Trending Now - Hip-hop Celebrates Upcoming Swatch and Audemars Piguet Watch Collaboration
WHO:
GQ - Ilaria Resta, Audemars Piguet CEO, and Nick Hayek, Swatch Group CEO, unveiled the Royal Pop collection together.
The Source - Swatch, Audemars Piguet
WHAT:
The Source - The Royal Pop collection is described as a revolutionary collaboration between two Swiss icons, merging Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak design with Swatch's vibrant aesthetic.
GQ - The collection features two specific models: the Lan Ba version with a blue case and dial, and the OTG ROZ with a pink case and yellow crown, which includes a teal dial and pink subsidiary seconds.
Hodinkee - The new product is confirmed to be a collection of pocket watches, not wristwatches.
Hodinkee - The collection includes "Savonette" cases, featuring a small seconds subsidiary dial and a crown at 3 o'clock.
Hodinkee - The collection features two specific models: the Lan Ba version with a blue case and dial, and the OTG ROZ with a pink case and yellow crown.
Hodinkee - If consumers purchase more than one watch, they can swap them between cases.
GQ - Nick Hayek stated, “We are not just bringing a new dial or a new band; we have something new to say. It's a win-win what we have done.”
GQ - Ilaria Resta remarked, “The only way to play safe is to not do anything, and that’s not in AP’s DNA. If people don’t criticize the project, then we haven’t pushed hard enough.”
GQ - Resta also added, “I see this as a gift for the entire industry, because what we are doing ultimately is educating people to love watchmaking in Switzerland.”
The Source - The collaboration is described as one of Swatch's most closely watched projects.
GQ - The collaboration has already captured the attention of consumers with spending power of roughly $300 to $500.
GQ - The first Royal Pop drop will take place in-person only at select Swatch locations.
GQ - Official images of the new Swatch and Audemars Piguet collaboration have been released.
GQ - The collaboration is expected to appeal to consumers with spending power of roughly $300 to $500.
GQ - The initial trailer for the Royal Pop hinted at a pocket watch design, featuring colorful lanyards or looped straps.
The Source - Swatch is launching a collaboration with Audemars Piguet called “Royal Pop.”
Hodinkee - The collaboration is expected to be one of the most significant watch releases of the year.
Hodinkee - The new product is confirmed to be released on May 16.
WHERE:
Hodinkee - Many Swatch boutiques, including its main store in Geneva, are displaying boxes or chests promoting the new Royal Pop collaboration.
GQ - Big displays with pop-art-inspired branding have been set up in Swatch stores around the world.
Hodinkee - Many Swatch boutiques, including its main store in Geneva, are promoting the new Royal Pop collaboration.
WHEN:
The Source - The collection is scheduled to debut on May 16.
WHY:
Hodinkee - The collaboration was teased through social media posts featuring the distinctive font associated with AP's iconic Royal Oak model, leading to speculation about the partnership.
HOW:
Wired - Swatch was compelled to reveal the genuine article due to the prevalence of inaccurate AI-generated concepts circulating on Instagram.
GQ - The collaboration was revealed at Swatch HQ during a presentation to a small group of journalists.
Wired - Swatch was compelled to reveal the genuine article due to the prevalence of inaccurate AI-generated concepts circulating on Instagram.
Hodinkee - Swatch began teasing the collaboration with social media posts prior to the official confirmation.
(UPDATED May 13, 2026 11:43 UTC)
A groundbreaking collaboration between two Swiss icons has emerged with the launch of the Royal Pop collection, which combines Audemars Piguet's iconic Royal Oak design with Swatch's lively aesthetic. The collection showcases two standout models: the Lan Ba featuring a striking blue case and dial, and the OTG ROZ, which boasts a pink case with a yellow crown, complemented by a teal dial and pink subsidiary seconds. To promote this exciting partnership, many Swatch boutiques, including the flagship store in Geneva, are displaying promotional boxes and chests, as Swatch felt it necessary to unveil the genuine designs in response to the rise of misleading AI-generated concepts online.
--
(UPDATED May 13, 2026 04:16 UTC)
A new collection of pocket watches has been confirmed, marking a departure from traditional wristwatches. This collection features "Savonette" cases, which include a small seconds subsidiary dial and a crown positioned at three o'clock, along with two specific models: the Lan Ba with a blue case and dial, and the OTG ROZ showcasing a pink case with a yellow crown. Additionally, customers who purchase more than one watch will have the option to swap them between cases, adding a unique flexibility to their collection.
--
(UPDATED May 12, 2026 23:20 UTC)
In a significant collaboration, Ilaria Resta, the CEO of Audemars Piguet, and Nick Hayek, the CEO of Swatch Group, unveiled the Royal Pop collection at Swatch headquarters during a presentation to a select group of journalists. Hayek emphasized the innovative nature of the project, stating, “We are not just bringing a new dial or a new band; we have something new to say," while Resta highlighted the importance of pushing boundaries, saying, “If people don’t criticize the project, then we haven’t pushed hard enough.” Resta also expressed her belief that this initiative serves as a gift to the entire industry, aiming to educate people about the love of watchmaking in Switzerland.
--
(UPDATED May 12, 2026 21:23 UTC)
Swatch has announced a highly anticipated collaboration that has quickly garnered attention from consumers willing to spend between $300 and $500. The first drop of the Royal Pop collection will be an exclusive in-person event at select Swatch locations. This move comes as Swatch aims to clarify its offerings in response to the rise of misleading AI-generated designs circulating on social media.
--
(UPDATED May 12, 2026 19:32 UTC)
Official images of the new collaboration between Swatch and Audemars Piguet have just been released, showcasing a unique design that is expected to attract consumers willing to spend between $300 and $500. The initial trailer for the Royal Pop hints at a pocket watch design, complete with colorful lanyards or looped straps. To promote this exciting partnership, big displays featuring pop-art-inspired branding have been set up in Swatch stores around the globe.
--
(UPDATED May 12, 2026 15:54 UTC)
Swatch is set to launch an exciting collaboration with Audemars Piguet called “Royal Pop,” which is anticipated to be one of the most significant watch releases of the year. The collection will officially debut on May 16 and will be promoted in many Swatch boutiques, including its main store in Geneva. This partnership was hinted at through social media posts featuring the distinctive font associated with AP's iconic Royal Oak model, sparking interest and speculation among watch enthusiasts.