After More Than 30 Years, Swatch Has Another Collectable Keith Haring Collaboration
Swatch has rolled out the second Haring collection, conceived together with the artist’s eponymous foundation.
Back in December, Coach launched a collaboration with Mickey Mouse and Keith Haring – offering a wide range of apparel and accessories. But if the collaboration wasn’t enough to convince you to own any of Haring's interpretation of the Disney icon, this Swatch collaboration just might.
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Swiss watch company Swatch has rolled out its latest range of the Disney Mickey Mouse x Keith Haring Collection ($149-$754) which spans three wristwatches and a Maxi wall clock in stores.
This collectable collection is a tribute to the artist who was best known for his revolutionary and provocative graffiti-esque pictograms, lines, and symbols and fascination with Mickey Mouse (it's said that Haring had always wanted to work for Disney).
The Eclectic Mickey watch by Swatch is also rendered in an oversized Maxi wall clock ($745).
Inspired by Haring's vibrant energy and aesthetic, this Swatch collection transforms Haring's Mickey Mouse works into wearable art. Besides the dials, the cartoon character also lands on the details of some of the watches. For instance, the nose on the dial of the Mickey Blanc Sur Noir.
The collaboration actually marks the second release for Swatch with the artist – the first was in 1986 when he designed four watches including the Keith Haring Serpent GZ102 which is now considered a rarity in the market.
Ahead, we’ve listed out the funky timepieces which will add a little pop to your watch collection.
Revisiting Haring’s earlier work, the Eclectic Mickey is the most vibrant piece of the collection and is said to be one of the most complicated pieces in the range. This New Gent model comes with a 41mm blue case, along with a dial piece and strap covered in Haring’s signature lines. The watch dial depicts a drawing of Mickey Mouse based on a 1982 piece by Haring. The timepiece also minimises its timekeeping features while maximising Haring’s work – of which you’ll notice the time is reduced to baton hands.
If you’re looking for a smaller watch face for your wrist, look over to the Mouse Mariniere. The 34mm case is decked out in striking red and white with Mickey Mouse clad in his shorts. The art work is printed on the crystal glass instead of the dial to bring more focus to its design.
But if you’re one who prefers something a little more minimalist, consider the Mickey Blanc Sur Noir. Taking centre stage on the dial, the Disney character, captured by Haring, is framed in a box against an all-black case and strap. What we love most about this piece is that the hands of the watch resemble yellow paper clips — giving the ticker a fun kooky touch.
This article first appeared in Her World