autoevolution
 

Franck Muller’s Vanguard Encrypto Is First Functional Bitcoin Watch, Still Gaudy

This Christmas, spare a thought for your techy loved one: a Franck Muller fully-functional bitcoin watch exists and could be a perfect holiday gift. Just be prepared to spend a lot of money (bitcoin or actual cash) on it.
The Franck Muller Vanguard Encrypto is the world's first fully-functional bitcoin watch 6 photos
Photo: Franck Muller
The Franck Muller Vanguard Encrypto is the world's first fully-functional bitcoin watchThe Franck Muller Vanguard Encrypto is the world's first fully-functional bitcoin watchThe Franck Muller Vanguard Encrypto is the world's first fully-functional bitcoin watchThe Franck Muller Vanguard Encrypto is the world's first fully-functional bitcoin watchThe Franck Muller Vanguard Encrypto is the world's first fully-functional bitcoin watch
The Franck Muller Vanguard Encrypto was launched this summer but is back in the headlines now after popular vlogger Supercar Blondie showed off a rose gold diamond version with over $17 million in bitcoin on it. You can see that video at the bottom of the page.

Since the Encrypto is back in the spotlight, let’s just take the time to talk about it a bit. It’s somewhat of a gaudy, massive timepiece that doesn’t really stand out from a horological perspective. The mechanism is hidden behind the caseback and, at 43 mm across and 53 mm from lug to lug, it’s on the large side, despite being relatively flat.

There is nothing subtle about this watch, from the large case to the giant bitcoin logo smack in the middle of the dial. Neither is there anything elegant about it, but elegance doesn’t seem to have been in the mind of the people at Franck Muller. Encrypto is made to be practical for those into cryptocurrency and it is meant to show off. Vanity, thy name is woman Encrypto!

The Franck Muller Vanguard Encrypto is the world's first fully\-functional bitcoin watch
Photo: Franck Muller
The Encrypto is available with cases of stainless steel, rose old, titanium and carbon, with prices ranging from upwards of $10,000 to more than $56,000 depending on this option and extra customization. The latter includes the possibility of choosing the color of the alligator-leather strap and of adding diamonds and other precious stones to the case and dial. So, for $56,000, you get a watch that is as sparkly as it’s valuable for what it stores.

The outstanding feature of the Encrypto is that it doubles as a cold bitcoin wallet. The owner can scan the laser-etched QR code and get instant access to it, see transactions and real-time balance. The watch also comes with a separate USB stick that holds a private key, allowing owners to set up the hot wallet used for transfers.

“The Vanguard Encrypto uses offline generated, non-deterministic TRNGs (True Random Numbers Generated) paper wallet style storage,” Franck Muller says. “As mentioned this method for storing bitcoin is quite popular among long term bitcoin holders and early adopters due to its massive security advantage and peace of mind. However rather than relying on slips of papers, users can just scan their dial.”

The Encrypto was developed with help from Regal Assets, a renowned crypto investment company. It features Caliber FM 0800, has a power reserve of 42 hours, and stands out for the massive bitcoin logo on the dial.

The Franck Muller Vanguard Encrypto is the world's first fully\-functional bitcoin watch
Photo: Franck Muller
Each model will be made only in 500 copies and, based on reports on social media, they’re already selling like hot cakes.

As noted above, Supercar Blondie got to handle an Encrypto linked to a wallet with over $17 million in bitcoin in it. That was the rose gold version with diamonds both on the case and the dial, but that’s not what it’s getting people talking right now. While the original video prompted a flurry of other videos from Encrypto owners itching to show off, it also opened a debate on the identity of this particular timepiece.

CNN notes that the address for the wallet is tied to a Mt. Gox wallet. Mt. Gox was the largest bitcoin intermediary until it closed up shop after some 850,000 coins from its customers were stolen. To this day, only about 200,000 of the coins were ever found, and one theory has it that this particular watch, with 2,400 bitcoins on it and linked to the Mt. Gox wallet, may belong to someone in the Saudi Royal Family.

All possible controversy aside, the Encrypto watch stands out like the most ironic timepiece of modern times: an expensive, $56,000 piece packed with diamonds, holding virtual money but very little aesthetic value. At least, it can be bought using bitcoin as well.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Elena Gorgan
Elena Gorgan profile photo

Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories