Royal Pop: When A Luxury Watch Becomes A Fashion Statement

Swiss giants Audemars Piguet and Swatch have unveiled a collaboration that blurs the lines between classic watchmaking and contemporary design. The new Royal Pop is not only conceived as a wristwatch, but as a fashion detail that adapts to different wearing styles – from a pocket watch to a bag accessory or a necklace. Combining luxurious aesthetics and a playful approach, this collection brings a completely new interpretation to the traditional watch.

Inspired by Audemars Piguet’s legendary Royal Oak and the iconic Swatch Pop, the Royal Pop brings together the signature elements of both brands. The octagonal case and eight screws are directly reminiscent of the Royal Oak, while the vibrant colors, removable dials and playful character come from Swatch’s DNA.

The collection consists of eight models, and the number eight is not accidental – so many patents accompany the construction of the case of this watch. One of them refers to a special system that shows the mechanism’s power reserve by changing its color.

Design details further connect Royal Pop with its predecessors. The recognizable “Petite Tapisserie” motif from the Royal Oak dial is present throughout the collection, while the playful aesthetic and bold color palette evoke the spirit of the Pop Art movement.

The watches are made in Switzerland and made of Biocermatic material from the Swatch company. Each model comes with a calf leather strap in three lengths, so the watch can be worn in many ways – as a classic wristwatch, pocket watch, pendant around the neck or a detail on a bag. Thanks to the removable stand, Royal Pop easily becomes a table clock.

Two versions are available to customers. The first is the “Lépine” pocket watch with a crown at the 12 o’clock position and a display of hours and minutes, available in six models. The second is the “Savonnette” version with a crown at 3 o’clock and an additional seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, available in two models.

Inside the case is Swatch’s SISTEM51 movement – the only fully automated Swiss mechanical movement. The watches offer a power reserve of 90 hours and use an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring developed in collaboration with Audemars Piguet. Part of the mechanism is visible through the transparent back of the case.

The collection is further completed by sapphire crystals on both sides of the case, Super-LumiNova coating on the hands and hour markers for better visibility in the dark, as well as satin finishing details inspired by the Royal Oak model.

Considering the huge interest following the previous collaborations of the Swatch company, it is expected that the Royal Pop will very quickly become one of the most sought-after models of the year.

About The Author

Hannah Jackson

Hannah is a fashion writer at Vogue. She wrote for in Elle, The Cut, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone, Architectural Digest, W, and elsewhere. She is based in New York.

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