Traveling Back in Time at Swallow-d in Zürich

We were recently warped back in time when we entered Swallow-d in Zürich's Kreis 4. This nostalgic specialty shop is located just a few minutes of walking distance from the main station.

The interior is an entirely different world as it contains everything “retro” you can imagine: Wall clocks, lamps, radios, clocks and other gizmos, as well as fashion and miscellaneous wares from times past.

Whenever the store is open, you are sure to meet owner, shopkeeper and chief repair technician Tamara Rist.

The fact that Rist operates no less than five flip clocks in her own apartment speaks volumes about her passion. During our recent visit, she was busy disassembling a retro radio/flip clock. The motor which activates the flipping mechanism needed a fine-tuning and gentle cleaning.

“Oftentimes, people think that their clocks are broken because they no longer tick.” Tamara Rist has the skills (and spare parts inventory) to bring life back to these charming machines of the past.

My tip: Do not miss the extensive postcard collection! Featuring new and gently used cards, why not select a very unique card for your friend's birthday? I actually fell in love with the numerous postcards of airplanes and airports...

But if stalagmites and stalactites ring your bell, you may find pleasure in Swallow-d’s extensive assortment of souvenir postcards from caves. Yes, caves.

More Information

Swallow-d, Josefstrasse 12, 8005 Zürich
Take tram 4/13 to "Museum für Gestaltung" or walk the short distance from the main station
Open Tue - Fri, 12 - 7 PM, and Sat, 12 - 4 PM