Audemars Piguet x Swatch and the Royal Pop Pocket Watch – Hit or Miss?
It is still too early to say whether the Audemars Piguet x Swatch “Royal Pop” model will be as successful as the “MoonSwatch.” Reactions on social media have been mixed so far. Comments range from “Royal Joke” to “OMG, this is so awesome!”
Whether you like it or not, “Royal Pop” has three exciting aspects to it.
First, there’s the automatic Swatch movement, Sistem51, which is now available in a hand-wound version. I suspect it won’t be limited to the “Royal Pop.” Why not capitalize on the current vintage craze within the young watch community with a pure Swatch hand-wound model?
It is also intriguing that a “venerable” manufacturer like Audemars Piguet—which operates in the high-end price segment—would enter into a partnership with Swatch in the year following its 150th anniversary—a brand whose products are likely viewed by most AP buyers as “plastic watches.” It remains to be seen whether the market is ready for such a collaboration.
Ilaria Rester, CEO of Audemars Piguet, writes on her LinkedIn account: “Opinions on this project are, of course, divided. They always are when luxury ventures beyond its traditional boundaries. This is precisely where relevance is reborn: when watchmaking sparks discussion, curiosity, desire, and even disagreement.”
It is also interesting to note that the press releases from AP and Swatch differ on one point: Audemars Piguet points out that 100 percent of the proceeds from this collaboration will be invested in a special initiative aimed at preserving and passing on watchmaking skills.
Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop: The Facts
The “Royal Pop” collection features eight colorful Swiss-made pocket watch-style models that can be worn in a variety of ways. They are made of bioceramic, a material consisting of two-thirds ceramic and one-third bioplastic.
In addition to Audemars Piguet’s “Royal Oak,” the Swatch “Pop” line from the 1980s also served as a source of inspiration. This explains the name “Royal Pop.”
Instead of a wristband, a lanyard serves as the strap—that is, a cord or string that can be worn around the neck, on the wrist, attached to a bag, or clipped to a belt loop. In the case of the “Royal Pop,” it is made of leather, features contrast stitching, and is available in eight colors and three lengths. There is also a small stand that allows the watch to be converted into a table clock.
The watch is secured by inserting the back into the clip. The clip can also be removed if desired. The clicking sound produced when securing the watch is intended to serve as the signature acoustic feature of this collection.
Sistem51: Manual winding for the Royal Pop
Inside is the Swatch Sistem51 mechanical movement. In 2013, the Swatch Group set out to demonstrate that a Swiss mechanical automatic watch could be produced extremely affordably and fully automatically. The movement consists of just 51 components and is assembled entirely by automated processes.
A hand-wound version of the “Royal Pop” was designed using 25 active patents. It offers over 90 hours of power reserve and is equipped with an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring. The latter was developed in collaboration with Audemars Piguet and is therefore also found in some AP models. The new Sistem51 movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
Immediate and Unusual Power Reserve Indicator
One of the patents relates to the design of the barrel, which serves not only decorative purposes but also indicates the watch’s power reserve. When the barrel chambers are visible in gray, the coils of the mainspring can be seen—a sign that the watch needs to be wound.
If, on the other hand, a golden hue is visible, the mainspring is no longer visible through the barrel windows. The mainspring is then fully wound, indicating that the watch is fully wound and running at full power.
Eight color combinations and two pocket watch sizes for the Royal Pop
In addition to eight color combinations, you can also choose between two pocket watch sizes:
- A Lépine-style pocket watch with the winding crown at 12 o'clock. The time is indicated by just two hands (hours and minutes). This version is available in six models.
- A Savonnette-style pocket watch with the winding crown at 3 o'clock. This version is available in two models. It features a sub-dial with a small seconds hand at 6 o'clock.
But why exactly eight models for Audemars Piguet x Swatch? This number refers to the eight sides of the case as well as the eight screws on the “Royal Oak’s” signature bezel. Fittingly, the “Royal Pop” also holds eight additional patents for its case design.
The case is 8.4 millimeters high and has a diameter of 40 millimeters. With the frame attached, the dimensions increase to 44.2 x 53.2 millimeters.
Royal Oak design in the Swatch style
The “Petite Tapisserie” dial pattern beneath the sapphire crystal has been one of the defining design features of the “Royal Oak” collection since 1972. All eight “Royal Pop” models therefore feature this instantly recognizable pattern.
This also applies to the vertical satin finish on the octagonal bezel, whose characteristic eight hexagonal screws are also featured. On all eight models, however, the “screws” are welded to the case rather than screwed in. The printed case back is also welded rather than screwed in.
The Audemars Piguet x Swatch collection will be available exclusively at select Swatch stores starting May 16, 2026. As with other Swatch collaborations, customers may purchase only one watch per person, per day, and per participating store. (MSRP: €385 or €400)
