Development began almost immediately after the hybrid watch was unveiled on May 12, as interest surged among collectors who were disappointed the collaboration did not offer a traditional wristwatch format. — Screengrab from Instagram/delugs (New users only) It's tax relief season! Get up to RM300 when you save with Versa! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply. By Malay Mail Friday, 22 May 2026 4:28 PM MYT SINGAPORE, May 22 — A race is under way to transform the viral Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop pocket watch into a wearable wristpiece, with Singapore-based strapmaker Delugs among the frontrunners developing a custom solution.The company is in the final stages of prototyping an integrated strap system designed for the collaboration, with sample production expected soon, co-founder Ken Kuan told The Straits Times.Development began almost immediately after the hybrid watch was unveiled on May 12, as interest surged among collectors who were disappointed the collaboration did not offer a traditional wristwatch format.The Royal Pop series, which launched globally on May 16, features eight designs priced at around US$535 (RM2,120) to US$570 depending on configuration, significantly lower than Audemars Piguet’s signature Royal Oak models.Kuan said demand for a wrist-worn version was clear from the outset, arguing that watches are ultimately designed to be worn on the wrist rather than carried as accessories.Delugs’ approach involves an integrated strap system where the band is directly connected to a custom case, eliminating the gaps typically seen with standard aftermarket straps.While several brands are also attempting similar conversions — some already taking pre-orders based on concept renders — Delugs is holding back until physical samples are finalised.Kuan said the company’s email waiting list has already drawn around 10,000 sign-ups, despite the product not yet being released.One of the key engineering challenges has been designing a secure case for the watch’s detachable “pop-in, pop-out” structure, which was originally intended for lanyard-style use.Delugs, which does not usually design watch cases, has produced a 3D-printed prototype and is now preparing material testing to ensure durability, flexibility and a secure fit for daily wear.Kuan said the team has carried out multiple rounds of testing to account for real-world movement, including impacts and wrist expansion.The company also sourced two units of the watch at inflated resale prices after missing initial retail drops amid global launch chaos that saw long queues and store disruptions in several countries. Swatch X Audemars Piguet Royal Pop watches are displayed in a presentation case at Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur on May 16, 2026. — Picture by Yusof Isa Delugs has since documented its development process online, partly to counter widespread AI-generated mock-ups circulating on social media and to capitalise on intense global interest in the collaboration.Kuan said the project also serves an educational purpose, offering transparency on how such wearable conversions are engineered from concept to production.The final product is expected to bundle the strap and case at a price range of about US$150 to US$200, with multiple colour options planned for both components.Delugs, founded in 2018, has grown into a niche but fast-rising watch accessory brand with international reach, expanding from online retail into physical boutiques in Singapore and Hong Kong.