As expected, the new Swatch collaboration offers a fresh take on an iconic model and a fun pop-art style watch that promises to make waves.
If you're even slightly interested in watches, your Instagram feed was filled last week with teasers of the Swatch and Audemars Piguet collaboration. And with speculations on what kind of watch might result from such a partnership. Although the official presentation of the new model is scheduled for May 16, the mystery of the Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop project has already been partially unveiled. We introduce the unusual transformer watch with manual winding, which can be worn as a pocket watch or used as a desk clock.
As we wrote earlier, from the Audemars Piguet side, the pocket watch Ref. 5961 from the early 1980s served as an inspiration for this model.
On the Swatch side, the inspiration for the new model came from the Swatch POP series released in the early 1990s. These were small round watches with a pin or clip that could be worn in various ways by attaching them to clothing, a bag, or a bracelet.
Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop can also be worn in different ways: around the neck, in a pocket, attached to a handbag, or used as a desk clock. The new model does not include a system for wearing these watches on the wrist. Instead, future owners are encouraged to use their imagination to come up with other ways to wear this original accessory.
The accessory transforms into a pocket watch with the help of a calf leather strap. Various holders and bioceramic straps (of different lengths and colors) can be purchased separately as additional accessories. There is also a small removable stand that allows the watch to be used as a desk clock and can be closed to protect the dial. Speaking of protection: unlike the MoonSwatch and Scuba Fifty Fathoms, the Royal Pop uses sapphire crystals on both sides.
The Royal Pop case is made of bioceramic. With a diameter of 40 mm, the case thickness without the holder is 8.4 mm. Inserted in the holder, the Royal Pop measures 44.2 mm x 53.2 mm. In terms of design, the watch follows the traditional codes of the Royal Oak collection: octagonal bezel, vertical satin finish, and 8 screws. One of the models in the series (there are 8 in total) has multi-colored screws on the case, with the colors arranged randomly for each piece.
The dial with the signature Petite Tapisserie pattern features hands and hour markers that echo the style of the Royal Oak. For optimal readability in any conditions, they are coated with Super-LumiNova Grade A luminescent material.
Like the Swatch x Blancpain Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms models, the Royal Pop operates on the Sistem51 movement. In this case, the caliber, known as the first mechanical movement with fully automated assembly, is equipped with manual winding for the first time. The escapement here does not have a regulator: the setting is done at the factory using laser technology. Accuracy is -5/+15 seconds per day. Meanwhile, the watch boasts a solid 90-hour power reserve and an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring.
Since the interior of the watch is partially visible through the case back, this feature has been used to enhance the already vivid visual appeal. The movement is decorated with an eye-catching pop-art style print reminiscent of Roy Lichtenstein's work. An original detail: the mainspring barrel has an openwork design with round holes, through which the coils of the mainspring are visible. In other words, the change in spacing between the coils as the energy is depleted serves as a natural power reserve indicator.
As Swatch explains: "When the drum chambers are gray, they show the coils of the mainspring. This means the watch needs winding. Conversely, when the color is gold, the mainspring is not visible through the drum chambers. It is fully compressed, indicating that the watch is fully wound and operating at full power."
The watches are available in 8 versions. Six of them support only hour and minute indication and have a crown at the "12 o'clock" position. The other two have a crown at the "3 o'clock" position, and the features include a small seconds hand.
The number "8" was chosen as a nod to the octagonal bezel of the Royal Oak. A fun detail: all models are distinguished not only by their color designs but also by their names in different languages: Otto Rosso (red and pink), Huit Blanc (white and rainbow), Green Eight (green and light green), Blaue Acht (salad green and light blue), Orenji Hachi (dark blue and orange), Lan Ba (light blue and medium blue), Ocho Negro (black and white), Otg Roz (pink, yellow, and turquoise).
The Royal Pop watches can currently be purchased only in selected Swatch boutiques (the list can be found on swatch.com). Since a frenzy is expected after the official presentation, it is recommended to buy no more than one watch per person and several accessories (accessories can also be purchased online).
The approximate cost of the new model is CHF350, €385, or $400 for versions with only hour and minute indication, and CHF 375, €400, or $420 for models with hour, minute, and second indication. Importantly, 100% of the proceeds from sales of the new Audemars Piguet will be directed to fund a special initiative to preserve and transmit watchmaking craftsmanship, particularly the preservation of rare watchmaking skills.