Where to buy the Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop watch in Saudi Arabia
Dropping on May 16, the limited edition timepieces will only be available in Riyadh
Get ready for the collab of the century. The watch world will never be the same.
Swiss watch brands Audemars Piguet (AP) and Swatch are teaming up for a limited edition Royal Pop Collection. And in a clever move by the duo, it comes in a series of lanyard-borne pocket watches in eight pop art-inspired colourways.
Here’s everything we know so far about the Audemars Piguet x Swatch ‘Royal Pop’ drop, including release dates, pricing, and where you can get your hands on one in Saudi Arabia.
When does the AP x Swatch Royal Pop collection hit the market?
The official launch is set for Saturday May 16. Run, don’t walk… and be prepared to stand in line.
Why are we obsessed with the AP x Swatch Royal Pop watch?
Inspired by the vibrant Pop Art movement and the 1980s Pop Swatch, the Royal Pop collection features eight disruptive models. Each design is a playful reinterpretation of Gérald Genta’s original octagonal pocket watch from 1979. The collection offers two technical styles: Lépine and Savonnette.
Lépine has a configuration with the crown positioned at 12 o’clock, with the time reading simplified to hours and minutes. Meanwhile, Savonnette has a configuration with the crown positioned at 3 o’clock that adds a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock.
All eight models features the Swiss watch brand’s signature “Petite Tapisserie” dial pattern, designed in its Bioceramics innovation – a lightweight and scratch-resistant material. Moreover, the Royal Pop is engineered by a new hand-wound version of the SISTEM51 movement, making it the world’s first Swiss-made mechanical movement with 100 percent automated assembly and 90-hour power reserve.
Measuring 40mm in diameter with a slim 8.44m profile, the watch head is designed to “pop” out of its frame. It’s accompanied by a premium calfskin lanyard, inviting you to accessorise these pieces with intention – whether worn as a statement necklace, a chic bag charm, or draped from a belt loop, giving an exciting (and fashionable) new dimension to telling the time.
What colours are available?
The one-off collection comprises eight pocket watches in eight different colourways, inspired by the pop art movement.
- Otto Rosso: A cherry red bezel on a pale pink face;
- Blaue Acht: A pale teal bezel on a pastel green face;
- Lan Ba: It features a baby blue bezel on a deep blue face;
- Huit Blanc: White with subtle pops of colour;
- OTG Roz: It pairs a teal face with bright yellow and pink;
- Green Eight: It features two shades of green;
- Orenji Hachi: A navy blue with small orange accents; and
- Ocho Negro: It pairs a black watch face with a white bezel.
Where to buy?
Watch enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia, we’ve got good news (and not-so-good news) for you. The good news? There are two locations where you can get your hands on them. The not-so-good news? Unfortunately, they’re only available in Riyadh.
The Bioceramic Royal Pop Collection will be available at Swatch stores in both Panorama Mall and Solitaire Mall. Do note that purchases are limited to one watch per person, per day, and per store.
How much is the AP x Swatch Royal Pop pocket watch?
In Saudi Arabia, the Royal Pop pocket watch will be priced from SAR1,600, depending on the colour you choose.
The pocket watch strap is sold separately, which gives you the freedom to further mix and match your preferred style.
Why should you get it?
While a traditional Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is highly regarded as the “holy grail” of watches, this latest collaboration offers that same luxurious flair without the hefty investment.
Plus, given the history of Swatch collaborations, it will surely do numbers in our crowd. May the odds be in everyone’s favour.
Location: Swatch Stores in Riyadh – Panorama Mall, 6526 Takhassusi Road, 12332 Riyadh & Solitaire Mall, Imam Saud Bin Faisal Rd, As Sahafah
Timings: Available in store from May 16 | Sat to Thurs 10am to 11pm & Fri 2.30pm to 11pm
Cost: Starts at SAR1,600
Visit: Swatch.com
