Someone over in Sweden is either in the know and giving a nod, or is completely out of the loop and has no idea what’s going on in the world.
Way back in 1987, Swatch dropped the X-Rated Swatch (GB406). At the time, it was probably just a Generation X related motif, with some possible new wave connotations. The Youth Crew got a hold of them, and they spread through the scene like a wildfire. It was essentially the most crucial piece of time keeping to finish off your ensemble. But at the time, the X-Rated swatch had NOTHING to do with straight edge.
Flash forward 20 years. Swatch releases a new watch, and it’s called the “Straight Edge” (YCS1006). The name is what perked my ears up. Looking at this watch, you can see no nods towards hardcore, punk or Straight Edge. Maybe it’s just a cool name?
Clevo, thoughts?
switzerland
These came out when I was working for Swatch, I don’t think I ever got an answer about the name. The Irony line from that time period are pretty sweet, especially the aluminum chronos like Straight Edge and Time Cut (the original Time Cut is probably my 2nd most worn watch in my collection.) This watch suffered from a terrible bracelet that never fit me properly.
Fuck. I knew I had the country wrong. LOL at my x-rated swatch clearly saying “SWISS” and laying on my arm less than 2″ from my head. Ooooffffff
I heard that the X-Rated Swatch was a nod to Malcom X and the popularity of that in the late 80’s.
The Malcolm X thing is urban legend. The collection the X Rated is in (Neo-Geo) are all bold designs mostly in B&W. THe Malcolm X craze came a few years later.