Swatch Art
Jean-Michel Folon Swatch (1987)
The Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon brought his soft watercolors to Swatch in 1987. His three Gent watches are a quiet but popular chapter of early Swatch Art.
- Year
- 1987
- Artist
- Jean-Michel Folon
- Brand
- Swatch
- Edition size
- 5,000 unnumbered pieces per model
- Reference
- GZ109 (No. 1 Voir), GZ108 (No. 3 Le Temps)
Folon Swatch at a glance
In 1987 the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon designed three Gent watches for Swatch. Auction catalogs list them as numbered designs: Folon No. 1 "Voir" (GZ109) and Folon No. 3 "Le Temps" (GZ108) are documented, together with a second model. A Folon Maxi Swatch wall clock followed later.
The artist
Jean-Michel Folon was a Belgian illustrator, painter and sculptor. He is known for poetic watercolors in soft gradients and for his small man in a hat and coat, a figure that appears in posters, book covers and sculptures. His dreamy, calm style is a strong contrast to the loud pop designs of other 1980s Swatches.
Design and details
- Swatch Gent case (34 mm plastic) with quartz movement.
- Dials and straps carry Folon's watercolor motifs.
- The model names (Voir, Le Temps) are part of the design story, so check the name on the packaging.
- A Folon Maxi Swatch wall clock (MGZ001) also exists. It is a clock, not a watch.
Edition size and release
The Couton Jamault Hirn auction catalog describes each Folon Gent as a limited edition of 5,000 unnumbered pieces. They were sold as Swatch Specials, so they were easier to buy than the tiny Kiki Picasso edition.
Folon Swatch on the secondary market
Folon Swatches are sought after but not rare in absolute terms. Value depends almost entirely on condition. Unworn watches in the original box, with intact strap and no scratches on the crystal, are what collectors want. A complete set of the three 1987 watches is more attractive than a single piece. The watches are unnumbered, so there is no low number to look for.
How to check a Folon Swatch
Compare the reference on the case back or packaging (GZ108, GZ109) with the design. Check that the strap matches the dial, since straps were often swapped. Old batteries can leak, so look at the case back and ask whether the watch runs. Our guide on how to spot a fake watch lists more points.
What is your Folon Swatch worth?
Photograph the watch, the box and any papers, then try our free watch value estimate. For a larger Swatch collection or an estate, a written appraisal lists every piece with a value.
Frequently asked questions
How many Folon Swatches were made?
Each of the 1987 Folon Gent watches was made in 5,000 unnumbered pieces, according to auction catalogs.
Are Folon Swatches numbered?
No. The 1987 Folon Gent watches are described as unnumbered limited editions.
Is the Folon Maxi Swatch a watch?
No. The Maxi Swatch (MGZ001) is a large wall clock in the shape of a Swatch.
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