Audemars Piguet and Swatch Launch Royal Pop Pocket Watches
Audemars Piguet and Swatch have introduced their joint project, the Royal Pop pocket watches, ahead of an anticipated in-store release on May 16. These vibrant bioceramic watches are available in eight different styles, featuring Memphis Movement-inspired colors and coordinating straps, each equipped with a new iteration of Swatch's Sistem51 caliber. Drawing inspiration from the Ref. 5692, the original Gérald Genta pocket watch, these pieces were first created in a limited edition in 1979 and sold from 1980 to 1985. Audemars Piguet will donate all proceeds to a program aimed at preserving watchmaking skills. The collaboration has generated mixed reactions on Instagram, with some industry experts criticizing it as a betrayal to Royal Oak enthusiasts, yet eager customers have started lining up outside retail locations. The watches are projected to perform well in the resale market, with influencer guides already appearing online.
Key facts
- Audemars Piguet and Swatch collaboration revealed as pocket watches called Royal Pops.
- Reported in-store launch on May 16.
- Eight candy-hued bioceramic variations with Memphis Movement-style colors.
- Each houses a new version of Swatch's Sistem51 caliber.
- Loosely based on Ref. 5692, the first pocket watch in Gérald Genta design.
- Ref. 5692 produced in limited run in 1979, sold 1980-1985.
- Audemars Piguet donating 100% of proceeds to watchmaking expertise initiative.
- Some watch insiders criticized the collaboration on Instagram.
Entities
Artists
- Gérald Genta
Institutions
- Audemars Piguet
- Swatch
- Sotheby's
- Robb Report