A question we are commonly asked is 'What collaboration is next, Swatch?", following the immense success of the MoonSwatch collection, it's a fair question! Whilst we have no insider knowledge, rumours have begun to circulate online and across stores about what Swatch might have up their sleeves next.
Two potential collaborations that are continuously talked about: Swatch x Omega Seamaster and Swatch x Audemars Piguet (AP). If these rumours are true, we could be in for a real treat.
Which Watch Brands Do The Swatch Group Own?
It's firstly worth noting, The Swatch Group is the largest watchmaking group in the world and owns an impressive line up of brands, covering a wide spectrum of price points across high end luxury to more accessible watches.
Their prestigious portfolio of course includes Omega, their most commercial brand, celebrated for it's iconic Seamaster and Speedmaster collections.
Breguet, known for its exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance; and Blancpain, the oldest surviving watchmaking brand.
Additionally, the group owns Rado, famed for its innovative use of materials; Longines, offering elegant and timeless designs; and Tissot, known for its versatile and affordable pieces. Other notable brands under the Swatch Group umbrella include Jaquet Droz, Glashütte Original, Certina, Hamilton, and, of course, Swatch itself.
This diverse range allows the Swatch Group to cater to a wide array of watch enthusiasts, and opens up opportunity for numerous 'in house' collaborations.
Swatch x Audemars Piguet
The rumour that Swatch will collaborate outside of their group, with Audemars Piguet has been fuelled by several factors. Firstly, Swatch's recent collaboration with Omega on the MoonSwatch collection was a huge success, demonstrating Swatch's ability to create accessible, desirable versions of high end luxury watches. This success has set a precedent, making it plausible that Swatch might pursue similar partnerships with other prestigious brands.
Recently, François Henry Bennahmias, the visionary CEO of Audemars Piguet, lauded the collaboration between Omega and Swatch as a brilliant idea that breathes fresh air into the conservative Swiss watch industry. He believes this partnership educates the younger generation about timeless watchmaking icons while preserving Omega's integrity.
Furthermore, a response from Audemars Piguet's official Instagram account during the Swatch x Blancpain launch set the watch industry alight. The interaction fuelled speculation and excitement, suggesting a potential collaboration between Swatch and AP.
This social media buzz, combined with the close relationship between the AP CEO François Henry Bennahmias and Swatch CEO Nick Hayek, has only added to the anticipation and intrigue surrounding these rumours.
What's Next Swatch?
Rumours suggest that Swatch's next collaboration will be announced in June or July. Earlier this year, we saw the release of the Blancpain - Ocean of Storms, followed by the addition to the MoonSwatch collection with the Snoopy MoonSwatches in April. The Blancpain collaboration reportedly aimed not only to spotlight a lesser known brand but also to explore the possibility of creating a bio-ceramic diver's watch.
One thing is certain: The MoonSwatch not only transformed Swatch but also boosted the entire group financially. The Swatch Group reported a +12.6% increase in net sales for 2023 and highlighted "excellent growth prospects expected for 2024, especially in the lower and medium price segments."
In their end-of-year report, the brand also noted that Swatch started the year strongly with the worldwide launch of the Scuba Fifty Fathoms "Ocean of Storms" on January 11, 2024.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms - New Moon
The MoonSwatch was a phenomenon that may never be replicated, a stroke of genius at the right place and time. However, with over 1.7 million MoonSwatches sold in the last two years, that's a £400 million gap that will need to be filled elsewhere.
Based on this trend, we expect to see a number of collaborations and would love to see a Swatch x Seamaster collaboration next. What are your thoughts? Do you think Swatch can pull off another game-changing release?
Credit BevelWerks: Swatch x Seamaster Mock up
OTHER RELATED ARTICLES:
- Shop More: TO SHOP OMEGA X MOONSWATCH
- Shop More: TO SHOP BLANCPAIN X SWATCH
- Read More: MOONSTRUCK OR MISLED: GENUINE VS FAKE SNOOPY MOONSWATCH
- Read More: TIMING GOLD: OMEGA SEAMASTER AND SPEEDMASTER WATCHES FOR PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES
QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
- Swatch collaborations what is next?
- Is there a Swatch x Seamaster?
- AP x Swatch?
- Audemars Piguet x Swatch?
- Will there be a Royal Oak Swatch?
- Which other brands do Swatch own?
- How many MoonSwatches have Swatch sold?
- When was Blancpain Ocean of Storms released?
- Where can I buy a MoonSwatch?
- Where to buy MoonSwatch?
- Where to buy Snoopy MoonSwatch?
