Drop 01 took 8 months to design. Here is a breakdown of the calls we made, what we got right on the first try, and what we had to redo three times. Drop 01 was prototyped against the Royal Pop AP × Swatch case dimensions confirmed at the 16 May 2026 launch, with a 0.2mm tolerance on the lug interface so the cage seats cleanly against the Royal Pop boitier without scuffing the bioceramic.
The starting point
When Swatch announced the 40mm Swiss pocket-watch head in late 2025, we knew the original strap that came with it would not last the year on most wrists. It was fine — but fine is not what people pay €400+ for a watch for.
So we started sketching alternatives. Leather felt wrong (heavy, hot, fragile). Stainless mesh felt over-engineered. NATO straps clashed with the case shape. Silicone won.
The cage
The big design call was making it a cage instead of a traditional strap. Classic straps are sewn or fused at the bar holes. A cage wraps fully around the watch case, leaving the entire dial visible from the side and creating the structural lock.
Benefits:
- No bar holes that wear out over time
- Visual continuity from strap to case (looks like one piece)
- Easier to install — no spring bar tool needed
Tradeoffs: the cage needs ±0.2mm fit tolerance. Too tight, the case scratches on install. Too loose, the watch wobbles. We went through three molds before we hit it.
The silicone
Medical-grade silicone, Shore A 50 hardness. Translation: soft enough to feel like a second skin, firm enough not to stretch out of shape over time. Made in France (see our Made in France workshop story).
The 6 colorways
We argued about color for two months. Final lineup:
- Black — for everyday
- White — clean, bright
- Blue @3 — saturated, electric (the #2 bestseller)
- Yellow @3 — high-visibility, sport
- Green — military-inspired
- Blue @12 — muted, marine
What we would change for Drop 02
Two things:
- The cage corners. They are slightly sharper than we would like at the 6 and 12 positions.
- A matte version. Drop 01 is satin — Drop 02 will offer a full matte option.
Drop 01 is a closed edition. Shop while it is still here.