Popeye, the spinach-eating sailor we all know and love, is famous for his adventures. Franck Muller and the Bamford Watch Department once again pay tribute to this iconic character with their latest collaboration of 60-piece black titanium and a 25-piece rose gold edition.
When the Franck Muller Vanguard was first introduced to the market, it went the sporty route, making it the perfect timepiece partner for Popeye with his bulging muscles. Popeye is prominently displayed on the dial, with his oversized forearms serving as the hour and minute hands. In addition, Popeye’s adopted son Swee’pea, who was left on his doorstep, crawls around the dial as the seconds hand.
The rose gold and black titanium 44 X 53.7 mm tonneau-shaped cases complement the Popeye figure on the dial with the characteristic applique numerals that have been delicately hand-polished and hand-brushed, giving the entire watch a matching and flowing color look. The integrated strap inside the case is a clever touch, maintaining and extending the curved aspect of the watch. Both versions are powered by an FM 800 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve.
The styling and attention to detail are obvious throughout this piece, which tells the story of a true collaboration between the Bamford Watch Department and Franck Muller. The packaging is ingenious; you need to open the spinach can to unwrap your watch! An original comic strip, produced specifically for the partnership by artist Randy Millholland, is included in the distinctive packaging and relates the story of Popeye’s adventures to London and Geneva.
All in all, a stunning result for both versions, sporty, cool, and different, and I honestly would not know which one to choose!
Nicholas Rudaz, CEO, Franck Muller
“I am so delighted with this second project made in collaboration with Bamford Watch Department. The first being the sold-out Snoopy Crazy Hours launched last year. Today we present the powerfully strong Popeye by Bamford and Franck Muller. Our collaboration of the distinctive creation of BWD with the Master of Complications results in eye-catching wristwatches, one in a black titanium case and the other in rose gold, both extremely eye-catching. Not only do these watches hold all the DNA of Popeye and Franck Muller, but their creative packaging box will enhance the beauty and uniqueness of such a collectible watch. The watch is also delivered with a Popeye cartoon printed on micro-fiber cloth and includes the headquarters of both Bamford and Watchland. We’re very excited with this new collaboration, and we look forward to many more to come.” Nicholas Rudaz, CEO, Franck Muller.
Jarred Goro, VP North American Licensing, King Features
King Feature Syndicate, a division of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, owns Popeye. Popeye is an underdog with massive forearms, a strong uppercut, and a penchant for canned spinach who always fights for what’s right. “As a watch collector, collaborating with Franck Muller, who is the epitome of class and style, is a dream come true,’ said Jarred Goro, VP North American Licensing, King Features. “Popeye and BWD have a long history together, but this latest partnership with Franck Muller to deliver the Vanguard elevates Popeye’s position as a fashion icon to a whole new level.”
Price & Availability
Both Franck Muller x Bamford Watch Department Popeye versions are available exclusively online from Bamford Watch Department and at select Franck Muller retailers worldwide.
Franck Muller x Bamford Watch Department Popeye Vanguard Black Titanium – RRP £12,500
Franck Muller x Bamford Watch Department Popeye Vanguard Rose Gold – RRP £21,500
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