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Very few haute horlogerie brands dare to not take themselves too seriously from time to time. Without compromising their standards in precision engineering or immaculate finishing, they occasionally introduce creations full of humor, light-heartedness, and even cartoonish flair. Just like the latest releases from Franck Muller that genuinely made us smile.
Franck Muller has always been a case apart, an intriguing paradox, balancing high-complication movements with lavish, gem-studded masterpieces in every color and form imaginable. Another key trait is its affinity for art, with dozens of collaborations featuring artists from across the globe. Based on my 25 years of experience in the watch world, I can confidently say Franck Muller has the widest model range in any current collection. Each model appears in countless variations, different materials, colors, and gem settings. And that’s without even counting bespoke pieces, as the brand is well-equipped to cater to any client’s whim, famous or not.
This summer, the Swiss house decided to have even more fun, launching watches featuring either blue cartoon characters or rabbits on summer adventures on the beach.
This is not the first time Franck Muller has dabbled in pop culture. Previous models starred comic icons like Popeye and Snoopy, in collaboration with Bamford Watch Department. Now it’s the Smurfs’ turn, those globally beloved blue creatures.
To celebrate the upcoming The Smurfs 2025 film, Franck Muller created its first haute horlogerie models dedicated to Smurfette. The Vanguard Smurfette collection consists of three collectible watches: the blue version, with its vibrant “Smurf blue” dial and matching strap, radiates confidence; the white version with pink numerals and strap offers a more playful touch; and the pink version, adorned with floral motifs around Smurfette, exudes elegance and joy.
Why Smurfette? Why not another blue character? Because Smurfette (voiced by Rihanna) is the heroine of the new film, leading a daring mission to rescue Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman) from the evil Gargamel and Razamel. This collection highlights the idea of time as a key element of destiny.
The Vanguard Smurfette is limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, available from September 25, 2025, at Franck Muller boutiques and on watchespedia.com.
The second fun collection we’re diving into is the result of a new collaboration between Franck Muller and the Japanese streetwear brand #FR2. The two had previously joined forces in 2023, and now they return with the unmistakable aesthetic of the Fxxking Rabbits in a summer-themed series: the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach Limited Edition.
Color, vivid color, and inspiration from the sun, the sea, and endless beach parties define the three new versions of the Vanguard’s signature tonneau case: Heatwave Red, Surf Blue, and Tropical Green, each limited to just 300 pieces.
The cheeky Fxxking Rabbits take center stage on the dial: lounging under a beach umbrella, riding a surfboard, or nestled in lush vegetation. The date display at 2 o’clock cleverly symbolizes the scorching summer sun while simultaneously referencing the #FR2 logo. And by night, the rabbits and skeletonized hands glow, thanks to their Super-Luminova coating.
But beyond the playful visuals, the construction of these timepieces is anything but simple. The case, which I almost forgot to mention, is crafted from Glass Fibre Composite, a high-tech material made from glass fibers. To achieve these strikingly saturated colors, the glass is first melted at 1,500°C, then drawn into fine threads. These are cooled and turned into thin sheets at 700°C, before being immersed in color baths to reach the ideal shade, and finally compressed into fiberglass composite blocks.
Each watch is paired with a bold nylon strap lined with leather, fastened via a practical hook-and-loop (Velcro) system, making it comfortable on the wrist and easy to clean after a day at the beach. Inside, they’re powered by Franck Muller’s reliable automatic MVT 2536-SCDT2H movement.
Sadly, the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach Limited Edition watches are available exclusively in Asia-Pacific countries.
