EWC Industry Experts Weigh In on the Swatch x Audemars Piguet Royal Pop

The Swatch x Audemars Piguet Royal Pop redefines accessible luxury watchmaking. EWC's seasoned horological experts break down what this landmark collaboration really means for the industry.

The unexpected pairing of the two brands resulted in a collection of eight pocket watches that incorporate the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak design language with the colorful and fun modularity of the Pop Swatch line.

Six of the models are in the Lépine configuration, which situates the crown at the twelve o’clock position, and two are in the Savonnette style, with the crown at three o’clock. The Savonette models also incorporate a small seconds subdial at six o’clock. They’re all equipped with a manual-winding version of Swatch’s Sistem 51 movement, and all were shown on a lanyard, making them wearable as a pendant or a bag charm. The one-off collection will only be available for purchase in 200 select retail locations worldwide, and will not be available online.

European Watch Company’s expert watch specialists weighed in with their thoughts on the unusual collaboration of Audemars Piguet, a high-end brand that’s considered part of the “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking, and Swatch, the egalitarian watch that’s known more for its whimsy and art than its mechanical watchmaking chops.

Amy Reddy, Watch Specialist

“I have had quite a few clients reach out about this collaboration.  People are excited about it, and honestly, I am too. I think they are super neat!

On Instagram, I have seen a lot of people making mockups of collaborations with tons of other brands, even the ones you would not expect, such as Lange and Patek. Truthfully, I love them all and think more brands should join the party.”

Christopher Weiss, Watch Specialist

“It's always exciting to see a beloved brand branch out in different and exciting ways. I love how the Swatch x AP Royal Pop shows just how boldly one can reinterpret a classic design and yet have it still work. As for me? Let me know when Lange gets on the Swatch train. Then I'll be in.”

Taylor Wos, Watch Specialist

“I think they are well executed and thoughtfully designed. I can picture them being worn like necklaces (Mr. T style), bag charms, or hung from belt loops. They will definitely be a unisex cultural style moment, and they might reach the same collecting status that we saw with Labubu fever.”

Zachary Gorrasi, Watch Specialist

“We have been getting a lot of calls from clients asking where they can get one. Clearly, the demand is there. 

There are also people that hate it, and have a huge problem with Audemars Piguet doing this. Personally, it doesn't bother me at all. AP can do whatever they want, and they have earned the right to do so! You won't see me buying one, but you definitely won't see me trashing AP for it.”

Ivana Bozikovic, Watch Specialist

“Not a single client has asked me about it yet, but it's a fun idea, and I adore the pop of color. I would prefer the Royal Pop as a handbag charm over a Labubu any day!” 

Joshua Ganjei, CEO

“The hardcore crowd will grumble no matter what. The question is whether the next generation feels invited into the story, and collaborations like this do that very efficiently. People read a lot into these moves, but sometimes it really is just: let’s try something, learn from it, and decide how far we want to go.

Doing a pocket‑style format first is a smart way to test appetite without stepping directly on a classic Royal Oak reference.”

Pricing & Availability

The Lépine versions are $400 and the Savonnette versions are $420, and will be available at 200 select Swatch stores starting May 16, 2026.