The Swatch × Audemars Piguet Royal Pop has quickly become one of the most discussed watch releases of the year — but not necessarily because people want a pocket watch.
Across Reddit, watch forums, TikTok, and Instagram, one topic keeps appearing over and over again:
people wanting to wear the Royal Pop on the wrist instead.
The reason is simple. Even though the Royal Pop is designed as a modern pocket watch inspired by the original Swatch Pop concept, the watch itself still strongly resembles a Royal Oak-inspired sports watch. The octagonal shape, visible screws, textured dial, and integrated proportions naturally make people imagine it on a strap.
Many collectors actually expected a normal wristwatch before the official reveal, which explains why reactions online became so divided once Swatch confirmed the pocket watch format.
What’s interesting is that discussion around straps and wrist conversions started almost immediately after the reveal. Some Reddit users even speculated that Swatch could eventually release a dedicated strap system themselves, while others pointed out that third-party strap makers would likely move very quickly.
That alone says a lot about the demand.
The Royal Pop may officially be a pocket watch, but a large part of the community already seems far more interested in wearing it as an actual wristwatch.
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PopCuff is currently developing integrated strap concepts for the Royal Pop.