Swatch and Audemars Piguet’s Royal Pop is here, and it’s not a wristwatch

Swatch and Audemars Piguet (AP) have finally unveiled the Royal Pop collection, ending days of speculation that had already sparked queues outside some Swatch stores, including in New York.

- Wong Kim Hoh

The Royal Pop collection is an eight-piece line of modular pocket watches that can be worn, carried or clipped. They are priced at $535 and $570. PHOTOS: SWATCH

(SWATCH)

The launch, set for May 16 at selected boutiques, is drawing attention because it is not a watch in the usual sense, but an eight-piece line of modular pocket, or wearable, watches inspired by the Royal Oak and Swatch’s POP concept from the 1980s.

The collection is built around two case styles and eight colourways. Six are Lepine models, with the crown at 12 o’clock, while two are Savonnette versions, with the crown at 3 o’clock and a small seconds subdial.

Swatch and AP have given them names that lean into the palette and the octagonal Royal Oak reference, from Otto Rosso and Huit Blanc to Ocho Negro, Lan Ba and OTG ROZ.