Politician Anwar Muhammad Gargash spotted wearing a Swatch

Anwar Muhammad Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President of the United Arab Emirates and former minister of state for foreign affairs, was photographed at a marina setting wearing the Swatch × Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Green Edition—a striking bioceramic sports watch that represents one of the most unconventional collaborations in contemporary watchmaking. The green dial and case catch the daylight against the backdrop of moored yachts, drawing attention to an unlikely alliance between a Swiss mass-market brand and one of the world's most prestigious independent manufactures.

The Swatch × Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Green Edition is built around a 40mm bioceramic case—Swatch's proprietary ceramic composite material—shaped in the unmistakable octagonal form that echoes Audemars Piguet's iconic Royal Oak silhouette. The crown sits at the 12 o'clock position, following the Leblanc case design referenced in the collaboration. Powered by a manual-wind calibre with a substantial 90-hour power reserve, the watch delivers the mechanical credibility of haute horlogerie at a fraction of the price point. The dial is rendered entirely in green, with applied indices and hands, while the transparent sapphire caseback reveals not only the movement but also a digitally printed pop-art design—a hallmark of Swatch's design language.

This Green Edition is one of eight distinct colorway variants released as part of the Swatch × Audemars Piguet collaboration, each capturing a different aesthetic while sharing the same technical DNA. Limited production runs and the novelty of seeing Audemars Piguet's design codes rendered in bioceramic have made these pieces sought-after among collectors who value conceptual boldness over conventional prestige. The collaboration challenged both brands' audiences: purists questioned Audemars Piguet's willingness to license its proportions to an accessible brand, while Swatch enthusiasts embraced the legitimacy bestowed by AP's engineering input.

Gargash's choice of the green variant underscores the watch's appeal beyond horology circles. The bioceramic material is scratch-resistant and lightweight—practical for diplomatic travel and public appearances—while the pop-art caseback and vibrant dial signal cultural awareness and contemporary taste. For UAE officials and international figures, wearing a Swatch collaboration carries subtle messaging: accessibility, innovation, and a rejection of old-guard luxury hierarchies.

The Swatch × Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Green Edition retails for approximately $400 USD, with secondary-market examples trading between $450 and $650 depending on condition and availability. These pieces have proven resilient in value, driven by the rarity of the collab and the enduring appeal of the octagonal case form. Production quantities remain modest, making each colorway a legitimate collectible within Swatch's broader ecosystem.