Swatch has officially confirmed a collaboration with Audemars Piguet, set for release on May 16, sending ripples through the watch community with speculation about what 'Royal Pop' will entail.
Swatch's Teaser Sparks Speculation
Last weekend, a cryptic newspaper ad and social media posts from Swatch hinted at a collaboration with another major brand. The watch community initially speculated various possibilities—Longines, Breguet, or perhaps a continuation of the Swatch x Seamaster line.
However, a post on Swatch’s Instagram featuring the keywords “Royal” and “Pop” fueled rumors of a partnership with Audemars Piguet. The prospect of a Swatch x Audemars Piguet collaboration, particularly involving the Royal Oak line, quickly ignited widespread speculation. Fans and designers alike are buzzing with ideas, from wristwatches to pocket watches with interchangeable bezels.
Industry Reactions and Predictions
Tim Green from Subdial suggests, “It can’t be anything other than a pocket watch, and I assume one with interchangeable bezels, similar to the existing Mille Sabords watch from Swatch.” Meanwhile, watch enthusiast Tim Vaux emphasizes the role of the Pop in the teasers, noting the original concept of the Swatch Pop as a versatile accessory beyond a simple wristwatch.
In the U.S., Perri Dash of Super Niche notes the rumored development of a bioceramic Royal Oak case, “This feels inevitable. My guess is either a lanyard pocket watch or a Pop Swatch style piece on fabric.”
The Design's Potential Impact
Other brands have explored non-traditional wristwatches, such as Hublot’s pocket watch and Piaget's necklace watches. As Malaika Crawford from Hodinkee observes, “The colorful straps make me think this is less serious Royal Oak homage and more fashion object.”
The newly unveiled packaging, a box with ‘Royal Pop’ repeated in various colors, hints at a potentially vibrant release. Cam Wolf, GQ Watch Editor, speculates on the potential for colorful Royal Oaks, stating, “Working with Swatch could give AP license to spin that color wheel even farther afield.”
The excitement around this collaboration is palpable, with the watchmaking community eagerly awaiting May 16 to see how Swatch and Audemars Piguet will innovate together.
Source: https://www.gq.com/story/swatch-confirms-audemars-piguet-collaboration
