On May 6th, Swatch dropped a teaser. No context, no explanation, just the words “Royal Pop” on the screen. That was enough. The watch community had already gone into full meltdown mode across social media, Reddit threads, and YouTube comment sections. And on May 9th, when the collaboration with Audemars Piguet was officially confirmed, the question on everyone’s lips wasn’t about the watch itself, it was: why would AP do this?
Let’s be honest, the reaction from the AP side of the community was exactly what you’d expect. Some people were furious. Comments about the brand being “cheapened”, the Royal Oak being “disrespected”, the legacy of Gérald Genta being dragged through the mud. And look, I get it. I really do.
But before we go full emotional about it, let’s take a step back and look at what happened the last time Swatch pulled this kind of move.
What the MoonSwatch already proved
When the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch dropped in 2022, the reaction was almost identical. People called it a gimmick. Omega loyalists weren’t happy. And yet it ended up being considered one of the biggest marketing moves in the watch industry in years. Swatch saw a serious bump in sales numbers off the back of the MoonSwatch. And Omega? They reported an increase in Speedmaster sales too. The affordable version didn’t cannibalize the real thing, it introduced an entirely new generation to the brand.
That last part is what matters most to me. We’re living in a moment where the way people think about watches is changing. Younger buyers are coming in curious, not brand-loyal. They need a door. The MoonSwatch was that door for Omega, and if AP plays this right, the Royal Pop could be that door for them.
People who had never heard of Audemars Piguet before are now Googling the Royal Oak. That’s not a problem. That’s the point.
So here’s the take: put the anger aside, look at the results. Breaking the barrier that some brands and collectors put up isn’t a threat to the legacy, it’s good for the whole industry. And if you love this piece, just get one. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
About the watch
The Royal Pop is a collection of 8 pendant/clip watches, each in a different color, heavily inspired by the 1980s Pop aesthetic. The names alone tell you this isn’t taking itself too seriously: Green Eight, Blaue Acht, Ocho Negro, Huit Blanc, Orenji Hachi, Otto Rosso, OTG Roz, and Lan Ba. The last two come with a small seconds sub-dial.
The design carries all the Royal Oak signatures you’d expect: the octagonal bezel, the eight hexagonal screws, and the Petite Tapisserie dial pattern. The case is Bioceramic, front and back sapphire crystals (scratch-resistant, anti-glare), and it comes with a calfskin lanyard with contrast stitching. Not a wristwatch, a pendant, a bag charm, or a pocket piece.
And yes, before you ask, the wrist version is coming. The brand Delugs is already deep into development on a case-strap adapter they’re calling Project WristPop. No lugs, no existing attachment point, so they’re building the mechanism from scratch. Worth keeping an eye on.
What we think
The Royal Pop has its charm, and it really is something different. Is it the first pendant/clip watch ever made? No. But when you factor in the colors, the Royal Oak DNA, and the price point, it’s hard not to pay attention. The hype is already there, think Labubu energy, but with a mechanical movement inside. It’s not a limited edition either, which means you won’t be camping outside a store at 5am hoping for a ballot. If you’re looking for something fun, non-traditional, and genuinely conversation-starting, this is worth it. And if the Delugs wrist adapter eventually lands? Even more so.
The specs
- Brand: Swatch x Audemars Piguet
- Model: Royal Pop
- Diameter: 40mm (without clip) / 44.2 x 53.2mm (with clip)
- Thickness: 8.4mm
- Case material: Bioceramic
- Crystal: Sapphire, scratch-resistant, anti-glare (front & back)
- Lume: Grade A Super-LumiNova
- Water resistance: 20m
- Strap: Bioceramic clip holder + calfskin lanyard with contrast stitching
The movement
- Caliber: SISTEM51 (manual-wind)
- Functions: Hours, minutes (+ small seconds on OTG Roz & Lan Ba)
- Power reserve: 90 hours
- Balance spring: Nivachron (anti-magnetic)
- Patents: 15 active patents
- Winding: Manual, via the caseback
Pricing & availability
- $630 AUD / $400 USD: Green Eight, Blaue Acht, Ocho Negro, Huit Blanc, Orenji Hachi, Otto Rosso
- $670 AUD / $420 USD: OTG Roz, Lan Ba (small seconds)
Available May 16, 2026 at selected Swatch boutiques. One watch per person, per day, per store.
EOW
