Bata's Pocket Watch in Augmented Reality

The Tomáš Bata Memorial in Zlín offers a new feature as part of guided tours starting January 17, 2025: a digital 3D model of Tomáš Bata's golden pocket watch with augmented reality display. The watch is a three-case Swiss Movado pocket watch from Bata's estate, which returned to Zlín in 2018 thanks to Bata's granddaughter Rosemarie Blyth-Bata and is loaned by the Tomáš Bata Foundation. The digital model was created by More.is.More using photogrammetry and a 3D scanner with structured light, which captures even glossy surfaces. Visitors can scan a QR code on their smartphone or tablet to access a webpage where they can rotate the watch, zoom in, and place it in their real environment – for example, photograph it on their desk. The 3D model also serves as an alternative to the physical artifact during winter, when the original watch is stored due to unsuitable climate conditions.

Guided tours run year-round and last 45 minutes. In the winter season (October–March), tours are held every Friday and weekends from 9:30 to 16:30; in the main season (April–September), daily except Mondays from 9:30 to 17:30. Tours always start on the hour at the main entrance to the memorial (T. G. Masaryka Square 2570). Tickets can be purchased online at pamatnikbata.eu or in person at the Info Point in the adjacent gymnasium building (T. G. Masaryka Square 2734). Due to limited group capacity, advance booking is recommended.