Swatch Art
Keith Haring Swatch (1986)
Keith Haring's 1986 Swatches put his dancing figures and snakes on the wrist. They are among the best-known Swatch Art Specials, but later Haring Swatches cause a lot of confusion.
- Year
- 1986
- Artist
- Keith Haring
- Brand
- Swatch
- Edition size
- reported as 9,999 pieces (dealer source)
- Reference
- GZ102 (Serpent)
Keith Haring Swatch at a glance
In 1986 Swatch released a set of Art Specials by the American artist Keith Haring. Swatch lists four models: Modèle avec Personnages, Serpent, Milles Pattes and Blanc sur Noir. Together with the Kiki Picasso piece of 1985, they are the foundation of the Swatch Art story.
The artist
Keith Haring was one of the defining artists of 1980s New York. His bold lines, cartoon-like figures and bright colors moved from subway drawings to galleries and to everyday objects. His link with Swatch began before the watches: in 1984 he designed the poster for the Swatch World Breakdance Championship in New York, according to Swatch.
Design and details
- Standard 34 mm plastic Swatch case with quartz movement.
- Serpent (reference GZ102) shows Haring's snake motif.
- Milles Pattes ("millipede"), Modèle avec Personnages (with his figures) and Blanc sur Noir (white on black) complete the set.
- Dial, strap and case are all part of the design, so a replaced strap changes the watch.
Edition size and release
The watches were sold as limited Art Specials through normal Swatch channels. The dealer Analog:Shift states that the run was limited to 9,999 pieces. Swatch itself does not give a number on its art history page, so treat this figure with some care.
Keith Haring Swatch on the secondary market
Collectors want unworn watches with the original strap and packaging. In the Antiquorum online Swatch sale of November 2001, a Keith Haring Serpent (GZ102) sold for SFr. 1,035 including premium. Haring prototypes and the four models were also part of the Blum collection sold by Phillips de Pury in Hong Kong in 2011. Complete sets usually draw more interest than single pieces.
How to check a Keith Haring Swatch
The biggest pitfall is a later Haring Swatch. Swatch released a Disney Mickey Mouse x Keith Haring collection in 2021 (including Mickey Blanc sur Noir) and new Haring models in 2024. These are genuine Swatches but not the 1986 Art Specials. Check the reference, the case style and the strap print, and compare with photos of documented 1986 pieces. Our guide on how to spot a fake watch helps with the basics.
What is your Keith Haring Swatch worth?
Whether you have one model or the full set, send us clear photos for a free watch value estimate. If you need a document for insurance or an estate, ask for a written appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
How many Keith Haring Swatches were there in 1986?
Swatch lists four models: Modèle avec Personnages, Serpent, Milles Pattes and Blanc sur Noir.
Is my Mickey Mouse Keith Haring Swatch from 1986?
Probably not. The Disney Mickey Mouse x Keith Haring collection came out in 2021. Mickey Blanc sur Noir belongs to that later series.
What reference is the Keith Haring Serpent?
The Serpent is reference GZ102, as listed in the Antiquorum sale results of 2001.
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