There have been many shocking moments in the watch world this year, before, during and after the recently concluded Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, but nothing came close to the recent announcement that ultra luxury watch brand Audemars Piguet would partner with Swatch.
The rumours flew, the hype built, guesses on what the product(s) would be were tossed around online and then the announcement came. “A collection that breaks the rules of watchmaking and disrupts the traditional way of wearing a watch.”
The Audemars Piguet & Swatch collaboration no one expected but curiously anticipated was on the way. Would they take on Swatch motifs? Would it be like previous Swatch x (luxury brand) collabs? Nope, they’re pocket watches! According to Audemars Piguet, “This model is part of the long tradition of Audemars Piguet pocket watches, which has its roots in the 19th century. During the 1960s and 1970s, many variations of ultra-thin watches were created in very small series, which were sometimes round in shape, but often polygonal, hexagonal and even octagonal.”
Here’s what we know about the upcoming Audemars Piguet x Swatch Launch Royal Pop Pocket Watch Collection set to drop starting May 16.
- The Royal Pop incorporates key AP Royal Oak signatures, including the “Petite Tapisserie” pattern, the octagonal bezel, and its eight hexagonal screws. The vertical satin finish on the bezel and case back reinforce the collection’s identity, while Super-LumiNova®️ Grade A on the hands and hour markers ensures optimal nighttime readability. The entire collection features two sapphire crystals on the front and back of the case.
- The watches come in 8 distinct colorways: Otto Rosso, Huit Blanc, Green Eight, Blaue Acht, Lan Ba, OTG Roz, Ocho Negro, Orenji Hachi.
- Each watch in the colourful bioceramic collection is a brand-new hand-wound version of Swatch’s innovative signature SISTEM51 movement. presented here in a new hand-wound version incorporating 15 active patents. It offers over 90 hours of power reserve, an anti-magnetic Nivachron™️ balance spring and laser-based precision adjustment performed directly at the factory; finished with a dash of Pop Art energy.
- Each model comes in one of two unique styles: Lépine ($400) or Savonnette ($420).
With the Royal Pop, the timepiece moves beyond the wrist to express itself differently. Worn around the neck, in the pocket, as a bag charm or as an accessory, each piece stands out with a high-quality calfskin lanyard with contrast stitching, adding a playful yet contemporary dimension. With three lanyard lengths and other accessories like a removable stand, you can wear it or showcase it in your own unique way. Accessories are available exclusively online.
“Why this collaboration? For the joy and boldness it represents. Because audacity is often the starting point of innovation and new ideas. And because it invites a broader audience including the younger generations to experience mechanical watchmaking differently”
-Ilaria Resta-Chief Executive Officer
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The Audemars Piguet x Swatch ‘Royal Pop’ collection is only available in a selection of Swatch stores and set to launch on May 16; 1 watch per person per store and day.
UPDATE: According to wording from Swatch, “The Royal Pop Collection will remain available for several months. In some countries/regions, queues of more than 50 people cannot be accepted, and sales may need to be paused.”
