To coincide with the Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland, Swatch has released the 78th official limited edition model, "LOCARNO78." The watch features the festival's iconic leopard motif and is based on a poster design by photographer Wolfgang Tillmans. Its unique details, such as the iridescent holographic effect, add to its appeal.
The 2025 Locarno Film Festival commemorative Swatch is no ordinary item
Swatch, which has supported the Locarno International Film Festival since 2017, has released a commemorative model almost every year inspired by the festival's symbol, the leopard. However, the watch released for 2025 is not a commemorative model, but a special one.
First of all, the design. This year's poster design for the Locarno International Film Festival was created by Wolfgang Tillmans, a photographer highly acclaimed in the field of contemporary art. The poster combines photographs of leopards and leopard-print fur that he previously photographed, and the colors shift like a shimmering rainbow, creating a holographic impression.
Quartz movement. Bio-based material case (diameter 41.00mm, thickness 9.85mm). Water resistant to 3 ATM. Price: 18,150 yen (tax included).
Swatch has incorporated the essence of this poster into a watch, announcing the "LOCARNO78," a commemorative model for 2025. The dial, with its subtle dotted indexes, is, of course, leopard-print.
Furthermore, the crystal has the solar spectrum effect, which is used on some Swatch models. This effect is achieved by applying a polarized coating to the crystal, which causes the color to change depending on the angle from which it is viewed, and is perfectly suited to the color separation effect seen in the poster.
The strap is covered with a holographic leopard fur image that gives the impression of a watercolor painting, and the yellow strap with the name of the film festival "LOCARNO78" printed on it adds an accent to the watch.
The case and buckle are made of black clear bio-based materials, demonstrating Swatch's sustainability-conscious approach.
Swatch Pit Stop: A film and watch experience
Swatch set up a shop selling the watches, called Swatch Pit Stop, within the festival grounds. The exterior is modeled after a gas station, which has been used as a motif in many classic films, as gas stations are important turning points in the story. However, the festival has now finished, as it was held from August 6th to August 16th.
In addition to purchasing a watch, visitors were also able to see works by contemporary artists who had stayed at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel, an artist-in-residence program run by Swatch in Shanghai.
The works on display this time are by three artists who have previously stayed at the artist-in-residence program: Juan Pablo Chipe, Lei Lei, and Philippe Ortelli.
Juan Pablo Chipe
Juan Pablo Chipe presented a pop art piece made from recycled materials, combining biscuit tins and egg cartons, a unique object that lies somewhere between fashion and sculpture.
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Lei Lei hand-colours the black-and-white negatives that document everyday life in China over a long period of time, collected by the Beijing Yinkai project he is involved in, giving them a timeless presence.
Philippe Ortelli
Philippe Ortelli's works are colorful sculptures made from beverage cans, which simultaneously express humor, consumer criticism, and a poetic sensibility.
The film festival begins on the journey to the venue
As in previous years, specially designed Swatch vehicles will transport film fans from the train station or port to the festival venues. This shuttle service, which allows film fans to experience the excitement of the festival even before the films start to appear on the screen, has become an iconic part of summer in Locarno.
