Swatch Teases Upcoming Collaboration with Audemars Piguet

Clues Hidden in the Teaser

Much of the speculation surrounding the release comes from the wording used in Swatch’s promotional campaign. The teaser prominently features the words “Royal” and “Pop”, both displayed in typography closely resembling the engraving style found on the casebacks of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak models.

Advertising materials for the upcoming release have already appeared in Swatch boutiques, further fuelling anticipation ahead of the launch.

According to information highlighted by watch publication Hodinkee, several details may offer clues about the direction of the collaboration.

The Return of the Swatch “Pop” Concept?

Swatch previously used the name “Pop” for a collection introduced in the mid-1980s. Unlike conventional wristwatches, the Swatch Pop models could be detached from their straps and worn in different ways, including as pocket-style watches attached to chains or mounted onto various accessories.

Those earlier Pop watches relied on quartz movements, making them notably different from what many collectors expect from a modern Swatch collaboration.

Possible Use of the Sistem51 Movement

One of the more intriguing details in the teaser campaign is a clear reference to mechanical watchmaking. This has led to speculation that the upcoming model could utilise Swatch’s Sistem51 calibre, the same automatic movement platform previously used in the Blancpain collaboration.

If confirmed, the use of the Sistem51 calibre would mark another mechanical collaboration for Swatch following its partnership with Blancpain.

Vintage Royal Oak Pocket Watches Offer Another Hint

Historical references from the Audemars Piguet archives may provide further context for the collaboration. Among them is the Royal Oak pocket watch reference 5961, developed during the late 1970s.

Early versions of the model featured a 44 mm case, while later examples produced during the 1990s grew to 48 mm. According to Audemars Piguet, approximately 116 pieces were sold between 1980 and 1982.

The existence of a Royal Oak pocket watch makes the repeated use of the word “Pop” in Swatch’s teaser campaign especially notable, given the historic connection between Swatch Pop watches and portable pocket-style designs.

Exactly how these references will influence the final product remains unclear for now. Full details of the Swatch and Audemars Piguet collaboration are expected to be revealed on 16 May.