Spinach. Just one word and I’m certain everyone knows which classic cartoon character is at the centre of UNDONE’s latest limited edition boxset. That’s right, it’s everyone’s favourite sailor with a big chin and bigger forearms – Popeye. And unlike the last time he featured on an UNDONE timepiece, he’s accompanied by the lovely Olive Oyl and his rival Brutus. Read to the end to find out how you can pick one up as a member of the Oracle Time community.
The boxset of three watches, each dedicated to one of the characters, is limited to just 50 sets, sold at a special UNDONE event. The set comes with a premium collectors box and a framed artwork of the characters and everything has matching serialisation to make collectors extra happy. The watches will be sold separately as well, however the boxset versions have a few altered features that make them unique.
“Destro” Popeye Collector’s Boxset Edition
Let’s start with the main man himself. The new Popeye timepiece, called the Destro, is based on the destro version of the Marine Nationale Snowflake, a nice foil to the original El Capitaine UNDONE x Popeye based on the regular version. Notably the crown has been flipped to the 9 o’clock position, making it convenient to be worn on the righthand wrist. The big, block indices on the dial are also inspired by timeless marine nationale watches and fit perfectly alongside Popeye’s personality. At the centre is the sailorman himself, helpfully pointing to the time with those iconic arms.
Exclusive to the boxset version is the bronze case, the only piece in the Popeye collection to include the material. As the bronze patinas over time it will give the piece an extra dose of nautical flair. UNDONE has shown that it knows how to handle its limited edition bronzes with the likes of the UNDONE Arabian Nights, which also happens to be a story themed timepiece.
The Popeye Destro has 10 bar water resistance allowing for underwater activities up to 100m depth. This is enabled by the screw down, glass caseback and a double-domed crystal on the front, which brings the piece’s height to 15mm and its diameter to a respectable 40mm. The caseback also features a Popeye signature. Powering the piece is the Japanese TMI NH35A Automatic Winding Mechanism from Seiko, with a 42-hour power reserve.
Case/dial: 40mm diameter x 15mm thickness, bronze case with patina, pale blue dial | Water resistance: 100m | Movement: Japanese TMI NH35A (supplied by SEIKO Manufacturing (H.K.) Limited), automatic, 24 jewels | Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz) | Power reserve: 42h | Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date calendar | Strap: Fabric | Price: $1,499 USD for the Boxset Collection, limited to 50 pieces
Aqua Brutus Collector’s Boxset Edition
Next up is Brutus, Popeye’s rival for the love of Olive Oyl. As befits the burly man, his timepiece is the chunkiest of the lot at a 43mm diameter and 16.5mm height but that also comes with improved 20 bar water resistance – which is 200m depth. That difference is because the basis for the Brutus model is the Aqua, a dedicated diver.
As with the Popeye edition, the focus of the dial is a depiction of the character, this time Brutus – who takes up a lot more of the dial space than the relatively slender Popeye. Again, the watch’s hands are the character’s arms. Behind Brutus you can see that a portion of the dial is translucent, a first for UNDONE, letting you get a peek at the movement within which is the same as in the Popeye Destro.
The exclusive boxset feature is the unique red crown that compliments the blue PVD coated stainless steel case and dark grey bezel. As with all the pieces, the character’s signature is found on the caseback.
Case/dial: 43mm diameter x 16.5mm thickness, PVD coated stainless steel case in blue | Water resistance: 200m | Movement: Japanese TMI NH35A (supplied by SEIKO Manufacturing (H.K.) Limited), automatic, 24 jewels | Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz) | Power reserve: 42h | Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date calendar | Strap: Rubber | Price: $1,499 USD for the Boxset Collection, limited to 50 pieces
34 Olive Collector’s Boxset Edition
Rounding out the boxset is the 34 Olive Oyl collector’s piece, featuring a boxset exclusive rose gold coated case. It’s definitely the most refined of the three at a 34mm diameter and is ostensibly a lady’s watch – the dial is mother-of-pearl and the numerals have been given a more traditionally feminine font.
As with the others, Olive Oyl herself is depicted on the dial, her swivelling arms pointing to the time. However, uniquely among the three, there is no seconds hand on the 34 Olive Oyl to allow the portrait to have larger emphasis. Meaning that Popeye and Brutus can both get a good look at the women who has them wrapped around her finger. As the most delicate timepiece it only has a water resistance of 30m, although the hardware inside is still robust: the TMI VH61 Quartz movement from Seiko. It also has a K1 hardened dome crystal for scratch resistance.
Case/dial: 34mm diameter x 11mm thickness, rose gold, stainless steel case, mother-of-pear dial | Water resistance: 30m | Movement: Japanese TMI VH61, (supplied by SEIKO Manufacturing (H.K.) Limited), quartz movement | Functions: Hours, minutes | Strap: Leather | Price: $1,499 USD for the Boxset Collection, limited to 50 pieces
The boxset, which includes all three watches, a framed print and the premium collector’s box is $1499 (approx. £1085) available in a limited run of 50 from a special online event run by UNDONE. How do you get involved in that online event? Well let me tell you.
Oracle Time has been given exclusive access to five of the boxsets so that you, the Oracle Time community, have the chance to purchase one. All you need to do is head over to the sign up page where you’ll be entered into a lucky draw for the opportunity to be one of five Oracle Time readers who are invited to the online event where you can pick up the collection. Sign up will last from March 10th to March 15th so don’t miss out!
If you’re one of the lucky winners you’ll be sent an email from UNDONE regarding how to access the event and be given your password. So eat your spinach and get ready to swoop in to Olive Oyl’s rescue along with Popeye and Brutus.
More details at Undone.
