Grandeur USA Turns The Swatch x AP Royal Pop Into A Wristwatch
The biggest talking point around the new Swatch x Audemars Piguet Royal Pop collection has not been the watches themselves. It has been the question everyone immediately asked after the reveal: “How do I actually wear this thing?”
Grandeur USA has wasted absolutely no time in answering that question.
The independent American maison has just unveiled its new Pop Case system, a dedicated wrist adapter designed specifically for the Swatch x AP Royal Pop collection. Rather than clipping the colourful pocket watches to a lanyard or bag, the Pop Case transforms them into full blown wristwatches, complete with an integrated bracelet inspired by the iconic Royal Oak silhouette.
Available across all eight Royal Pop colourways, each Pop Case uses a flexible FKM rubber receiver that securely grips the watch case without screws or scratches. Attached to that is a cast B ceramic bracelet with a butterfly deployant clasp, giving the whole setup a surprisingly cohesive factory look.
The timing could not be better. Since the Royal Pop collection was officially announced earlier this week, collectors across Instagram and watch forums have been scrambling for ways to wear the watches traditionally on the wrist rather than as pocket watches. Grandeur USA appears to be one of the very first brands to bring a proper aftermarket solution to market.
Each version of the Pop Case is limited to just 100 individually numbered pieces and carries a $450 USD price tag. Delivery is estimated at around 60 to 90 days, with each piece reportedly finished by hand.
Whether you love or hate the idea of the Royal Pop as a pocket watch, there is no denying this changes the conversation entirely. Suddenly, the Swatch x AP collaboration starts looking a lot closer to the colourful Royal Oak inspired wristwatch many collectors originally hoped for.
And honestly? Some of these look incredibly convincing on wrist.
Winding Things Up
The Swatch x AP Royal Pop collection was always going to divide opinion, but Grandeur USA may have just solved the biggest issue collectors had with it in record time.
If Swatch gave us a pocket watch, the aftermarket was always going to find a way to turn it back into a wristwatch. The surprising thing is just how quickly it happened. We’re just not sure people will want to pay the rather steep $450 price tag for them.
