Swatch, the main partner of the "Locarno Film Festival 2026 (79th Locarno International Film Festival)," has announced the "LOCARNO79 PAY" to commemorate the festival. This model features a black dial with yellow accents and a leather strap made of faux leopard fur.
A new film commemorating the "Locarno Film Festival 2026" has been released.
Swatch has announced that it will be the main partner of the Locarno Film Festival 2026 (the 79th Locarno International Film Festival), which will be held from Wednesday, August 5th to Saturday, August 15th, 2026. In a partnership that shares a long-standing passion for film, creativity, and storytelling, Swatch will release a limited edition model, "LOCARNO79 PAY," to commemorate the film festival, and will also develop a variety of initiatives, including an opening celebration, art exhibitions, and awards to support filmmakers.
The "LOCARNO79 PAY" is a limited edition model commemorating the "Locarno Film Festival 2026 (79th Locarno International Film Festival)." It features "Swatch Pay," a contactless payment function available in select regions. Quartz movement. Resin case (41mm diameter, 9.85mm thickness). 3 ATM water resistance. 22,000 yen (tax included).
The LOCARNO79 PAY, launching to coincide with the film festival, is a wristwatch featuring the leopard print, a symbol of the festival since its inception. Based on the "NEW GENT" model, it features a sunray-finished black dial with vibrant yellow accents and a leather strap made of faux leopard fur. It also has a leather loop engraved with the film festival's name, expressing the festival's wild spirit. Furthermore, it is equipped with "Swatch Pay," a contactless payment function available in some regions, providing a smooth experience from the red carpet to the after-party. Please note that Swatch Pay is not available in Japan.
At the official opening party on Wednesday, August 5th, a video installation titled "Precarious Pangolins" by Sam Wild, the 2026 Swatch Art Peace Hotel Artist-in-Residence, will be on display. The work depicts pangolins navigating a jungle and outmaneuvering a leopard, and is said to contain a thought-provoking message within its playful expression. In addition, specially decorated shuttle vehicles reflecting the party's theme will be provided, and the tradition of awarding the "Swatch First Feature Award" worth 15,000 Swiss francs to a talented filmmaker will continue.
