Swatch unveils two Japan-inspired art watches with Tokyo taxis, moonlit bridges, and summer fireworks
Swatch has introduced two new Japan-inspired watches in its Destination Art collection, bringing together playful storytelling, Japanese visual culture, and the distinctive style of Tokyo illustrator Shinji Tsuchimochi. Launched on October 16, 2026, the two quartz watches take very different creative paths: one imagines a futuristic Tokyo taxi racing toward the moon, while the other looks back to Japan’s Edo-period scenery with a bridge, fireworks, and a calm summer evening atmosphere.
The collection blends modern and traditional influences. Tsuchimochi, who was born in Tokyo, is known for artwork that mixes ukiyo-e-inspired composition with the energy of manga and anime. His style also reflects inspiration from major artists such as Utagawa Hiroshige and Vincent van Gogh, giving these Swatch designs a look that feels both familiar and fresh.
The first model, Expressway to the Future, turns Tokyo into a vivid sci-fi dream. The dial shows a colorful cityscape with a taxi heading toward the moon, as if an ordinary ride through the city has suddenly become an interstellar journey. Yellow lightning-shaped hands add extra energy to the design, reinforcing the watch’s futuristic mood.
Expressway to the Future features a 41 mm case, a quartz movement, and 3 bar water resistance. The dark blue case and strap are decorated with multicolored artwork, allowing the illustration to continue beyond the dial. This gives the watch a bold, animated look that should appeal to collectors who enjoy wearable art, Japanese pop culture, and standout Swatch designs.
In Japan, this Tokyo-themed model is available through selected Swatch stores, including Ginza, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama Vivre. While its Japanese release is more limited in availability than the second model, Swatch has not described it as a numbered limited edition or a global exclusive.
The second watch, Bridge to the Past, offers a softer and more nostalgic interpretation of Japan. Instead of a futuristic city, it draws inspiration from an Edo-period bridge and a peaceful Japanese summer night. The design includes fireworks and colors that recall wind chimes, creating a lighter and more transparent visual effect.
Bridge to the Past comes in a 34 mm case made from biosourced material. Its transparent finish continues through the strap, giving the watch an airy, delicate appearance. Gold-colored hands sit beneath biosourced glass, while the watch is powered by a quartz movement and offers 3 bar water resistance.
Unlike Expressway to the Future, Bridge to the Past is available more widely in Japan through Swatch stores nationwide and the brand’s Japanese online shop. This broader release reflects the watch’s theme, which represents Japan as a whole rather than focusing specifically on Tokyo.
Together, the two watches create a striking contrast. Expressway to the Future captures Tokyo’s speed, color, and futuristic imagination, with a taxi soaring toward the moon. Bridge to the Past slows the pace, using traditional imagery to connect Japan’s history, summer festivals, and timeless scenery.
Swatch’s Destination Art collection is built around the idea of pairing places with artists who have a meaningful connection to them. In this case, Shinji Tsuchimochi’s Japan-inspired artwork gives both watches a strong sense of location and personality. One looks ahead to a neon-lit future, while the other reflects on the beauty of the past.
Both watches went on sale in Japan on October 16, 2026. Expressway to the Future is priced at ¥18,150, while Bridge to the Past is priced at ¥16,500. Swatch has not announced a production limit for either model. However, availability may vary depending on location, especially for the Tokyo-focused Expressway to the Future, which has a more selective retail presence in Japan.
