Ice on the Dial: Alex Moss Unveils a Fully Diamond-Encrusted Custom AP x Swatch “Royal Pop”

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Summary

  • Celebrity jeweler Alex Moss has unveiled a fully customized, diamond-encrusted version of the newly released Audemars Piguet x Swatch “Royal Pop” pocket watch
  • The New York-based designer transformed the polarizing Bioceramic accessory into a high-end pendant, swapping out the factory calfskin lanyard for a massive 14-karat white gold diamond chain
  • The custom piece features brilliant VS-clarity diamonds meticulously hand-set into a bespoke bezel overlay, maintaining the iconic Royal Oak shape while adding unapologetic luxury

Following the buzz created by Swatch and Audemars Piguet’s surprising collaboration, jeweler Alex Moss is taking the popular watch to a new extreme. Moss, famous for designing eye-catching, custom pieces for stars like Drake and A$AP Rocky, has given the $400 bioceramic watch a luxurious makeover. He’s covered it in diamonds, demonstrating that even the most hyped items can be transformed with a bit of extravagance.

When the AP x Swatch “Royal Pop” collection launched in select stores in May 2026, it surprised many watch collectors. Instead of the expected wristwatch, the collaboration revealed a colorful, Pop Art-style mechanical pocket watch meant to be worn on a lanyard or attached to a bag. Some traditionalists questioned if the use of plastic diminished Audemars Piguet’s reputation, but Moss viewed it as a fresh and exciting starting point.

Moss and his team significantly upgraded the watch’s appearance. They replaced the original material with a custom-made bezel crafted from 14-karat white gold, designed to fit perfectly over the watch’s existing shape. This new covering is adorned with sparkling, high-quality diamonds that highlight the watch’s iconic screw design.

Moss is playfully embracing the original spirit of Royal Pop by transforming a simple, mass-produced watch into a unique, high-end jewelry piece. This creates a striking and energetic contrast between street style, classic Swiss watchmaking (using Swatch’s visible SISTEM51 movement), and the bold look of contemporary hip-hop jewelry.

At the time of writing, the piece has already sold.

 

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2026-05-29 06:26