in the Swatch Online Store.  The Swatch logo on the dial is now bigger compared to the Big Bold watches in the first collection.  Previously, the BAPE watches also had the bigger Swatch logo.
• Swatch Taiwan SwatchXYou.  A special SwatchXYou booth (back) has been set up at the Taipei 101 Mall until early November.  You can print your special SwatchXYou "on the spot" (while you wait).  A special SwatchXYou Taiwan design (canvas) is also available (unavailable elsewhere I guess) and you can order it directly at the booth.  Here are some final results (printed watches).  You can also order online at Swatch Online Store Taiwan and pick up the watch at the Taipei 101 Mall (no delivery via postal service).   Thanks to Sophia Chang for the photos.
• Florence Destination special.  A new Destination New Gent special Selflorence (SUOZ311, 80 EURO, Destination Special #62) is now available in Florence, Italy since 24-SEP.  The watch had already been shown too early in an Instagram posting (for a short period) in mid July.
• World Tourism Day Destination specials.  Swatch celebrates the World Tourism Day (27-SEP) with special access to exclusive Destination watches. Until 29-SEP, many (so far only locally available) Destination specials are available in the Swatch Online Store.  In most markets, 16 different Destination specials are available (sometimes less or already sold out):  1. Miami Vibes;  2. K'iin Playa (Playa del Carmen, Mexico);  3. Desert Beauty (Dubai);  4. Sea My Colors (Carribean);  5. Bisous De Paris;  6. She Rocks (New York);  7. Colosseo (Rome);  8. Acquagranda (Venice);  9. 11H30AM (London);  10. Peter 1st (St. Petersburg);  11. Munch Me (Munich);  12. A Night In Shanghai; 13. What happens in Vegas...;  14. Edo Night (Tokyo);  15. Sam-Lor (Bangkok);  16. Ick Bin Ein Berlina (Berlin).
• Personalized dogs loops / SwatchXYou dogs special.  In the German Swatch Online store, you can buy the new Swatch watches from the Dog Collection with an extra personalized loop (+4,50 EURO).  Great idea!  Update: ...and a Dogs SwatchXYou special is now also available.  Nice dogs canvas!
• Swatch Vegetable Market.  The first Swatch fruit and vegetable market will be held on 21-SEP at the Swatch Drive Thru Store in Biel, Switzerland.  Several rare Swatch models no longer available in the shops will be available.  Update:  Here is a nice report by Christine Tanner (with a few photos).
• Swatch old Chrono craze.  Recently, the prices for older Swatch chronos went up a little bit, especially the colourful ones from the early to mid 90.  But in the last two weeks, the price for the Grand Prix Chrono (SCJ101) from 1992 has reached a totally crazy all time high, up to 710 EURO have been paid!  If you look a bit more closely, it seems that this watch is sought after especially in Italy.  The root cause can be found on this Instagram photo:  The Sports Manager for Italian Soccer Club AC Fiorentina (Daniele Pradè) is wearing a Swatch Grand Prix Chrono recently.  More details in this report by Italian Watch Spotter.
• Alessandro Enriquez SwatchXYou.  For the Milano Fashion week, a special Alessandro Enriquez SwatchXYou is now available exclusively in the Swatch Italy online store.  The special by Italian Fashion Designer Alessandro Enriquez has been announced on Instagram and it features a very nice background design with lots of 'baci' (kisses).  Update:  A nice Alessandro Enriquez Maxi Swatch also exists, also shown in this nice video.
• The very early days of Swatch.  A fantastic documentation (in [Swiss]German) about the formation of SMH (later Swatch Group) and the crisis of the Swiss watch industry in the late 70s / early 80s can now be watched here (scroll down for the whole 50 minutes).  Highly recommended with eg. a lot of takes from Hayek's office in the 80s / 90s.  I can watch it in Germany so I assume that it is not region restricted...  And here is a very controversial scientific report (in English) by Isabelle Schluep Campo and Philipp Aerni ("When corporatism leads to corporate governance failure - The case of the Swiss watch industry").  Update:  The documentation is now available again at the TV channel 3sat (some Swiss German is now overdubbed :-)
• Selfridges SwatchXYou. A unique Selfridges SwatchXYou design is now available exclusively at the Selfridges Swatch Popup store in London, UK.
• Different packaging for Sistem Helmsman.  It seems that SISTEM51 Sistem Helmsman (YIZ400SPZ, $295 US) is now available in a different packaging:  A standard plastic box with a special paper sleeve (with a number xxx/510).  Previously, I have only seen the watch in the special GLAM packaging.
• Gold Member Contest 2019.  The Swatch Club Gold Member Contest 2019 is now open until 18-AUG.  This year, the theme is "Irony", so you have to take one to three photos with your favorite Swatch Irony watches (SKIN Irony is also fine).  Good luck and I hope that a gallery of all the entries will be online soon.  The winner(s) will be invited to the Holiday Club Event 2019.  Update:  You can check out the Contributors Galleries, some entries are really superb.   Update 2: On 06-SEP, 15 new Gold Members were notified via email (out of 127 submissions).  See you at the Xmas event! 
• L.E.P. special.  For the Fête nationale (Bastille Day, national day of France), Swatch has released a special New Gent Swatch called L.E.P. (Liberté, Égalité, Ponctualité; Freedom, Equality, Punctuality; SUOZ316, 80 EURO).  The watch is issued in a collaboration with the Louvre museum in Paris and it is packaged in a nice paper sleeve.   The design of the watch and the paper sleeve is taken from the famous painting Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix.  The watch is not limited and not numbered.  The watch was launched during an event on 08-JUL in Paris at the Swatch Carrousel du Louvre.  You can buy the watch in the French Swatch Online store (and probably worldwide soon).  Update:  On Bastille Day (14-JUL), Swatch has placed a one page ad in the newspaper Le Parisien.  Update 2:  It is rumoured that several other Louvre special watches will be launched in the next months.
• SwatchXDRL special.  A special Swatch X DRL 2019 (SUOB146C, 75 EURO) has been issued as event special for the Drone Racing League (DRL) 2019.  It is a New Gent Around The Strap (SUOB146) from 2018 with a special strap, packaged in a nice paper sleeve.
  
• Swatch Balloon(s) still alive!  The famous Swatch Balloon (featuring the 80s Gent watches Needles and Dotted Swiss)  is still alive, with the code G-BMJJ!  The balloon was seen last week at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.  My guess is that Damian Busby has bought and refurbished the balloon.  You even can buy pins related to the balloon, including a Swatch & Joure 30 Years G-BMJJ 1985 - 2015 Gold pin!  Update:  In SEP-2016, the balloon was present at the Warsteiner Internationale Montgolfiade, the largest balloon festival in Europe (200.000 visitors).  Update 2: Here is a postcard (Château-d’Œx (VD), Switzerland) from the mid 80s which shows a different Swatch balloon. Update 2: Here is a nice Swatch balloon poster from the mid 80s ("SWATCH happily continues his ascent to the ZÉNITH", a nice joke against the Zénith watch brand).  Update 3:  Another Swatch Balloon (code HB-BHC, featuring the 80s Gent Nine To Six and the Lady watch Neo Quad) was seen at the Ballonfiësta Barneveld in the Netherlands in AUG-2019.  This balloon was retired in DEC-1999 and it was recently reactivated by Roman Müller.   Complete your Swatch Balloon collection now!  Thanks to Marianne for the photo.
• Skin Irony 42mm.  The new Swatch Fall / Winter collection also contains four new Skin Irony models with a slightly larger diameter:  42mm instead of 38mm.  The watches are also slightly thicker:  6.7mm instead of 5.8mm.  Skins are now available with five different diameters:  Classic (plastic): 34mm;  Regular (plastic): 36.8mm;  Big (plastic): 40mm;  Irony:  38mm;  Irony 42:  42mm.
• Harajuku Pop-up store.  From 23-AUG to 15-SEP, Swatch will open a special BIG BOLD Pop-up store in Tokyo (Shibuya-ku).  50 limited BAPE Tokyo (SO27Z705S) will be sold.  Special notebooks and pens will also be distributed to guests of the store.  Update: Some photos from the actual store:  outside / inside / notebook gift.  Thanks to Wildon Aguila for the photos.
• New London Destination special.  A new Destination New Gent special Tea O’clock (SUOZ313, 66 GBP, Destination Special #61) is now available in London.  The watch is packaged in the usual Destination paper sleeve.  The design of the watch looks like a dark version of 11H30AM (SUOZ231) from 2016.
• Swatch at La Biennale / artist special.  Swatch is (still) a main partner of the 58th International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia which will open its doors on 11-MAY.  It is the 5th anniversary of the collaboration.  Some new artist collaborations with Swatch will be revealed on 09-MAY.  One new artist special is designed by the 90 year old UK artist Joe Tilson:  The New Gent The Joe Tilson Venetian Watch (SUOZ312S, 135 EURO), limited to 2019 pcs, with a special imprint on the back of the strap. The watch is packaged in a nice special packaging (closed box).  The Swatch website has more information.  Also available is a new La Biennale special:  A Gent Interesting Times (GS147C).  The watch is packaged in a nice paper sleeve and also has the words "May You Live In Interesting Times..." on the back of the strap (and on the front of the paper sleeve).  This exclusive Biennale Watch can only be found at the Biennale Bookshops, the Venice Swatch Stores and at other selected stores in Italy.  Update:  It seems that invited bloggers received another special Swatch (SUOS106C):  A New Gent Colorbrush (SUOS106) from 2017 with a special colorful Biennale strap, similar to the generally available Gent Interesting Times (GS147C).  Maybe This is the Biennale volunteers special.  Update 2:  The original artwork for The Joe Tilson Venetian Watch is now on display at the new official Swatch museum Planet Swatch in Biel, Switzerland.  One of the many reasons to visit the museum!   Thanks to Sascha for the hint.
• Ahol Sniffs Glue SwatchXYou artist special.  According to this instagram story photo (unique artist maxi!), a new SwatchXYou artist special by US artist Ahol Sniffs Glue will be released on 15-AUG.  Here is a sneak peek of the artwork entitled Miamisnake ("Miami Limited Edition").  Ahol Sniffs Glue X Swatch   Here is a short video showing the actual watch.  Update:  It seems that two Ahol Sniffs Glue designs will be available.  One of these two will be available for a very limited time only (until 16-AUG).  Here is a behind the scenes video. Update 2: Miami Limited Edition (canvas) is now available at the US Online Store.  In my opinion, the best SwatchXYou so far.  I cannot see the second design (Reptilian Relapse) in the store.  "Sold out" already?  Update 3:  Reptilian Relapse is not yet sold out, try this (hidden?) link.  But you have to be quick, it will be gone soon.
• SwatchXYou Festival Edition.  Two SwatchXYou specials related to music festivals are now available in the German Swatch Online Store:  1. Hamburg (MS Dockville, 16 to 18-AUG; canvas of Hamburg Festival SwatchXYou) and 2. Berlin (probably Lollapalooza, 07 to 08-SEP; canvas of Berlin Festival SwatchXYou).
• Swatch in Red Bulletin.  The Red Bulletin is an international magazine that features breathtaking stories from the world of Red Bull and its playgrounds.  One of these breathtaking stories in the current magazine is a whole page dedicated to Swatch collecting (facts and numbers about Swatch)!  Thanks to Christine Tanner for the information.
  
• Gold & Pioneer Event 2019 / Special.  The traditional Gold & Pioneer Event took place in Berne, Switzerland in the  ***** Schweizerhof hotel from 31-MAY to 02-JUN.  104 Club members from 16 different countries participated at the event.  Among many other activities, we visited the new Swatch HQ in Biel, designed by Shigaru Ban from Japan.  To commemorate the event and the visit to the Swatch HQ, a New Gent special Happy Nessie (SUOZ310S) was released in a limited and numbered edition of 200 pcs.  The packaging of the special (opened box) and the details on the watch face are inspired by the wooden design of the building.  Some real wood used for the construction of the Swatch HQ is contained in the loop of the watch!  The number of the special can be found on the packaging, on the back of the watch and on the sticker.  The packaging and the second loop also has the inscription "G&P 2019".  A fantastic idea overall with a lots of thoughts that went into the design of this years G&P special (it shares some ideas with the new Shareholder special 2019 Bi-Üs).  Update:  Better late than never:  Here is a detailed report with many photos from the event.
• Singapore Destination Special. A new Destination Special (#53) has been launched in Singapore on 01-MAR:  A New Gent Singapore Tale (SUOZ296, S$125 (~82 EURO)).  The watch is limited to 2500 pcs and it has been designed by Singaporean artist Tan Zi Xi (also known as MessyMsxi).  Here is some more information about the watch.  On 11-MAR, a special launch event took place at 48 Niven Rd in Singapore.  During the launch event, a unique Singapore Tale Maxi was (partially) painted live by Tan Zi Xi!  The event participants received a special gift box with nice special Swatch cups.  Fantastic!  Update:  The second batch of  Singapor Tale has an additional paper insert with more information about the art on the watch. Thanks to Fabrizio Mazzucco and Edward Chung for the information.
• Vienna Major FIVB special.  For the FIVB Vienna Major (29-JUL to 04-AUG), a special New Gent Swatch X Major Series Vienna 2019 (SUON709D) has been released.  The watch is available in Austria and it is packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  The watch is also available in the Austria online store.
• Official Swatch Patrol.  Not wearing 2 Swatches?  Dirty Swatch band?  Scratched Swatch crystal?  Attn!  Watch out for the Official Swatch Patrol!  (from the 80s I guess)  Thanks to Fred McFarland for the photo.
• Singapore Bicentennial special.  The Singapore Bicentennial in 2019 marks the 200th anniversary of Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in Singapore.  To commemorate this event, a special Singapore Bicentennial Swatch is available: It is a Singapore Tale Destination special with an extra "200" loop around the strap.
• New Swatch store in Cologne.  A new Swatch store has opened its doors in Cologne, Schildergasse 8-12 (previously located at Hohe Straße 105-107).  Great store design with graffiti artworks by local artists Goodlack Art: John Iven und Ron Voigt.  No Swatch Club opening event, no store opening special.
• Swiss Destination specials available online.  To celebrate Swiss National Day on 01-AUG, several Swiss Destination specials are available online in the Swiss Online Store for a short time only until 05-AUG.  Update:  The Swiss Destination specials are now available worldwide in the Swatch online store (for a limited time).
• Vans US Open of Surf special.    From 26-JUL to 04-AUG, the Vans US Open of Surfing presented by Swatch will take place in Huntington Beach, California.  A special New Gent event Swatch Sexy Thing (SUOW100F) will be released, similar to last year.  The artwork on the watch strap has been created by Jen Rim.   Swatch Club members from the USA are invited for a guided painting session with Swatch Proteam member, professional skateboarder and artist, Nora Vasconcellos on 28-JUL.  Update:  Sexy Thing is now available in the US online store.  It seems as if it is packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  Update 2:  Here is a nice report about the event on the official Swatch homepage.  A Sexy Thing Maxi also exists.  Thanks to Daniel Levinson for the information.
• Locarno Film Festival 2019 special.  A special New Gent Swatch Locarno72 (SUOB715H) for the 72th Locarno Film Festival 2019 (07 to 17-AUG) is now on sale in Switzerland, also in the Swiss online store.  It is a New Gent Backup Black (SUOB715) with a special strap. Update:  The special packaged in a yellow paper sleeve.
• Swatch X Vans Park Series.  A new Swatch special Swatch X Vans Park Series will be available during the Shanghai stop of the Vans Park Series skateboarding event on 18-MAY at the Old Shipyard in Shanghai.  Swatch Club China will host a Club event as well.  Update:  Here is a picture of the actual watch (SUOB708C, $85 US) in the special paper sleeve.
  
• Swiss National Day SwatchXYou.  Switzerland celebrates Swiss National Day on 01-AUG, so Swatch has released a dedicated SwatchXYou Swiss National Day.  Here is a picture of the very nice background. I assume that the watch will be available for a short time only.
• Moon Landing SwatchXYou.  Swatch celebrates the 50th Anniversary of The Moon Landing on 21-JUL with a dedicated SwatchXYou Moon Landing.  Here is a picture of the very nice background.  Be quick, only 256 pcs will be made, so the watch will be available for a very short time only (until 22-JUL).
• Firenze Destination special.  For a short period of time, Swatch Italy showed the picture of a new Destination special for Firenze (Florence, Destination Special #60) in an Instagram posting (the picture has now been removed).  According to rumours, it be sold starting mid September.
• ITS Time for Coffee special.  ITS Time for Coffee started out at ITS 2018 (International Talent Support) when Swatch and Illy Coffee spontaneously collaborated on a special project:  They invited Fashion Designer Tolu Coker for a 3-month residency at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai to work on a special Swatch and an Illy artist coffee cup.  The result was now unveiled at ITS 2019 in Trieste, Italy:  A New Gent Swatch special ITS Time 4 Coffee and a special Illy artist coffee cup.
• Action O'Clock special.  A special New Gent Swatch Action O'Clock (SUOB715F) is now available in the Swiss online store.  It is a New Gent Backup Black (SUOB715) with a special strap and an Alaïa loop around the strap.  Swatch is a partner of Chalet Alaïa in Crans-Montana, the recently (beginning of 2019) opened first-class action sports center (indoor and outdoor),
• End Of Apprenticeship special.  In July, 171 participants finished their apprenticeship at one of the Swatch Group companies such as Blancpain, Breguet, ETA, Glashütte Original, Longines, Omega, Rado, Renata, Swatch, ...  It looks as if each participant received a very nice Make It Real Swatch special, including a New Gent Swatch Gesso (SUOW153).
• SwatchXYou JoAnouk Proteam special.  On 24-JUN, the second SwatchXYou Proteam special Side Out! has been unveiled at Swatch HQ in Biel during a press conference with Swatch Proteam members Anouk Vergé-Dépré and Joana Heidrich (Beach Volleyball) and Swatch Creative Director Carlo Giordanetti.  You can order the special in the Swatch Online Store.  Again, the background for the watch has been designed in a collaboration with the Chilean artist Gabriel Ebensperger.   The official Swatch website has more information about the second Proteam special.  At the Beach Volleyball Major Gstaad (and only there, 09 to 14-JUL), the watch will be available in a nice special packaging.  Update:  Here is an actual photo of the special packaging, only available in Gstaad.  Additionally, a second version of the watch is only available in Gstaad (with pink background and references to Gstaad and the 20th anniversary of the tournament on the background, limited to 239 pcs).  Christine Tanner sent a small report:  Swatch Switzerland had invited 20 G&P members to the Gstaad tournament on Saturday.  They could buy the limited version of the special during a signing session with Swatch Proteam members Anouk Vergé-Dépré and Joana Heidrich.  Afterwards, the club members got a "behind the scenes" tour and they could visit the media center with 70 journalists.  During the day, the G&P members watched the games from the VIP area.  Thanks to Fabien Perissinotto and to Christine Tanner for the photos.
• Rome Destination special.  A new Destination New Gent special Colosseo (SUOZ308, 80 EURO, Destination Special #57) is available in the city of Rome (Italy) since the beginning of June, also at the airport in Rome.  Update:  A second Rome Destination Gent special Vacanze Romane (GZ333, 70 EURO) has been released at the beginning of July, Destination Special #58.    Thanks to Thomas Chan for the photo and to Joachim Meyer for the update.
• Toronto Destination special.  A new Destination New Gent special 6IX6 (SUOB702CO, $110 CAD, Destination Special #59) is available in the city of Toronto (Canada) since 12-JUL.  It is a New Gent Black Rebel (SUOB702) with a special strap.  Thanks to Thomas Chan for the photos.
• One new IOC special.  has surfaced:  Irony Petite Seconde Dropping Seconds Olympia Logo (YPZ400).
• Pyeongchang Olympics 2018 IOC specials.  Alain Choisy has published a photo of a very nice Pyeongchang Olympics 2018 IOC special:  Sistem Earth IOC (YIZ401).  The watch is a SISTEM51 Irony Sistem Earth (YIS400) with olympic rings on the dial and a special engraving on the side of the watch case: "IOC LIMITED EDITION PYEONGCHANG 2018".  The watch is listed as "Sistem Earth / IOC President 2017" in the Swatch database. Very hard to find...  Update:  A second Pyeongchang Olympics 2018 IOC special is the Sistem Arlequin IOC (SUTZ403).  The watch is a SISTEM51 Sistem Arlequin (SUTW402) with olympic rings on the dial and a special imprint on the back of the watch case: "IOC LIMITED EDITION PYEONGCHANG 2018".  The watch is listed as "Sistem Arlequin / IOC President 2017" in the Swatch database. Also very hard to find.  The recent IOC specials seem to be much more limited compared to previous years (maybe until 2017).
• ANOC special.  The Association of The Olympic Committees (ANOC) has issued a special Swatch:  ANOC (SUOB715C).  It is a New Gent Backup Black (SUOB715) from 2014 with a special strap, packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  Thanks to Fabrizio for the photo.
  
• Gstaad Jubilee book special.  The Beach Volleyball Major Gstaad takes place from 09 to 14-JUL.  The beach volleyball tournament in Gstaad is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer and to mark the occasion a special book has been published.  Stunning pictures illustrating 20 years of action-packed history may spring a few surprises but that's not all, there is a Swatch watch included in the book cover.  The Swatch is a New Gent Swiss Around The Clock (SUOR106) with a special loop around the strap, ref.no. SUOR106C.  You can order the book here.  The book is limited to 500 pcs and it costs 99 CHF.  Here is a newspaper report about the book.
• Glam collection expanded.  Four new watches have been added to the Swatch Glam collection:  1. Gent Enlace Moi (GE264PZ, $120 US:  $95 US for the watch head with ten different straps at $25 US each);  2. Irony Lady Mon Foulard (YSS326PZ, $205 US: $160 US for the watch head with two different foulards at $45 US each);  3. Skin Folle De Plume (SVOW105PZ, $200 US:  $160 US for the watch head with five different feathers at $40 US each);  4. Lady Pampilles (LR133PZ, $95 US).  The watches can already be found in selected Swatch stores.
• Rebel Again collection.  Several colourful New Gent Rebel Swatch watches are now available again in the Swatch online store as part of the Rebel Again collection.  Some of these (originally released in 2011) were hard to find before.
• New Fall / Winter 2019/20 Collection online.  The new Swatch collection Bau Swatch (part of the Swatch Fall / Winter 2019/20 Swatch collection) is now available in the Swatch online shop as a pre-release. One personal favourite is the New Gent Swatchid (SUOR115).
• 4th Of July SwatchXYou.  To commemorate Independence Day (4th Of July) in the US,  Swatch is now selling a special SwatchXYou 4th Of July but only 07-JUL.  Here is a picture of the nice background.  It seems that this SwatchXYou is only available in the US online store.
• Love Your Pride SwatchXYou.  The official Swatch website has now a special Time To Be Proud webpage obviously addressing the LGBT pride movement.  A special SwatchXYou Love Your Pride is now available but only until 08-JUL.  Here is a picture of the Love Your Pride background.
• Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games special.  The Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympics will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland from 10 to 19-JAN-2020.  A special New Gent Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games (SUOW131E) was now available at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne (100 pcs were sold).  The watch is packaged in a nice paper sleeve. (backside of sleeve).  It is a New Gent White Glove (SUOW131) from 2016 with a special strap (the strap also carries a small cowbell).
  
• Swatch Drive-thru Store.  Next to the new Swatch HQ in Biel, Swatch plans to open the first Swatch Drive-thru Store in the world in the near future (corner Nicolas G. Hayek-Street / Jakob Stämpfli-Street).  In this pavilion, you can buy your Swatch watches from the current collection without leaving your car.  Source:  Swatch Annual Report 2018, p.14.  Here are a few pictures from the store, just be sure to click through all of the pictures...  Update: The Drive-thru Store is now open to the general public.  It sells the watches in a paper box usually used for Hamburgers.  Great concept!  Price for the watches is 55, 65, 70 CHF, depending on the style.  Update 2:  The Drive-thru Store has three exclusive food-related SwatchXYou designs only available at this place in Biel.
  
• Salzburg Destination special.  A new Destination Gent special Mozart Melodies (GZ332, Destination Special #56, 70 EURO) is available in the city of Salzburg (Austria) since the end of May.  Thanks to Wolfgang Seiler for the information.
  
• "Planet Swatch" museum in Biel.  The new official Swatch museum called Planet Swatch has now opened its doors at the new Cité Du Temps next to the new Swatch HQ in Biel (Nicolas G. Hayek Strasse 2) on 01-JUN.  A huge floor is dedicated to the Museum, lots of exhibition space showing about 70% of all Swatch watch ever produced.  The exhibition also features prototypes, early Swatch watches from 1983, Art Specials, Special Packagings, Club watches, Switzerland, Maxi watches, ...  The exhibition also has many interactive displays.  The entrance is free in June until 11-AUG and it is a "must visit" for every serious Swatch collector, highly recommended!  Starting in AUG, the entrance fee for both museums will be 10 CHF (but you get an entrance voucher when buying a Swatch at the Drive Through Kiosk nearby).  More photos from the museum will follow soon in my G&P 2019 Event report.
• "Available In Colour" Club Set.  During the annual G&P Club event in Bern, a special Available In Colour Swatch Club Set (GZS72) was available to participating Gold & Pioneer Club members.  The set contains two watches, sealed on the frontside and on the backside of a pasteboard:  1. the well known Gent Not Available In Colour (GW165) and 2. a totally unreleased Gent watch Now Available In Colour with a blue tinted glass.  The set is limited to 81 pcs only, unnumbered.  So the Gent watch Now Available In Colour (GZ326) exists in 81 pcs only.
• Second Milano Destination special.  A new (second) Milano Destination Gent special Quadrilatero (GZ330, Destination Special #55) is available only at the Swatch Store Via Monte Napoleone in Milano, Italy since the end of May.  There is a rumour that it was "sold only for a fashion event" but I can't really believe that.  The first Milano Destination special was the New Gent Tutta Mia La Citta (SUOZ228), issued in JUL-2016.    Thanks to Bruno Mahier for the information and photos.
• Swatch Flymagic.  On 14-FEB, Swatch has unveiled a completely new product line during a press conference with Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek, Swatch Creative Director Carlo Giordanetti, and Swatch's VP and COO Gonzalo de Cevallos at the new Swatch HQ (finally finished!) in Biel:  Swatch Flymagic.  It is a new collection of (currently) three mechanical watches featuring anti-magnetic Nivachron hairsprings.  The watch is based on the SISTEM51 movement plus 15 additional components, so it could be called a SISTEM66 :-)  It is constructed totally different by reversing the caliber:  the new balance spring, finely finished modules and skeletonized gear train all can be seen on the face of the watch – easily visible through the transparent rotor of the automatic movement. There’s another Swatch first here, too – the seconds hand runs backwards!  Three watches will be available initially on 30-APR in a limited edition of 500 pcs (per watch), $1500 US watch:  two watches in stainless steel (YHS100S and YHS101S) and one in stainless steel with a red gold PVD coating (YHG100S).  Each watch comes in a special box with a rubber strap and two calf leather straps (closed box).  The watch is numbered xxx/500 on ring in the center (front).  Hodinkee has more technical information and photos.  The back of the watch does not look typically Swatch.  The watch is also thicker compared to other Swatch watches (diameter is 45 mm).  Totally different but a really exciting construction...  Here is a great promotional video by Swatch, filmed in the new Swatch HQ in Biel.  Swiss newspaper NZZ has a nice report about the Swatch Flymagic.  Update:  Fratello Watches has a wonderful report with lots of great Swatch Flymagic photos, check it out!  Update 2: Sales of the Flymagic watches will start with a launch event on 15-MAY in Geneva (Switzerland) and on 23-MAY at several special local events (Berlin, Amsterdam, San Francisco [29-MAY], Milano [30-MAY], ...).  If you want to buy the special in Geneva, you have to pick up a reservation ticket at a local Swiss Swatch store starting 08-MAY.  Quite complicated (but it is a very special watch).  You can only buy the watch in person at one of the events.  The price for the watch is also quite different in the individual countries:  Germany 1500 EURO, Switzerland 1500 CHF (~1315 EURO), Australia $2000 AUD (~1252 EURO), Singapore SGD $2100 (~1376 EURO), Malaysia RM6200 (~1333 EURO), Hong Kong $12000 HKD (~1364 EURO), Taiwan TWD$47000 (~1353 EURO), UK £1200 UKP (~1374 EURO), USA $1500 US (+tax), and China CNY11500 (~1492 EURO).  Geneva now has a Pop-up store where the Flymagic watches are on display, Amsterdam as well.  300 Flymagic specials (out of the 1500) will be sold in Beijing, China in a special Popup store at 北 京 SKP.  25 pieces are available in Russia.  75 pieces are available in the USA.  3 x 50 = 150 pcs in Switzerland, 3 x 30 = 90 pcs in Italy, 3 x 20 = 60 pcs in Austria.  60 pcs were available in July in Thailand.  Here is a photo of a disassembled Flymagic.  Update 3:  Here is a small report with a few pictures from the Berlin Flymagic "Sales Experience-Event".   Thanks to Alexandre Brunner for the photos.
• Shareholder special 2019.  On 23-MAY, the annual shareholder assembly of Swatch Group took place in Grenchen at the Swiss Velodrome.  Each one of the 3192 participants will receive a special New Gent Swatch Bi-Üs (SUOZ314), packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  This year, the watch was not handed out at the general assembly.  Instead, it will be shipped to the participants within the next 1-2 weeks.
• New Big Bold product line.  Swatch is teasing on Instagram and Twitter about a new product line called Big Bold.  This watch has a diameter of 47mm and a unique shape of the watch case:  "These Swatch are characterized by a flat glass, which gives a modern and elegant appearance and makes it highlight the dial, a crown at 2 o'clock and a dial printed in 3D that gives it more character and a perfect fit to the wrist."  The first collection consists of six watches which were shown first during the Sneakerness London event on 18 and 19-MAY.  Some Big Bold models were also already spotted "in the wild".  There is also a rumour about a "city themed" special edition...   Update:  Here is a "real world" video of the Big Bold Swatch.  It is definitely a different watch...   Retail price is 5500 PHP (~93 EURO).  It seems that the watches will be officially released on 24-MAY.
• SwatchXLouvre.  On 21-MAY, Swatch has opened a SwatchXYou Popup store in the Louvre in Paris.  The shop has been opened to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the famous Pyramide Du Louvre (designed by Leoh Ming Pei).  Until 17-JUN, you can create four special SwatchXLouvre SwatchXYou watches in this Popup store:  The first design is a unique tricolor motif with a mirror illustration of the Parisian monument in the center of the Napoleon courtyard.  The other three designs are famous paintings which are on display at the Louvre:  1. Les Saisons, Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1573);  2. Galerie de vues de la Rome Antique, Giovanni Paolo Panini (1757);  3. Le Sacre de Napoléon, Jacques-Louis David (1807).  The watches are printed live on the spot in the Popup store. The four special designs are also available at the Swatch France Online Store ("Louvre Limited Edition").  A spectacular collaboration!  More details on the swatchandart Instagram story preserved here.
• Tiritas special.  The Spanish healthcare company Tiritas celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004.  A special Swatch Tiritas (GK426C) was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary ("Unidos a ti" - United To You).  The watch is a Gent Oseille (GK426) from 2001 with a special strap featuring the company logo and the main product of the company:  plaster.  Limitation and distribution is unknown.   Thanks to Pedro Coelho for the information and photos.
  
• World Bee Day SwatchXYou.  On 20-MAY, World Bee Day is celebrated.  To commemorate this special day,  Swatch sells a special SwatchXYou World Bee Day but only for three days until 23-MAY.  Here is a picture of the very nice background, with lots of cute bees...
• Tel Aviv Destination special.  A New Gent Tel Aviv - Nonstop (SUOZ309, ILS 409 (~105 EURO!), Destination Special #54) is now available, just in time for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) on 18-MAY.  The watch is limited to 999 pcs and it is inspired by the symbols and characteristics of Tel Aviv, such as the Azrieli Towers, Sharona, Reading, Bauhaus and more.  The watch costs NIS 349 (~86 EURO) and it is available in Swatch’s four stores in Israel, packaged in the usual paper sleeve.   Thanks to Toty Booms for the hint and to Marjan Looy for the photo.
  
• Veggie Set in Charity Auction.  You can bid on a Vegetable Set formerly owned by German Fashion designer Iris von Arnim.  All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Charity (Doctors Without Borders).  The silent auction is promoted by the important German Online Magazine Spiegel, so I hope that the watches will fetch a lot of money.
• Zurich Sneakerness specials.  At the Zurich Sneakerness event (04 and 05-MAY),  eight Swatch watches from the current collection were available with a special Sneakerness loop.  The loop was available in one size only, so the loop was very "loose" for the Gent Swatch watches.  Thanks to Alain Choisy for the picture.
  
• Swatch Rocket Air 2019 special.  One of the most important events on the Freeride Mountain Bike (FMB) World Tour,  Swatch Rocket Air celebrated its 10th anniversary this year on 3 and 4-MAY at the Eishalle Grabengut in Thun, Switzerland.  A special limited Swatch 10 Years Rocket Air (SUOB160C) with two special loops around the strap was sold at the event.  It is a New Gent Swatch Out (SUOB160) from the current collection with two special loops, packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  Christine Tanner sent me a few impressions from the event:  "Around 20 Swatch Club members were invited for a nice lunch at the Rocket Air event.  They watched the crazy jumps by the best raiders in the world.  Godziek Dawid from Poland finally won the FMB Gold event.  Lucas Huppert from Switzerland was ranked at 8th position. Sam Pilgrim from Swatch Proteam had a short signing session in the afternoon, he was classified 13th.  A nice Swatch bicycle leg band was given to the guests. A lot of Rocket Air souvenirs was also sold on a special booth. Thanks to Swatch Marché Suisse, Alain, Daniel Vanessa and Vicky for the freezing crazy event."
• Brexit Swatch.  A special SwatchXYou Brexit is now available in the Swatch UK Online store.  Here is the complete design sheet.  Very funny!
• Lindor special.  In JUN-2018, the Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli has issued a special New Gent Lindor (SUOR705Q) for Lindt employees in Canada.  It is a New Gent Backup Red (SUOR705) from 2014 with a special strap and a special Lindor loop around the strap.
  
• Irony Chrono Automatic design studies.  Alain Choisy has found a nice webpage by the Swiss Blade industrial design studio who were involved in the design of the Irony Chrono Automatic and the Irony Retrograde watches.
• New Hackett specials.  There are rumours that several new Hackett Swatch watches will be released at the end of April, including one limited watch.  Update:  Swatch Taiwan has unveiled the limited SISTEM 51 on Instagram (screenshot) and Facebook:  Thames (SUTZ405S) is limited to 1983 pcs, numbered (5500 TWD / 155 EURO).  Release date was 25-APR.  The watch has an inscription on the back: "born in 1983 xxxx/1983", similar to the first Hackett special Muffin.  The watch is packaged in a nice blue box, also similar to the red box of the first Hackett special Muffin.  The two unlimited new Hackett Swatch watches are Irony SISTEM51 models:  1.  Jermyn. (YIZ404);  2. Classic Lines (YIZ405).  A launch event took place on 25-APR in one of the best restaurants in Madrid, Spain:  Restaurante Horcher.
• Irony Maxi.  A very special Swatch Art project by an US metal artist will be unveiled at the Swatch Club Event in Los Angeles on 19-APR. Care to guess what it is?  pic1 / pic2 / pic3.  Update:  It is an "Irony" Maxi.  Amazing!  Here is a video of the Maxi.  It weighs 17 US pounds.
  
• What's the time?  This Skin swatch has a funny production error on the dial...  I think that I remember the same watch with a missing '8' from many years ago...
• New Spring / Summer 2019 Collection online.  The new Swatch collection Transformation Time (part of the Swatch Spring / Summer 2019 Swatch collection) is now available in the Swatch online shop as a pre-release.  The watches will be available in the local Swatch stores starting 10-JAN.  The new 2019 Club watch will also be available on that date.  Update:  The Good Life has more information about the new collection (in French) including a few pictures of watches which will be launched later in March (Listen To Me collection) and April (Energy Boost collection).  The report also mentions a SISTEM51 with a 3D dial and finally the launch of the Pigcasso Art Special (designed by the world’s only painting pig!) in February.  The watches were presented just before the Paris Fashion Week (15 to 20-JAN).  Update:  On 21-FEB, the next part (Listen To Me) of the Spring / Summer 2019 Swatch collection was launched online in an early pre-release.  Lots of great watches!  I am sure that Blue Sweet (SUOB159) will be a huge success... (Pinkapippa (GE267) too :-)  Another great New Gent watch is Orange Pusher (SUOW167) which has been designed by Lebanese graffiti artist Jad El Khoury.  The Gent Image Of Graffiti (GB317) has been designed by the art group MOSES & TAPS™ from Berlin.  Two watches have been designed by urban artists from Biel (Switzerland):  The New Gent City Walls (SUOB163) is designed by Mista 83 and the Gent Night Club (GB318) is designed by Seyo.  The two New Gent watches Cnosso (SUOB161) and Meiro (SUOW164) are designed by former Swatch Art Peace Hotel resident artist Jean-Charles Kien (he was a resident in 2016).  See also the trace (BWL1) that he left at the hotel.  According to the Chinese writings, these two watches are designed to commemorate the hotel.   Update 2:  The next part of the Spring / Summer 2019 Collection is now available online including some great fruit related watches:  Energy Boost.   Thanks to Edward Chung for the information.
• Dr. Swatch video from 1986.  Here is a hilarious video from 1986, featuring the impressionist Jim Meskimen as Dr. Swatch.  Note the ultrarare production box in the back and also some ultrarare Maxi watches such as 12 Flags, Limelight (unavailable commercially!), Neo Quad (unavailable commercially!), ...  Go watch this now!
• Tokyo 2020 Olympic specials.  The first three Swatch special watches for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have just been released in Japan (500 days to go!):  1. Gent Miraiido (GZ329, paper sleeve / side of paper sleeve);   2. Gent Medaru Burgundy (GZ331);  3. New Gent Medaru Navy (SUOZ306).  I assume that these watches are not limited.  Thanks to R.J.Valdez for the photos.
• SwatchXKarryWang special.  A great new and strictly limited Swatch special has just been launched in China:  Karry Wang Special Set (SZS29).  The special is limited and numbered to 921 pcs. and it is packaged in a nice special packaging.  It has been designed by Swatch Brand Ambassador Karry Wang (China).  Price is 1900 RMB (about 250 EURO).  The special sold out in about 3 hours in the Chinese Swatch online store.  The special set contains six loops (unavailable elsewhere) and two watches which will be available individually (not limited) as well:  1. New Gent K921 Planet (SUOZ307, 921 is Karry's birthday);  2. Gent W328 Submarine (GZ334, 328 is the launch date 28-MAR).  Here is the special packaging for the individual Gent W328 Submarine (closed box) and here is the special packaging for the individual New Gent K921 Planet.  Here is a picture of the actual watches in a Swatch store.  Buyers of the Karry Wang Special Set will also receive a special poster, to be shipped separately from the special set.  Thanks to Leo Lee for the information and photos.
  
• Club Swatch 2019.  As shown on the official Swatch Club China website, the new Club Swatch for 2019 is called What's Yo Face (SUOZ303, 75 EURO) and it is packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  The watch has been designed by Chinese artist and illustrator Ton Mak (creator of the Flabjacks collection).  She has previously lived and worked as a resident artist at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel. More information about the Club watch (translated from Chinese).  It is expected that a special limited version of the new Club watch called You, You, And You will be launched at several events in March, similar to the last years.  Update:  The first Club events have been announced:  07-MAR: Lucerne International Launch (w/ Switzerland); 10-MAR: Eindhoven, Netherlands/BENELUX; 12-MAR: Paris; 15-MAR: Frankfurt; 16-MAR: Milano; 30-MAR: Montreal (Canada);  17-APR:  Singapore;  19-APR:  Los Angeles, CA;  26-APR: New York City;  28-JUN:  Houston.  Update 2: The special limited version of the new Club watch is a New Gent You, You, And You (SUOZ300S).  The watch is limited and numbered to 819 pcs.  It is packaged in a nice special packaging.  Here is a picture of the watch in the opened packaging.  The difference to the regular Club Swatch is a metallic brushed dial (instead of a normal printed dial) and the upper part of the strap:  It is orange instead of white.  Additionally, the loop is transparent instead of white.  The watch was unveiled during an international Club Event in Luzern, Switzerland.  About 60 watches with a special "SWISS" loop were sold to event participants (130 CHF).  Here is an overview of the goodies that the event participants received in Luzern.  Here is a detailed report with many pictures from the international launch event.  You can also browse some impressions from the event in my Instagram story.  In seven other countries, special country loops will be available during the launch events (not all launch events will have a special country loop).  Update 3: Here is a small report with a few pictures from the Frankfurt launch event (BTW, this is report #150 on my little webpage).  And here are the photos from Milano (by Fabrizio Mazzucco).
  
• What's Yo Face photo shooting Milano.  On 14-MAR, a Swatch Club photo shooting took place at the Leica Gallery, Milano.  According to this report in GQ Italia, portraits of 15 Swatch Club members were produced and you can see these photos until 16-MAR (day of the Milano limited club watch launch event).  Thanks to Wildon Aguila for the information and photos.
  
• New Swatch HQ / Swatch Museum in Biel.  About six years after the winner of the architectural competition (Shigaru Ban from Japan) for the new Swatch HQ in Biel had been announced, the spectacular wooden building has finally been opened to the public for the Swatch Flymagic press conference.  Berner Zeitung has a lot of photos and a nice report.  The official opening will be in about three months as there is some final work to do.  Originally, it was planned to open the building in 2015.  Update:  According to this report (many nice photos!), a Swatch Museum (yay!) will also be part of the new building! Update 2:   During the press conference for the publication of the Swatch Annual Report 2018, Swatch Creative Director Carlo Giordanetti announced that the Swatch Museum will be called Planet Swatch and it will be located in the second floor of the new Cité Du Temps next to the new Swatch HQ in Biel (see also p.14 of the Swatch Annual Report 2018).
• Swatch Patent expired.  One of the original Swatch patents from 1982 ("Wrist watch with a strap hinged to the case") recently expired on 11-MAR-2019.  Maybe everyone can now produce a similar shaped watch?  I doubt it.  Besides the well known Swatch inventor Elmar Mock, the patent also lists Alphonse Bron as inventor.
• Seoul Destination Special.   A new Destination Special (#52) is available in Seoul, South Korea, since 25-JAN:  Saranghae Seoul (GZ325).  ("I love Seoul").  The design of the watch strap is inspired by the subway map of Seoul.  Thanks to Leo Lee and to Sophia Chang for the information and pictures.
• SwatchXYou next level.  According to this Instagram post by Swatch UK, #SwatchXYou (the personalized Swatch) will be going to the "next level" very soon.  Maybe some real customization? (= design your own Swatch)  Update:  Almost and it is truly fantastic:  You can pick a design and make your own Swatch here.  You can hover a virtual Swatch over your favourite pattern (currently six different ones are available), drop it where you like and customize your design with two different transparent watch heads (black or grey mechanics).  Your customized design is printed on the watch strap and on the back of the watch (you can also add up to 15 letters for a name etc. there).  Here is an example and here is another one.  You can do this online (3 working days + delivery) or immediately in selected Swatch stores (eg. Zurich airport [be sure to check out all pics]).  Lots of space for individualization.  Update:  Here are some photos of my SwatchXYou "next level" Swatch (HSUOK137).  It is packaged in a red paper sleeve.  The watch and the strap look fantastic and the printing is much better than expected, it really looks robust.  Be sure to check out all 10 photos in order to admire all details of this amazing technology!    Update 2:  SwatchXYou "next level" is finally available in the USA in FEB-2019.  For a limited time, a special artist canvas by NYC artist Edward Granger is available exclusively in the USA.
• GLAM Event in Milano.  On 21-FEB (during the Milano Fashion Week), Swatch held a GLAM event at the Swatch store Via Montenapoleone.  Wildon Aguila has sent me a few photos from the event.  No Swatch special, just a great party!
• Swatch Club website updated.  club.swatch.com has been updated with the design of the current Club watch What Yo Face (SUOZ303).
• Coperion special.  Coperion is an industry leader in compounding and extrusion, feeding and weighing, bulk material handling and service.  They have issued a special Irony Chrono Coperion (YCS113E).  It is an Irony Chrono Classylicious (YCS113C) from 2017 with a new strap with the Coperion logo on the loop.
• Cartoon Network special.  Cartoon Network has issued a nice special Gent Swatch Cartoon Network (GW704C).  It is an Gent Off The Grill (GW704) from 2014 with a very nice new strap with the Cartoon Network logo on the loop around the strap.
• RIP Alessandro Mendini.  Italian architect and designer Alessandro Mendini has passed away aged 87.  He also has designed many Swatch watches and other Swatch related items (including the colourful Swatch shop architecture of the mid 90s).  Here are a few pictures of the meet & greet session on 12-APR-2016 in Milano for the release of Spot The Dot (SUOZ213).
• SwatchXNico special.  It seems as if Swatch will launch a new ProTeam special SwatchXNico (with Freeski ProTeam member Nico Vuignier) on 09-FEB at the Swatch Store in Crans Montana.  Update:  The press section on the Swatch website has more information about the special:  The new ProTeam special SwatchXNico is the first of nine new Proteam Specials which will be released from FEB-2019 through the end of 2021.  The specials will be based on the SwatchXYou platform.  For the first special, Nico Vuignier has collaborated with the Chilean artist Gabriel Ebensperger.  Together, they created the new SwatchXYou design C'est bien Nils!  This design can be used to create your own unique Swatch special (as with other SwatchXYou designs). I love this idea!  Update:  The new SwatchXYou design C'est bien Nils! will be available online starting 11-FEB.  It has a black background.  During the launch event on 09-FEB in Crans Montana with Nico and Gabriel, a special variant of the SwatchXYou design with a white background was offered to the Event participants, only available in a special packaging during this event (239 pcs, not numbered).  Nico also signed autograph cards and a unique Maxi Swatch created by Gabriel Ebensperger was raffled among event participants.  A few goodies (socks and pins) were also given away.  A special page on the Swatch website has more details about the creation process for this watch.  Update:  Photos of the actual watches:  regular black version / limited white version (only available in Crans Montana on 09-FEB).   Thanks to Ines Brem for the info and photos and to Fabien Perissinotto for the photo.  Some photos by @swatchclub.
• Pigcasso artist special.  I am still not sure if this was a joke or not:  During the shareholder assembly 2018 in Grenchen, Swatch Group CEO G. N. Hayek jr. announced a special Swatch Pigcasso collection consisting of three Swatch watches.  The watches have been designed / painted by a pig (yes!).  The Pigcasso collection will be launched at the end of 2018 and each watch will include a certificate of authenticity.  More pig pictures in my shareholder assembly 2018 photo album.  As Nick Hayek talked a few minutes about the collection and as he showed several pictures, I assume that this is for real :-)  See also www.pigcasso.org.  Oink!  Update:  According to this report, the Pigcasso New Gent art special Flying Pig By Ms Pigcasso (SUOZ299S, 110 EURO) will be launched in a limited edition number of 2019 pcs starting from 05-FEB (Chinese New Year, 2019 is the year of the pig!  888 pcs of this watch will go to China).  This Instagram posting has a photo of the special packaging.  Looks great!  Update 2: Great promotional video by Swatch HK! Update 3: Here are pictures of the actual watch.  Superb!  Sold out already in many countries.  Here is a nice webpage on the official Swatch website with videos and more infos!
• Veggie triptych.  You probably know the legendary Vegetable POP specials ("The Swatchetables") from 1991 (designed by Swiss artist Alfred Hofkunst), limited to 9999 pcs, numbered.  You also probably know that the first 333 pcs were sold in a special triptych, signed and numbered by Alfred Hofkunst.  This Swatchetables triptych was sold for a lot of money (3333 CHF?) back then in art galleries.  But I guess that you haven't seen this triptych so far.  Here we go:  Swatchetables triptych in the packaging / 3 veggie watches in one big sealed packaging in the triptych / 3 veggie watches in one big sealed packaging / 3 veggie watches in one big sealed packaging backside signed / Swatchetables triptych half assembled (packaging not opened!).  The bigger leaflet shown on the pictures is not the usual DIN A4 sized veggie folder.  It is printed on much thicker paper.  I think that it is part of the triptych packaging.  The smaller leaflet shown on the pictures is from a Hofkunst Auction By Mangisch (28-SEP-1991, Rudolf Mangisch, Zürich) [backside].  During this auction, signed veggie watches, sketches for the veggie watches, ... were auctioned.  The auction leaflet also shows a signed EA veggie set, including a Verduhra EA 20/20.  Here are photos of the complete EA 20/20 set (surely sold at this Mangisch auction in 1991):  front / back / closeup back.  EA stands for "epreuve artiste" (= artist proof).  Finally a bonus photo of a signed regular veggie set.
• Swatch The Beep Pager in Germany.  In the mid 90s, Swatch was also active in the telecommunication industry (phones, pager, answering machines, even mobile phones).  It is very hard to get a complete list (with names and ref.no.) for these items as much of this information is lost over time.  Here is a photo album with some (also internal) information about Swatch The Beep Pager Fall/Winter 1995 and more (Germany).
• A CEO and his Swatch obsession.  Dino has found a great online radio interview with the Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias where he talks for about 10 minutes about his Swatch obsession in the mid 90s (starts at 53:14).
• Swatch Loves Art Taiwan.  A great exhibition called Swatch Loves Art is currently on display at the Huashan Cultural and Creative center (Swatch Art Basement Store) in Taipei, Taiwan.  Swatch Club Pioneer member Sophia Chang has many nice photos from the exhibition (including an origin Kiki Picasso special).  The exhibition will be open until 08-APR.  Thanks to Leo Lee for the information.
  
• History of .beat Internet Time.   Here is a nice report (in German) about the history of .beat Internet Time and how it failed to get a wider acceptance.
• Souvenirs of Hong Kong.  A nice Swatch souvenir set consisting of a Swatch plate, Swatch spoon, and Swatch chop sticks is now available as a gift with purchase at the Swatch concept store in Hong Kong.  The special Swatch store has been designed by Elina Chatzichronoglou, she also designed the Swatch Megastore at CentralWorld in Bangkok.
  
• German Automatic specials.  An interesting automatic special has surfaced in 2013 in Germany:  SAB103C (Automatic Black Board from 1995 with a special loop around the strap).  The loop seems to be the one from the Inocente Spain special from 2002 but SAB103C was not part of the specials back then as far as I know.  Strange...  Update:  In 2019, another similar automatic special surfaced in Germany: SAM103D (Automatic Classic Cheddar from 1994 with a special loop around the strap).  Thanks to Nikolai Kuttler and to Stefan Kluge for the pictures.
• Stauffer special.  The Swiss acoustic protection company Stauffer has issed a Scuba Swatch special Stauffer (SDR101C).  Limitation and release date are unknown.
• SwatchPAY! (re)launched in Switzerland.  On 17-JAN, SwatchPAY! has been (re)launched for Switzerland in Zurich (main train station in an old VW Bus) with four new SwatchPAY! watches (85 CHF each): 1. BlackBack PAY! (SVIB105-5300);  2. Pastel PAY! (SVIP101-5300);  3. Magic PAY! (SVIW109-5300);  4. Chic PAY! (SVIW108-5300).  The SwatchPAY! ("the coolest way to PAY!") watches are packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  The watch can be used for "on the wrist" payments with banking cards of six different Swiss banks/card issuers. and boon by Wirecard.  You can find additional information about the payment functionality here and here (both in German).  And here is a somewhat critical report about the payment solution by UBS and Swatch.
• Nine Eight Six Four Three Medtronic "Presidents Club" Swatch specials.  Recently, four three mysterious Swatch specials have surfaced in Germany (and Portugal):  They are very similar strap variants (a "P" on the loop around the strap) of the New Gent Swatch Look Through (SUOK105) from 2013.  The special Swatch is available with a black strap (SUOK105K), a transparent strap (SUOK105N), and a white strap (SUOK105?).  The watches were awarded to members of the Presidents Club (link does not work) of the medical technology company Medtronic. Update: A special Swatch with a blue strap (SUOK105J) also exists.   Update: Four Two more "Presidents Club" Swatch specials have surfaced.  The guarantee for these is dated 27-JUL-2018, so I am fairly sure that these were distributed later than the first four:  5. Color My Laquered Presidents Club (SUOS101D);  6. Blue Grey Lacquered Presidents Club (SUON102D);  7. Black Lacquered Presidents Club (SUOB101E);  8. Gilt Ghost Presidents Club (SUOK106F).  Update 2:  9. Blueboost Presidents Club (SUOB165C, SEP-2022).   Thanks to Fabrizio for the information and to Pedro Mota for the update.
• London Orb Sale.  On 23-APR-1993, 1000 out of 49999 POP Art Specials Orb (by Vivienne Westwood) were sold in London at the London Planetarium.  Here are all the details about the launch event (quite interesting, I would have loved to watch the queues...).  The Independent had a newspaper report about the launch back then...
• Laax Open 2019 special.  After a pause of many years, Swatch is again a partner of the Laax Open snowboarding event, taking place from 14 to 19-JAN in Laax, Switzerland.  This report mentions a special Laax Open Swatch issued for this event, exclusively available at the Swatch event booth in Laax.  It is a XX-Rated New Gent (red or black, 75 CHF) with a special Laax Open loop around the strap, packaged in a special paper sleeve.
• Chinese Year Of The Pig special.  2019 is the Year of the Pig according to the Chinese calendar.  As in the last years, Swatch will release a special Swatch: A Gent Gem Of New Year (GZ319) packaged in a nice special packaging (opened).  The watch is already on sale in several Asian countries including Hong Kong.  Update:  German Santiago has discovered a giant Gem Of New Year Maxi at Swatch Philippines HQ and R.J.Valdez has spotted another giant Gem Of New Year Maxi inside Ayala Mall in Makati.   Thanks to Thomas Chan for the photo.
• Shanghai Art Peace Hotel special 2019.  A new Shanghai Swatch Art Peace Hotel New Gent special is available since 06-JAN: Timeless Landscape (SUOZ291, 630 CNY, approx. 80 EURO).  The watch has been designed by Chinese artist Han Feng, former resident at the Art Peace Hotel in early 2017.  The watch is packaged in a nice paper sleeve.  Here is a picture of the actual watch and here is the official announcement on Instagram.  The watch is available at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai and online in China on TMall.  Previously, Swatch has issued five Swatch Art Peace Hotel specials:  1. Peace Hotel (GZ226S, 2010, 888 pcs);  2. Bund 19 (GZ228, 2010);  3. Peace Of Art (SUOZ160, 2013, also available as a limited version SUOZ160-1);  4. Black & White The Swatch Art Peace Hotel (SUOZ197, 2014);  5. Juls At Swatch Art Peace Hotel (SUOZ217, 2016) [not sure if this one should be considered more as an Artist Special].   Thanks to Sophia Chang for the photos and information.
• Valentine 2019 special.  According to this report, the Swatch Valentine special for 2019 is a Gent Swatch Triple Love (GZ322S).  The watch is limited and numbered to 5143 pcs.  It comes in a special Valentine’s Day box and costs 70 EURO (available starting 10-JAN).
• Swatch Aristocrazy collection in the Swatch Online Store.  The Swatch X Aristocrazy collection is now available in more countries (eg. Italy) in the Swatch Online Store.
• Vans 50th anniversary special.  For the 50th anniversary of Vans (manufacturer of skateboarding shoes and related apparel) in 2016, a special New Gent Swatch Vans 50th anniversary (SUOB116E) was given to employees only.  It was designed with the help of Jürgen Blümlein (curator of a German Skateboard Museum).   Thanks to Fred Mcfarland for the information and photo.
  
• Nord Stream special. A special Access Swatch Nord Stream (SKK124R) was released in Germany(?) by Nord Stream AG in NOV-2011 to celebrate the first transport of gas through pipeline Nord Stream Line 1. No further info so far.