Strap Guide for the Royal Pop AP × Swatch (2026 Buyer's Guide)

Why the Royal Pop needs a strap

The Royal Pop, the May 2026 collaboration between Swatch and Audemars Piguet, ships as a 40mm pocket-style object without an integrated wrist attachment. Out of the box, it can be carried on a chain, slipped in a pocket, or placed on a stand — but it cannot be worn on the wrist. For owners who want to actually use the Royal Pop daily, a dedicated cage strap is the missing piece.

This guide covers everything you need to know before fitting a strap to your Royal Pop: case dimensions, lug configuration, fitting steps, care routine, and the differences between the two crown positions (3 o'clock and 12 o'clock) that the Royal Pop ships in.

POPSTRAP is a French independent brand based in Rennes (RANK SAS). We designed the POPSTRAP cage strap specifically for the 40mm Royal Pop case, in medical-grade silicone, manufactured in France. To date, 247 units have shipped to Royal Pop owners across Europe, the UK, and North America.

The Royal Pop is not a wristwatch by default

The Royal Pop is built as a 40mm pocket watch, drawing on the Lépine and Savonnette pocket-watch traditions. This means there are no traditional lugs in the wristwatch sense and no factory strap option from Swatch or Audemars Piguet. To wear the Royal Pop on the wrist, you need a cage-style holder that grips the case and provides strap attachment points.

A well-engineered cage strap for the Royal Pop must:

  • Fit the exact 40mm case diameter without play
  • Respect the crown position (3 o'clock or 12 o'clock depending on variant)
  • Not scratch the case during installation or removal
  • Stay secure during daily wear
  • Be removable without tools, so the Royal Pop can return to pocket-watch mode at will

Why silicone, and why medical grade

The POPSTRAP cage strap is molded in medical-grade silicone. This material choice matters for three reasons.

First, silicone is soft against the case. Unlike a metal cage or hard polymer, medical-grade silicone deforms slightly to grip the Royal Pop without leaving micro-scratches on the case finish.

Second, medical-grade silicone is hypoallergenic. The Royal Pop sits flat against the skin when worn, and many wearers will use it for long stretches. A non-medical silicone can trigger contact reactions; medical-grade does not.

Third, the material is water-resistant and easy to clean. The Royal Pop strap can be rinsed under tap water, wiped with mild soap, and worn during light water exposure without degradation.

The 6 POPSTRAP colorways for the Royal Pop

POPSTRAP ships the 40mm cage strap in six colorways, each engineered around a specific Royal Pop release or crown configuration. Here is a quick reference; the full pairing logic is covered in our companion pairing guide.

1. Black

The neutral choice. Black pairs with every Royal Pop dial color and every crown position. If you only buy one POPSTRAP for your Royal Pop, this is the safe pick. Black silicone also hides minor wear over time.

2. White

White complements the lighter Royal Pop dial editions and works in summer rotations. It shows wear faster than Black, but the contrast against most Royal Pop case finishes is what many collectors are after.

3. Blue @3 (Savonnette format, crown at 3 o'clock)

The Blue @3 colorway is cut specifically for the Royal Pop variant with the crown at 3 o'clock — the Savonnette format. The crown cutout is positioned on the right side of the cage. Do not order Blue @3 if your Royal Pop has the crown at 12.

4. Blue @12 (Lépine format, crown at 12 o'clock)

The Blue @12 is the Lépine equivalent: crown cutout at the top of the cage, designed for the Royal Pop with the crown at 12 o'clock. Same blue shade as Blue @3, different cage geometry.

5. Yellow @3 (Savonnette format)

A higher-contrast option for the 3 o'clock crown Royal Pop. Yellow is the most visible POPSTRAP colorway and pairs particularly well with darker Royal Pop dials.

6. Green

Green ships in a configuration compatible with most Royal Pop variants and has become the second-most ordered colorway after Black across our 247 confirmed shipments.

You can browse the full lineup on the POPSTRAP product page.

Fitting your Royal Pop into a POPSTRAP cage

Fitting the POPSTRAP to a Royal Pop takes about 90 seconds and requires no tools. The cage is designed to flex open, accept the 40mm case, and snap closed around it.

Step 1 — Identify your crown position

Before unpacking the strap, look at your Royal Pop and locate the crown.

  • Crown on the right side of the case = Savonnette format = @3
  • Crown on the top of the case (12 o'clock) = Lépine format = @12

If you ordered the wrong configuration (a @3 strap for a @12 Royal Pop, or vice versa), the crown will not align with the cage cutout and the strap will not close cleanly. POPSTRAP accepts free exchanges within 30 days.

Step 2 — Pre-flex the silicone cage

Hold the cage between thumb and forefinger and gently open it along its hinge axis. Medical-grade silicone is forgiving — you will not damage it by flexing it firmly. The goal is to widen the opening enough to drop the Royal Pop case in.

Step 3 — Seat the Royal Pop

Place the Royal Pop face-up on a soft surface. Lower the cage onto the case so the crown cutout aligns with the actual crown. The Royal Pop should seat fully inside the cage with no rocking.

Step 4 — Close the cage

Release your grip; the silicone closes around the case under its own elasticity. Check that:

  • The Royal Pop dial is centered in the cage opening
  • The crown protrudes cleanly through the cutout
  • There is no gap between the cage edge and the case sides
  • The Royal Pop does not rotate inside the cage when you twist it

Step 5 — Strap to wrist

The cage has integrated strap loops. Pass the silicone strap through them, set your wrist size, and close the buckle. The Royal Pop is now wearable.

Removing the Royal Pop

To return the Royal Pop to pocket-watch use, reverse the steps: open the buckle, flex the cage, lift the Royal Pop out. The cage retains its shape after thousands of cycles.

Care & maintenance

A POPSTRAP cage strap, properly maintained, will outlast the wear pattern of most owners. Here are the maintenance rules.

Cleaning the silicone

Rinse under lukewarm tap water once a week if worn daily. For deeper cleaning, use a drop of mild soap (hand soap is fine) and a soft microfiber cloth. Do not use:

  • Alcohol-based solvents
  • Acetone or nail polish remover
  • Abrasive sponges
  • Dishwashers or washing machines

These will degrade the silicone surface and shorten the strap's life on your Royal Pop.

Drying

Air-dry the strap on a flat surface. Do not place it on a radiator, near a heat vent, or in direct sun on a hot car dashboard. Medical-grade silicone tolerates moderate heat but accelerated drying can warp the cage geometry.

Storage

When not in use, store the POPSTRAP flat in the original packaging. Avoid folding it tightly or stacking heavy objects on top. The cage will remember a folded position if compressed for months.

When to replace

A POPSTRAP cage strap for the Royal Pop typically retains full grip and elasticity for 2 to 3 years of daily wear. Replace it when:

  • The cage no longer snaps closed firmly around the Royal Pop
  • The crown cutout has stretched and the case rocks inside
  • The buckle holes have torn
  • Surface discoloration is more than cosmetic

POPSTRAP offers replacement cage straps at the same price as the original drop (€130).

FAQ

Will POPSTRAP fit any 40mm watch, or only the Royal Pop?

The POPSTRAP cage was engineered specifically for the Royal Pop case geometry. It will physically accept other 40mm round cases, but the crown cutout, case-back profile and overall dimensions are optimized for the Royal Pop. We do not recommend using it on other watches.

Is POPSTRAP affiliated with Swatch or Audemars Piguet?

No. POPSTRAP is an independent French brand (RANK SAS, Rennes). We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Swatch Group or Audemars Piguet. We reference "Royal Pop" only to identify the watch our product is compatible with, in accordance with Article L713-6 of the French Intellectual Property Code.

Will fitting POPSTRAP void my Royal Pop warranty?

POPSTRAP does not modify the Royal Pop in any way. There is no adhesive, no fastener that contacts the case, and the silicone cage is non-permanent. We have no record of warranty issues raised by Swatch or AP related to POPSTRAP use, but you should consult your Royal Pop documentation directly.

Can I swim with my Royal Pop in a POPSTRAP?

The POPSTRAP cage strap itself is water-safe. The Royal Pop's water resistance is set by Swatch — refer to your Royal Pop manual. Do not assume the strap improves or degrades the Royal Pop's water rating.

What's the difference between @3 and @12?

@3 = crown at 3 o'clock (Savonnette format). @12 = crown at 12 o'clock (Lépine format). The Royal Pop ships in both. Your POPSTRAP cage must match. See our colorways and formats guide for the full breakdown.

Where is POPSTRAP made?

Designed and manufactured in France, in medical-grade silicone. Quality control is done in Rennes. See why we make POPSTRAP in France.

How do I know if my Royal Pop is Savonnette or Lépine?

Check the crown position. Crown on the side = Savonnette = @3. Crown on the top = Lépine = @12. If you have the original Royal Pop packaging, the format is also indicated there.

What if I ordered the wrong colorway?

POPSTRAP accepts exchanges within 30 days, including format swaps (@3 to @12 or vice versa). See the POPSTRAP buying guide for the full ordering process.

Related reading

POPSTRAP is an independent French brand operated by RANK SAS, registered in Rennes, France. POPSTRAP is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or otherwise connected to Swatch Group SA or Audemars Piguet Holding SA. The terms "Royal Pop", "Swatch" and "Audemars Piguet" are used in this article in a strictly referential capacity, in accordance with Article L713-6 of the French Intellectual Property Code.