Pocket Watches To Buy Instead Of The AP × Swatch Royal Pop

Fashion is a fickle and unpredictable muse, isn’t she? While some predict the demise of the analog watch under pressure from smartwatches, something as unexpected as the Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal Pop could imaginably swing the pendulum the other way. Could it trigger a resurgence of ye olde pocket watch? And if so, are watch brands ready for it?

I went on a mission to find a handful of serious options, just in case the Pop doesn’t quite do it for you. I will present four Pop alternatives in wildly different segments. One thing I noticed is that there is virtually no middle segment anymore. We jump from sub-€1,000 offerings straight to high horology. So, even before we get into my four alternatives, I think it is safe to say that, no, the watch world isn’t ready for the revival of pocket watches. In any case, let’s dive into some options for the watch enthusiast with vacant pockets.

Royal Pop-alternative pocket watches — Pick #1: Tissot Savonette

When RJ tasked me with this search, my mind immediately jumped to Tissot. The Swiss brand is one of the very few still active in this field. Crucially, it offers a fairly broad range of options at different price points. You can get a savonette-style pocket watch (meaning crown at 3 o’clock and a cover with its hinge at 9) starting at virtually the same price as an Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal Pop. A modest €325 buys you a 48.5mm example in steel, powered by a quartz movement.

My pick, however, would be the mechanical ref. T867.405.19.013.00. It features a classical white-lacquered dial with black Roman numerals and a sleek, classical handset. You get a big, recessed sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock. The stainless steel case features rich decorations, evoking the aesthetic of engine-turned and hand-decorated examples of yesteryear. The crystal is mineral glass, but that’s fine considering it sits behind the steel cover anyway.

The mechanical Savonette is powered by an automatic movement. That feels a bit off, perhaps, and I wonder how well it winds when worn in a pocket. Still, the large crown allows for hand-winding, and a 52-hour power reserve should keep you on time. The Tissot Savonette 48.5mm mechanical costs €945.

Pick #2: Patek Philippe 980J-011

Illustrating the missing midfield, we jump straight to a high-end offering. My second pick for alternative pocket watches to the AP × Swatch Royal Pop comes from Patek Philippe. At Patek, you can choose from Lépine- or Savonette-style pocket watches. “Lépine” indicates a glass front without the hunter-style cover. My pick would be the more protected Savonette option.

Patek Philippe produces this beautiful model in all three common gold hues. My pick would be yellow gold, the most classic of all. You get a 48 × 9.9mm case, including the covers. The simple dial is a particular highlight for me. Breguet numerals, a small seconds layout, and vertical brushing on the base make for a supremely elegant execution.

Inside ticks the large caliber 17’’’ SAV PS. This 38.65mm movement runs at 18,000 vibrations per hour and offers a minimum of 50 hours of autonomy on a full wind. Crucially, it is an absolute beauty to behold. Unfortunately, the €60,300 price of the 980J-011 reflects the refinement.

Royal Pop-alternative pocket watches — Pick #3: Omega Olympic Pocket Watch 1932

My third alternative to the Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal Pop pocket watches comes from Omega. This one is rather special, as it features a movement dating back to 1932. Omega discovered unassembled movement sets in its archives and decided to build a limited-edition pocket watch around them. The Olympic Pocket Watch 1932 is available in white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold, limited to 100 pieces each.

The 3889A movements inside were originally produced for the Los Angeles Olympics of 1932. You get a rattrapante chronograph with a 30-minute counter, as well as a regular time display with a sub-seconds at 6 o’clock. The three gold hues represent the bronze, silver, and gold Olympic medals. In that case, I know which one I would pick!

These are some of the coolest pocket watches around, as they not only look vintage, but they also come with a direct historical link. That’s the kind of story that works well when out for beers with friends. Unfortunately, you will have to part ways with €139,500 to slip one into your pocket. Then again, considering the 70mm case, you’ll need deep pockets anyway.

Stylish on a budget: Mondaine Evo Pocket

This is all well and good, but what if you actually want to spend less than the €385–400 required for an Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal Pop? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. You can even get an iconic design housed in a sleek, modernized stainless steel case. And thanks to its reasonable 43mm size, you won’t ever feel as if you are lugging around a wall clock on a chain. Enter the Mondaine Evo Pocket.

As always with Mondaine, you get a dial inspired by the clocks at Swiss railway stations, including the signature red seconds hand. It ticks behind a hardened mineral crystal in Lépine style. You also get a Swiss quartz movement and a fun red leather pouch for your Evo Pocket. The best part is that you will look cool for a palatable €299.

Closing thoughts on pocket watches in 2026

There you have it — four alternative pocket watches in case the Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal Pop leaves you longing for something more serious. Interestingly, finding pocket watches on an astronomical budget isn’t too hard. Several high-end manufacturers make grand complications and metiers d’art creations in this format. Similarly, highly affordable offerings are also quite easy to find.

However, if you want something in between, it seems you will have to turn to the vintage market. Luckily, you will find tons of fascinating offerings from big-name and obscure makers. Prices tend to be quite a bit friendlier than for comparable wristwatches due to the much lower demand.

The real question is: how will the Audemars Piguet × Swatch Royal Pop affect this demand? Do you reckon a revival of pocket watches is in the cards? Let us know in the comments section below!