Swatch Art
Yoko Ono Swatch: Film No. 4 (1996)
At first sight it is a quiet gray watch. Look closer and Yoko Ono's Swatch shows a row of film frames of a bare bottom, a nod to her famous 1960s film.
- Year
- 1996
- Artist
- Yoko Ono
- Brand
- Swatch
- Reference
- GB168
Yoko Ono Swatch at a glance
Film No. 4 is a 1996 Art Special by Yoko Ono for Swatch. Swatch describes it as "mutely, understatedly elegant and delightfully provocative". The surface is grayscale, but on closer inspection it reveals a film-reel series of a derriere. A dealer listing gives the reference as GB168.
The artist
Yoko Ono is a Japanese-born artist, musician and peace activist, linked with the Fluxus movement of the 1960s. Her conceptual works often use instructions, humor and everyday situations. The watch takes its name from her 1966 film Film No. 4, often called "Bottoms", which shows a long series of bare bottoms walking.
Design and details
- 34 mm plastic case with quartz movement.
- Grayscale design with a sequence of film frames.
- The joke only works up close, which is why many people overlook it.
Edition size and release
We could not verify an edition size, so we do not state one. The watch appeared in 1996 as part of the Swatch Art Specials, the same year as Art Specials by Nam June Paik and Annie Leibovitz.
Yoko Ono Swatch on the secondary market
Collectors of Swatch Art and fans of Yoko Ono both look for this watch, and it is often bought as a piece of conceptual art as much as a timepiece. As with all Swatches, an unworn piece in its original packaging is what counts. Worn watches with scratched crystals or replaced straps are much less attractive. The name of the artist alone does not make a high price.
How to check a Yoko Ono Swatch
Look closely at the print: the film frames should be clear and match documented photos. Check the reference on the back and the packaging. Make sure the strap is original, since a gray strap from another model can look similar. Our guide on how to spot a fake watch explains what else to look for.
What is your Yoko Ono Swatch worth?
Send us photos of the watch, the back and the packaging for a free watch value estimate. If you need a document, for example for an estate, order a written appraisal.
Frequently asked questions
What does Yoko Ono's Swatch show?
A grayscale design that, on closer inspection, shows a film-reel series of a bare bottom, referring to her film Film No. 4.
When was the Yoko Ono Swatch released?
In 1996, as a Swatch Art Special.
Is the Yoko Ono Swatch rare?
We could not verify an edition size. Condition and original packaging matter more than the name alone.
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