So, it’s time to take an official first look at the Swatch x Audemars Piguet collaboration.
The long-rumoured collaboration between Swatch and Audemars Piguet has finally landed, but instead of delivering a straightforward take on the Royal Oak, the brands have gone in a far more experimental direction. Dubbed the “Royal Pop,” the project transforms the DNA of Audemars Piguet’s most iconic design into a playful series of collectible pocket watches inspired by vintage Pop Swatch models from the 80s.
Rather than creating a traditional wristwatch, the collection reimagines the Royal Oak as a wearable accessory designed to hang from chains, bags, or clothing. While the format is unexpected, the familiar AP design cues are still present throughout. For example, the octagonal silhouette and exposed screws are complemented by textured dials that echo the look of the original Royal Oak.
The release includes eight colourful variations, each referencing the number eight in different languages, a subtle nod to the Royal Oak’s signature eight-sided bezel. Swatch’s influence is felt heavily in the vibrant colour palette and playful styling, while Audemars Piguet’s luxury detailing keeps the collaboration rooted in high-end watch culture.
Inside, the watches feature a reworked version of Swatch’s SISTEM51 movement, now adapted into a hand-wound mechanical setup with extended power reserve. Transparent backs reveal graphic artwork embedded in the movement itself, further leaning into the release's artistic collectible nature.
Ahead of the launch, speculation online suggested the collaboration would be a more accessible Royal Oak wristwatch in the same vein as the MoonSwatch phenomenon. Instead, the brands opted for something more niche and fashion-orientated, likely aiming to blur the line between watchmaking, design, and streetwear culture.
Even with mixed reactions from purist collectors, excitement around the drop remains high. Long queues are already forming outside select Swatch stores ahead of the official release, with many expecting the Royal Pop to become one of the year’s most talked-about watch collaborations.
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