Popeye’s latest journey has ended up with his involvement in a collaboration between Bamford Watch Department and Franck Muller.
The result of which is the Franck Muller x BWD Popeye Vanguard, a timepiece available in a black or rose gold case.
Building on Franck Muller’s original Vanguard, BWD has incorporated Popeye’s distinctively muscled forearms as the hour and minute hands, making the aesthetics even stronger.
Included in the unique packaging is an original comic strip which tells the tale of Popeye’s travels to London and Geneva, exclusively created to celebrate the collaboration by cartoonist, Randy Millholland.
Commenting on the product, Nicholas Rudaz, CEO of Franck Muller, said: “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 PVD case and the other in pink gold, both extremely eye-catching. Not only do these watches hold all the DNA of Popeye and Franck Muller but its creative packaging box will enhance the beauty and uniqueness of such a collectible watch.”
Adding: “The watch is also delivered with a Popeye cartoon, printed on micro-fibre 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.”
Both the black and rose gold cases compliment the Popeye figure on the dial with the distinctive applique numerals which have been meticulously hand-polished and hand-brushed, coordinating and giving a flowing colour effect to the entire watch.
The strap is cleverly integrated inside the case in order to maintain and extend the curved aspect of the timepiece, the result being a stunning and sporty timepiece with a particularly unique design.
Popeye is owned by King Feature Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters.
The VP of North American Licensing at King Features, Jarred Goro, went on to add: “As a watch collector, collaborating with Franck Muller, who is the epitome of class and style, is a dream come true.
“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.”
It is available exclusively online from Bamford Watch Department and at select Franck Muller stockists around the world.
The steel watch costs £12,500 and the gold version is £21,500.
