Dubai, February 26th, 2024 – Introducing the latest comic-driven timepiece from the Franco-Swiss watchmaker RESERVOIR, the new RESERVOIR watch x Popeye Camel, an exclusive series for Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the leading luxury watch and jewellery retailer in the UAE. It is the 4th collaboration from iconic Popeye “I yam whats I yam and dats all whats I am,” and that’s Popeye the Sailor Man who said that. This new limited edition brings a nostalgic comic icon to the wrist in a sleek fashion. The watch embodies a ready-for-anything attitude of Popeye with the bold spirit of RESERVOIR, resulting in a true comic novelty that’s as strong in design as Popeye’s very own anchor arms.
“I am very proud of our new collaboration with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons around the famous Popeye the Sailor Man. This special watch series embodies his bold spirit on a camel discovering the United Arab Emirates’ landscape. Is it an honor to develop this creation with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons who have been extremely supportive about it.” François Moreau, Founder & CEO, RESERVOIR watch.
Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, said, “We are delighted to see the RESERVOIR x Popeye Camel collaboration come to life – the exclusive timepiece reflects the innovative craftsmanship of RESERVOIR, and the iconic spirit of Popeye against a unique backdrop.”
The character’s spirit of adventure.
A new animated version of the beloved Popeye the Sailor is emblazoned over the face of the watch. Popeye is recast in a desert seng, and a camel has taken the place of his famous boat: he is dressed like a pirate, complete with a parrot and treasure chest, against the backdrop of a starry night sky with a crescent moon. Rich, deep blue, evoking the vast skies one may find in wide deserts. This drawing is a creative interpretation of the concept of travelling across many eras and places in addition to paying homage to the character’s spirit of adventure and boldness.
He’s Popeye the Sailor Man!
Introduced to the world on January 17, 1929, by E.C. Segar in the “Thimble Theatre” comic series, Popeye from his debut has always been a rough-and-tumble, spinach-loving underdog. True to himself as a mean- mugging’ man with a heart of gold, the sailor became one of the most popular characters of 20th century through comic strips, radio shows, television programs, and eventually both animated and live-action films. Beloved by millions, Popeye and the rest of the “Thimble Theatre” cast, including Olive Oyl, Swee’Pea, and Bluto, continue today in the cultural spirit through countless references and works of art. In this latest collaborative timepiece, the sailor’s salty spirit finds its latest canvas.
New aesthetic to get ready for a desert journey.
The PVD gold case gives it a retro feel that is reminiscent of the old-fashioned navigational equipment that explorers previously utilised. The Indian numeral minute index is a component of the retrograde minute display, a core watchmaking complication shown across all collections of RESERVOIR watches, in which the hand moves from 0 to 60 on a 240° arc before stopping and starting over at the beginning. The hour marker at 6 is a jumping hour complication and is shown beneath Popeye’s picture in a circular window. It is a clever feature where the hour changes instantly at the top of each hour. The case is complemented by a brown leather strap for comfort and durability, which echoes the tough equipment of a desert adventurer, further enhancing the watch’s adventurous character.
It doesn’t run on spinach.
Inside the new limited-edition model is the RESERVOIR Calibre RSV-240, a next-generation automatic movement introduced by the watchmaker in the spring of 2022. Produced in association with the Swiss engine manufacture TELOS, the self-winding mechanism makes use of an LJP-G100 base with a patented, proprietary 113-piece module, with it optimised for RESERVOIR watches and the maker’s unique style of timekeeping. In the new RESERVOIR watch x Popeye Camel, the RSV-240 allows for the retrograde minute and jumping hour on display via the dial, with a 56-hour power reserve ensuring its sustained and reliable function. The movement and its RESERVOIR-signed rotor are smartly finished with Geneva stripes and radial style brushing, all visible via an exhibition sapphire case back itself adorned with a Popeye painted at its center.
Ready for action
Bold in its creation and even more so on the wrist, the new RESERVOIR watch x Popeye Camel watch is ready to hop into action. This 100-piece limited-edition timepiece is numbered “1 of 100″ with the mention “UAE Edition”, both bringing a character of exclusivity. Each numbered model is presented in a white wooden box adorned with an image of “The Popeye Family”, under which RESERVOIR watch brand logo and “Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons” logo are shown. An additional embroidery in honor of Popeye is offered. Fans of the classic series will likely find this whimsical and nostalgic design appealing.
