For over 70 years we have been happily reading about the life and adventures of Charlie Brown and his friends. The characters are part of the internationally popular Peanuts daily comic strip. The original strip ran from 1950 to 2000 and during its run was in over 2,600 newspapers in 75 countries and was translated into 21 languages. This year Swatch has decided to immortalize the beloved characters in watch form as well. The Swatch x Peanuts collaboration consists of six watches inspired by the comic strip. Get to know the Swatch x Peanuts collaboration in detail below.
Brief History of Peanuts
The Peanuts strip pioneered the now popular panel comic format. The comic strips were written and illustrated solely by Charles M. Schulz for its entire run. Peanuts follows a social group of children. The main character is the shy and nervous Charlie Brown. The comic strip is beloved by many not only due to the comedic situations the children get into but also due to its sociological and philosophical undertones. Some of the most well-known characters from the series, apart from Charlie Brown, are Snoopy the beagle and “Peppermint” Patty.
The 1960s was the gag strip’s most successful period. The strip was always ahead of its time as it included socially conscious storylines and scenarios from the beginning. The strip has tackled topics such as the Vietnam war, space exploration and racism. Notably, in 1966, the television special “Charlie Brown’s All Stars!” aired and dealt with themes of sexism. Charlie was meant to choose between sponsorship of his baseball team and keeping the girls and Snoopy on the team. Second-wave feminism was gaining prevalence at the time. It can be said the television special marked the comic strip’s support for the movement.
Peanuts ended on January 3rd 2000, due to Schulz age and health and the fact he and his family didn’t want anyone else to continue the strip. He parted with the audience through a heartfelt letter “written” by Snoopy.
The Swatch x Peanuts Watches
All of the watches from the Swatch x Peanuts collection feature cases made of bio-sourced material and silicone straps. The materials make the watches extremely comfortable to wear. All models should not be submerged in water as they are only splash-resistant and may be damaged. In addition, powering the collection is a quartz movement, guaranteeing uncompromising Swatch precision and accuracy.
Swatch SMAK! Swatch x Peanuts Watch SO29Z108
The first Swatch watch on our list is the SMAK! model. It has been designed to emulate the traditional comic strip look. The bio-sourced case is vibrant blue which matches the underside of the silicone strap. The case measures 41 mm in diameter. The comic strip design of the watch gives it a playful multi-coloured appeal. The name of the model is selected as a panel of Snoopy giving Lucy a kiss is featured. The name is an onomatopoeia of the sound the kiss makes.
Swatch FIRST BASE Swatch x Peanuts Watch SO29Z107
The First Base model is a nod to the children’s love of baseball. Though they may not be the best team, they are in it together. Whether they win or lose they always have fun. This model features a panoramic design of all the characters on the white background of the silicone strap. The blue case measures 41 mm in diameter. The dial is also white and has an image of the gang chatting happily and celebrating. Featured at the top of the minute and the second hands are a baseball glove and ball.
Swatch HEE HEE HEE Swatch x Peanuts Snoopy and Woodstock SO29Z106
The HEE HEE HEE model is perhaps the simplest in the collection. The strap and 41 mm case are both blue. The dial and strap feature Snoopy and his best friend Woodstock. Woodstock is a small yellow bird who no one but Snoopy can understand. In the comic Woodstock speaks in chicken scratch. This is also represented on the watch in the white speach bubble over his head. At the end of the minute and seconds hand is Snoopy’s red food bowl and a small image of Woodstock.
Swatch POW WOW Swatch x Peanuts Charlie Brown Watch SO29Z101
POW WOW is a watch inspired by the main character, Charlie Brown. Charlie is easily recognisable due to his iconic yellow shirt with a zigzag stripe. The model has a semi-transparant case and a yellow strap. The strap features black and white images of Charlie, while the dial has a coloured image of him skateboarding away. The hands on this model are minimalist. The minute and hour hands are black batons, while the second hand is red in order to better stand out. The dial only features hour-markers from 12 to 5 o’clock.
Swatch GRANDE BRACCHETTO Swatch x Peanuts Snoopy Watch SO28Z107
Another watch inspired by a specific character is the Grande Bracchetto. The watch features various images of Snoopy. In the images, the famous beagle is a detective, an astronaute and even a pirate. Both the 34 mm case and the strap are black. The dial, however, is white. The dial shows Snoopy sitting in front of his iconic red dog house reading. On top of the house, you can see Woodstock. Next to them, honouring Swatch’s heritage is proudly displayed the Swiss flag. The hands on the model are yellow.
Swatch KLUNK! Swatch x Peanuts Lucy Van Pelt Watch SO28Z106
Last but not least on our list is the KLUNK! watch. The 3rd in the series to be inspired by a character. The model features images of Lucy. She is confident and inspiring, always letting her opinions be known. Black and white images of her doing various activities are placed on the red strap. The model also has a read case that measures 34 mm in diameter. Blue accents, such as the hands and the buckle are featured on the model. The dial of the watch is white and shows Lucy swinging on a swing.
What do you think of the Swatch x Peanuts collaboration? Are you a fan of Charlier Brown and the gang? Let us know in the comments below.
