Swatch x Audemars Piguet: Confirmed – the “Royal Pop” is coming
There were still a few skeptics who, despite clear hints on Swatch’s Instagram account, couldn’t believe that Swatch would enter into a partnership with a brand outside the group after Omega and Blancpain. And of all brands, with Audemars Piguet, one of the Big Five in the Swiss watch industry.
AP has now also mentioned the collaboration. The parents even announced the name on Instagram a week before the launch date of May 16, 2026: “Royal Pop.” A combination of “Royal Oak”—Audemars Piguet’s iconic model—and “Swatch Pop,” a cult watch from Swatch from the 1980s and 1990s. The latter unmistakably indicates that this will be a multifunctional watch. Not in terms of complications, but in terms of how it can be worn.
The watch face of the colorful “Swatch Pop” models could be attached to various mounts. In addition to the classic wristband, there were reportedly clips, brooches, pendants, table stands, as well as belt, bag, and even bicycle mounts.
“Clac”—that’s the sound it made when the watch face was replaced. And it was exactly this sound that Swatch highlighted on Instagram a few days ago, along with a kind of leather strap available in various colors.
And one thing is certain: it will be a mechanical watch. It may be powered by the Swatch Sistem51 movement, which is already used in the Swatch x Blancpain collaboration, the “Scuba Fifty Fathoms.” It is permanently integrated into the case and, if necessary, cannot be repaired or adjusted. For this reason, some people refer to it as a “disposable” movement.
And just as with previous collaborative models, the watch world is divided between eager anticipation and dismissive criticism. There is likely no dispute, however, that Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek has already pulled off the watch marketing coup of the year. And just as with previous collaborative models, the watch world is divided between eager anticipation and dismissive criticism. There is little doubt, however, that Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek has already pulled off the watch marketing coup of the year.
