The prospect of becoming a watch designer is incredibly appealing to me. Imprinting your personal touch on a small metal case that encases a mechanical marvel is a unique way to etch your name into history.
Entering this field means becoming part of a distinguished lineage. Iconic designers like Gerald Genta and Jorg Hysek enjoy a rockstar status among generations of watch aficionados.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Unfortunately, my drawing skills are limited to stick figures, making me ill-equipped to create any designs myself.
This is where the innovative Swatch AI-Dada tool becomes incredibly useful. This AI-driven platform lets users enter prompts to generate watch designs in real-time, eliminating artistic skill as a barrier to your watch design aspirations.
I decided to test it out by designing a watch and ordered the final product to see how it turned out.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
To start the process, visit the Swatch website to create an account. The setup is quick, allowing you to dive right into the design process.
The design interface is user-friendly. Just input a prompt of up to 300 characters and hit submit. Within about two minutes, the AI generates a design based on your input, displaying a rendered version of the watch.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Once you settle on a design you like, you can make minor adjustments such as changing the color of the movement or altering the transparency of the hands. If the result is not to your liking, you can redo it, though you’ll be limited to three prompts per account each day.
My experience differed slightly, as I was using the tool before its official launch. Consequently, I submitted my prompt through email and didn’t see the watch until it arrived days later.
Let’s discuss the packaging—the often overlooked aspect that can elevate the overall experience.
The outer AI-Dada branded sleeve conceals a neatly packaged Swatch box. When opened, it reveals the watch nestled inside, making the unboxing experience feel truly special.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
The watch will seem instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with classic Swatch models. Its flexible strap and lightweight plastic case ensure comfort, making it ideal for everyday wear.
One notable detail is that it has a distinct ticking sound; I could hear the quartz movement ticking before even unboxing it! If you prefer a quiet watch on your nightstand, this is something to consider. I, however, keep mine out of earshot while sleeping.
(Image credit: Sam Cross)
Another consideration is the cost. Priced at £163 (approximately €187 / US$222 / AU$312), this is just over twice the cost of a similar model from the regular collection. This might dissuade some buyers, as the price reflects the innovative design tool involved.
Nonetheless, I believe it offers good value, especially if you’re aiming for a unique design. In the broader context of the watch market, this price remains relatively affordable, and for a bit of creative fun, I think it’s worth the investment.
