Swatch
As part of The Graphic Designers Collection from Swatch, Lorenzo Petrantoni proposes five different designs which are all equally amazing. Using a stark palette of black and white, the artist’s complex array of illustrative patterns and motifs – which he achieves by reassembling cut-outs from old books, almost like a contemporary form of patchwork – are intricately printed upon the sleek silicone and plastic surfaces of the various watch designs. The quality of this printing process is incredibly precise, ensuring that every single detail can be minutely scrutinized and fully appreciated. Furthermore, each watch features the well-known Swatch logo printed on the inside of the plastic glass, creating a pleasing 3-D effect.
What was Lorenzo Petrantoni inspirations? “The old and the new come together. Past and present, united in a unique project. This collection of five watches is the offspring of this perfect union. They were designed with decorations, characters and letters and symbols that date back to the 19th century. For me it has been a fascinating, surprising and original project. The idea was to give life to characters and objects from our past once more, while they are often forgotten in dusty bookshops, and to make them modern and aesthetically beautiful by using them for a young and stylish brand. Truly, there was nothing like a Swatch to welcome them into our times.”
This Hypnotic Eye watch retails for $70