AUDEMARS PIGUET X SWATCH ARE BRINGING FUN POP ART VIBRANCY TO WATCHMAKING

words by ANOUK WOUDT

In a unexpected collaboration between two supposedly rival icons of the Swiss watchmaking industry, Swatch and Audemars Piguet are coming together to launch their new collection that they’ve aptly title, Royal Pop. Serving as a celebration of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak style, the collection includes eight pocket watches, each with cheerfully colour blocked styles, inspired by the Pop Art movement which was popularized by the iconic Andy Warhol style.

Expanding the watch industry as we know it, this launch uses colours in a way that is usually neglected in your typical watch. Each watch is unapologetically bold and vibrant, rejecting the trend of quiet luxury and opting for funkiness and maximalism, which feels incredibly fitting for an increasing sterile world that’s just itching for a colour-comeback. With mini comic book prints and flashy bursts of colour, they are officially bringing whimsy back— and we are loving it! Each watch is cute, fun and the perfect pop of colour to elevate an outfit.

The collections comes as a celebration of both of the brand’s legendary heritage, drawing inspiration from the classic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection—which originally launched all the way back in 1972!— and the Swatch POP watches that were all the rage in the ‘80s.

Already breaking watch boundaries with its striking color combos, the collection also challenges the norm through its form. Not your typical wristwatch, the watches from this launch aren’t bound to any specific placement; it can be worn around your neck, in your pocket, in your handbag, or just keep it traditional on your wrist— leaving the choice up to its wearer! The watches come with a top-quality calfskin lanyard with a cute contrast stitch whose length is completely customizable. It even comes with a small removable stand, allowing you to turn it into a desk watch— now that’s new!

With eight Bioceramic models, each watch is powered by a Swatch signature 100% automated SISTEM51 movement paired with a classic Audemars Piguet Nivachron balance spring, each watch is truly the best of both worlds. Featuring the ‘Petite Tapisserie’ dial pattern, the homage to the Royal Oak collection is clear with this being one of their defining aesthetic features.