The internet has been buzzing with excitement about the watch collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Swatch. However, the actual release is not what many expect. Instead of a wristwatch, the partnership has produced a pocket watch called the Royal Pop, available in eight colorways and two distinct styles.
What Is the Royal Pop?
The ultra-luxury timepiece brand Audemars Piguet has teamed up with Swatch to create a mash-up design that combines elements of the AP Royal Oak and the Swatch Pop. The pocket watch is crafted from a bioceramic material and features the recognizable octagonal case with eight sides and eight screws, paying homage to the Royal Oak bezel. The number of colorways also nods to this design element.
The Royal Pop comes in two styles: a Lépine-style pocket watch with a winding crown at noon (available in six colors) and a Savonnette-style pocket watch with a winding crown at 3 o'clock and a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock (available in two colors).
Release Date and Pricing in Canada
The collection will be available on May 16 exclusively at Swatch stores. In Vancouver, locations include 1145 Robson St. and 4700 Kingsway in Burnaby at Metrotown. The pocket watch is priced from $525 to $560.
How to Wear the Royal Pop
While not a traditional wristwatch, the lanyard that suspends the pocket watch features three adjustable lengths. According to the brand, the choice is yours: around your neck, on your wrist, in your pocket, attached to a handbag, and more.
Technical Specifications
The Royal Pop is powered by Swatch's SISTEM51 movement, the only Swiss-made mechanical movement assembled entirely by automation. It offers 90 hours of power reserve and features an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring. The transparent caseback provides a partial view of the movement inside.
Historical Context
This collaboration marks the second time Swatch has teamed up with a luxury timepiece line. In 2022, Swatch and Omega released the Moonswatch, a design inspired by the Omega Speedmaster. That collaboration sold out instantly, prompting large crowds and high resale markups. Social media posts already show Swatch fans camping outside stores in hopes of snagging a Royal Pop. A Swatch Canada contact reported a line forming in Montreal, but no line in Vancouver yet.
