On May 16, 2026, the Audemars Piguet x Swatch Collab becomes available in selected Swatch stores all over the world. After so much hype and even more speculations about the design of the watches that Swatch will come up with, we finally get to see what this new release is all about.
The Bioceramic Royal Pop collection is comprised of 8 vibrant Pop Swatch models, combining a hint of Audemars Piguet's iconic Royal Oak, a touch of Pop Art, and a lot of Swatch's creativity and color.
But how do Swatch fans feel about the new release? What is the price point for these watch models? Are they limited-edition or not? Do they truly embody the AP DNA & the Swatch Pop aesthetic? Let's have a look at the collection and assess the information we have so far.
Audemars Piguet x Swatch: The Bioceramic Royal Pop Collection
AP x Swatch Collection debut & where to buy
The Audemars Piguet & Swatch Royal Pop collection debuts on May 16, 2026, and will be available for purchase in selected Swatch stores all over the world. You can find the list of stores on the Swatch website, and locate the ones closest to you.
Photo credits: swatch.com
What you need to know is that Swatch fans have already been queuing outside various Swatch stores for days in order to get access to this release.
What is the price of the AP x Swatch Royal Pop & what do you get for the money
The AP x Swatch Royal Pop watches retail at $400 and $420 / respectively €385 and €400, the difference being that the more expensive version also features a seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock. The AP x Swatch collab features 8 different Royal Pop Swatch models that are designed to be worn in various ways - as pocket watches, necklaces, on the wrist, and so on, featuring a slim calfskin lanyard that you can use to creatively integrate the watch into your look.
Photo credits: swatch.com
The Royal Pop Swatch is powered by the SISTEM51 movement, and it comes with an open case back, so you can admire the rather colorful Pop Art-inspired design of the movement. But the most-acclaimed and sought-after feature of this watch is of course, the dial and bezel design, inspired by AP's iconic Royal Oak.
Is the AP x Swatch collab limited edition?
According to reliable sources like Hodinkee, this collection will not be limited edition, but - at least for the time being, there is a limit of 1 watch/person/day that you can buy in the Swatch store. So if you plan on buying more than one, bring a friend.
What do Swatch & AP fans say about the release so far?
The AP x Swatch collaboration has been fuelled by speculations on how the designs will look. Multiple AI-generated models have circulated on the web in recent weeks, getting people hyped and looking forward to this release.
Photo credits: swatch.com
While the majority of people envisioned a colorful, bioceramic version of an AP Royal Oak wristwatch, the announcement that the Royal Pop will actually be a pocket watch came as a bit of a let down. There is definitely a lot more criticism that praise for this release from the watch lovers community, but we have a feeling that this collab will be successful nonetheless.
Audemars Piguet & Swatch: Love it or leave it?
As far as we're concerned, there are a few things we really like about the AP x Swatch Royal Pop watch. The first one is the movement: a hand-winding SISTEM51 with 90-hour power reserve and a spectacular design that you can admire through the exposition case back. And then we have the unmistakable dial design, as well as the octagonal bezel, both definitely distinctive to Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak.
Like many other fellow Swatch fans, we're not thrilled about the wearing system this Swatch comes with. However, this as well is inspired by the original Pop Swatch line: Pop Swatch watches were designed to be worn in a multitude of ways back in the day - such as being clipped to your backpack. This seems to be the idea behind the AP x Swatch Royal Pop as well.
Will bracelets be available for the AP x Swatch watches?
Photo credits: swatch.com
Already a few after-market bracelet/strap manufacturers have announced that they will produce bracelets for the AP x Swatch Royal Pop. So if you're looking for a closer resemblance to the AP, it looks like you'll have to purchase the watch and wait for these after-market bracelets to be released. Keep in mind that these accessories are not produced by Swatch.
For now, we can read on the Swatch website that the Royal Pop can be worn in creative ways, thanks to three interchangeable lanyards. Accessories are sold separately and available online. A maximum of three lanyards per customer may be purchased per day.
Vintage Pop Swatch watches or the new AP x Swatch Royal Pop?
Which ones do you prefer? The OGs: 80s & 90s Pop Swatches with round, retro bezels, artsy designs and thick straps? Or the new Royal Pop collection that features a Pop Art-inspired movement and the octagonal bezel? Let us know in the comments!
To be honest, we're still longing for the colorful vintage Pop Swatch watches that were so beloved back in the day. And we're still contemplating if it's worth giving a chance to this new collab. What we know for sure is that we'll go in-store to see these watches live. What about you?
Discover our vintage Pop Swatch collection here!
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