Swatch and Joana Vasconcelos create unique Swatch Art Special

For Swatch at the 56th International Art Exhibition — la Biennale di Venezia, the renowned Portuguese contemporary artist Joana Vasconcelos created a fascinating installation, the enchanting Giardino dell’ Eden. Swatch and Joana Vasconcelos have now expanded their artistic partnership with a new work, LOOKSEASY, a unique, limited edition Swatch Art Special. A hymn to timeless elegance and a tribute to craftsmanship, the new work is the first Art Special ever to include handmade elements.

For this unique project, Joana Vasconcelos worked with artisans in northern Portugal who are specialists in the ancient technique of filigree. Following the artist's original drawing, the artisans handcrafted each gold dial of every single watch in the limited edition of 999 pieces. For this project they developed a sophisticated version of the filigree technique that allowed them to achieve great delicacy and lightness. Each watch was then assembled by hand by Swatch watchmaking experts, a real premiere.

"It was with great excitement," said Joana Vasconcelos, "that I accepted Swatch’s challenge to create a wearable, everyday watch. My work as an artist is widely based on the appropriation of artisanal techniques that are combined with materials of industrial sources, and reflects very much upon the concept of luxury – transforming everyday objects into high-culture items. Through this collaboration with Swatch, I am happy that my work may be experienced every day, on the hour."

LOOKSEASY by Joana Vasconcelos is presented in special packaging evocative of an exclusive jewelry box. Featuring a black velvet fabric exterior and a golden lining, it has a peek hole in the lid through which only the dial of the watch is visible.

SUOZ212S LOOKSEASY Model: New Gent
Dial: handmade metal filigree coated with gold PVD Case: glossy, solid black plastic

Bracelet: matte black silicone strap and loop with glossy black plastic buckle

Limited and numbered edition of 999. The edition number (001/999) appears on both the watch and special packaging.