If you bought the 40mm Swiss pocket-watch head from Swatch, you already have a strap in the box. So why would you buy POPSTRAP? Honest comparison. The watch in question is the Royal Pop AP × Swatch, released 16 May 2026 as a 40mm pocket-watch head. The stock strap shipped with the Royal Pop is functional but generic; POPSTRAP is the structured cage alternative designed specifically for the Royal Pop case dimensions.
The original Swatch strap
What ships with the watch is a perfectly functional silicone strap. Thinner profile, two spring bars, classic geometry. It does the job, it is included, and replacement parts are sold at Swatch stores. No complaints there — it is what most people will use happily for a year or two.
Where POPSTRAP is different
| Criterion | Original Swatch | POPSTRAP |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Spring bars | Cage (no bars) |
| Silicone grade | Standard | Medical-grade, Shore A 50 |
| Origin | China (assembly) | Made in France end-to-end |
| Colorways | 1 (per watch) | 6 |
| Installation | Spring bar tool | No tool — click & wear |
| Price | Included | €130 |
The cage construction
The biggest functional difference is the cage. POPSTRAP wraps fully around the case instead of attaching at two spring-bar points. Benefits: no wear at the bar holes (which is where original Swatch straps eventually fail), no spring bars that can rust, and a continuous visual line from strap to case.
The silicone feel
Medical-grade silicone at Shore A 50 hardness feels noticeably softer and more uniform than the original. After 6 months of wear, POPSTRAP maintains its shape and feel; cheaper silicone hardens slightly when cold.
When to stick with the original
- You wear the watch occasionally and don’t need an upgrade
- You want spring-bar swappability with other straps
- You’re on a tight budget
When POPSTRAP makes sense
- Daily wearer, want a strap that lasts 3–5 years
- Want multiple colorways without buying multiple watches
- Prefer Made in France over Made in China
- Want a no-tools install/remove