Audemars Piguet and Swatch’s Royal Pop Collab Drops May 16

Although we’re a sneaker blog, we can also appreciate a good timepiece. So when we heard that the legendary Audemars Piguet (AP) was linking up with fellow Swiss watchmaker Swatch, we knew we had to look into it.

If you’re not familiar, you’ve definitely heard a rapper or two shout out their AP watch or flex with the brand’s Royal Oak, but it’s a luxury label after all. The basic entry-level versions of the model go for around $30,000, but they will balloon quite easily into the six-digits, and in some cases, can go for over a million. That’s just retail, let’s not talk about the aftermarket.

As for Swatch, the brand has been around for over 40 years, making low-cost and high-tech watches, and in recent years, they’ve been collaborating with titans of the timepiece industry. Swatch previously worked with Omega and Blancpain, and both of those projects were on standard wristwatches.

Audemars Piguet and Swatch’s collaborative product is being touted as the “Royal Pop,” which is clearly a combination of the Royal Oak and Swatch’s well-known Pop Swatch line. Pop Swatch pieces are watches that literally can be popped out of their band and put on a keychain, a neo-pocketwatch of sorts. Nothing’s confirmed right now on exactly what the product will be, whether it's a wristwatch or closer to the Pop Swatch line.

Expect the Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop to release on May 16, 2026. Once more details are announced, including where you can buy the AP x Swatch Royal Pop, what exactly the product is, and the retail price, we’ll update you here on Sole Retriever. For real-time alerts sent directly to your phone, download our mobile app.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy watching films and discovering music. Follow me on Letterboxd @nickvlah For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com