Swatch and VERDY are team players. The Swiss watch brand and Japanese graphic artist both have an impressive portfolio of past collaborations, but until now, they've never got together themselves. This year it's happened—and it's a match made in heaven. Last week Swatch released a bronze-colored watch at the Biennale Arte, dedicated to VERDY’s famous cartoon character Vick. At the same time, they unveiled a giant statue of the lovable creature which was installed physically at the Biennale.
Now, though, the fruits of VERDY’s partnership with Swatch are available in their entirety—and to save you the heavy lifting, we’ve rounded them up below. With each watch based on one of VERDY’s most popular artistic creations, they make for a formidable, fun-loving squad.
For those who don’t know VERDY, it’s time to get up to speed. The Japanese graphic artist is one of the moment’s biggest names in street art and, more recently, streetwear. Born in Osaka and now living in Tokyo, he’s collaborated with the best of the best in fashion and music. Through his Girls Don't Cry and Wasted Youth brands, he’s created some of the most sought-after designs in streetwear. A$AP Rocky and Post Malone are fans. He’s the artistic director of the K-Pop sensation group BLACKPINK. Really, you should know him.
As for Swatch, given its risk-taking attitude and insatiable appetite for collaboration (especially when it comes to street art and graphic design), it was a perfect fit. If you’re a fan of either VERDY or Swatch, owning a piece from this collection is an absolute must. Ready to choose your fighter?
VICK
For a full introduction to VERDY’s happy-go-lucky character, check out the bronze-colored Biennale watch released last week. In this drop, Vick’s back again—this time returning to his true colors of black and white, and with a giant ‘A’ (for ‘Anarchy’, of course) stamped across the watchface. Swatch’s ever-popular, biosourced ‘NEW GENT’ model has an unobtrusive, versatile fit, and you’ll find Vick chilling out on the lower strap.
Who it’s for: ‘Radical’ uncles, little brothers (however old), overachievers who need to calm down.
VISTY
If this weren’t a watch, it’d be a hot water bottle, a cup of cocoa, or maybe just a hug. Visty is as cute as he is trustworthy—a frazzled and fluffy, grey, pink and blue stuffed toy, conceived by VERDY during the pandemic as a cheerful pick-me-up. Visty tumbles down each side of the strap and his spirit is complemented by the watch's sugary, lime-green colorway. This one's sure to get you through even the rainiest of days.
Who it’s for: Animal lovers, good listeners, anyone who lives in Brighton, Hufflepuffs.
GIRLS DON’T CRY
Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? Look no further. Based on one of VERDY’s most iconic projects which was originally a gift to his wife, the ‘Girls Don’t Cry’ watch might be the chicest of this drop, but it certainly wouldn’t keep a secret. With transparent casing revealing the mechanism inside, a see-through strap, as well as bold red, love heart detailing, we wouldn't be surprised if this one became a true classic.
Who it’s for: Friend group organizers, frenzied romantics, convertible owners, would-be A-list celebrities.
WASTED YOUTH
The name of VERDY’s clothing brand and skate team is a tongue-in-cheek message to his younger self: that no time is wasted. Tapping into his passion for punk and skate culture, it endorses hanging out, getting by, and, quite simply, being young. Below the face a message reads, somewhat enigmatically, “I can’t waste my time anymore,” and it comes in a deep, youthful blue.
Who it’s for: Cool kids, hip dads, the friend who's always late.
Grab your favorite piece from the Swatch x VERDY collab here.
