Franck Muller’s Vanguard Encrypto is a limited-edition watch launched in 2019 with Regal Assets. It does not store Bitcoin in the watch face: Franck Muller says the dial’s QR code identifies a public Bitcoin wallet address, while a sealed USB stick supplied with the watch stores the associated private key.
What is the Vanguard Encrypto?
The Vanguard Encrypto is a Franck Muller watch built around a Bitcoin-themed design and a wallet-address feature. Regal Assets announced the partnership on May 22, 2019, and Franck Muller published its own announcement on June 27, 2019. The launch release described the watch as a limited edition and said a maximum of 500 units of each version would be available; that was a historical launch claim, not confirmation of production totals or remaining stock today. Regal Assets’ May 22 announcement and Franck Muller’s news archive document the launch.
How does the Bitcoin feature work?
The QR code points to a public address
Franck Muller says a laser-etched QR code on the dial contains a public Bitcoin wallet address. A public address can be shared to receive Bitcoin, and the maker says users can also use it to check the wallet balance. The QR code is therefore an address reference; it is not the private key and does not itself prove that the watch controls any Bitcoin.
The private key is on a separate USB stick
The maker says an included sealed USB stick stores the wallet’s private key. That key is distinct from the public address shown by the QR code and is what enables control of funds associated with the wallet. Franck Muller describes the storage approach as an offline-generated, non-deterministic TRNG (true random number generator) paper-wallet-style system. Those are the manufacturer’s descriptions; the available product information does not provide an independent security audit or establish a security guarantee.
#1 Best Overall
- Brushed titanium case (45 mm x 54 mm, 14 mm thick), Screw-in case-back, Black guilloche dial, Black hands
- Applied black Arabic numerals, Date window at the 6 o'clock position
- Scratch resistant sapphire crystal, Swiss automatic movement
- Water resistant to 3 ATM/30 meters/99 feet
- Black rubber strap with a leather top, Deployment Buckle
The Genesis Block reference is a design detail
The dial’s Bitcoin logo and reference to the Genesis Block address are visual motifs. They should not be confused with the QR code for the watch’s public wallet address, which the maker describes as the address users can use to deposit Bitcoin or view a balance.
Materials and watch functions
Franck Muller’s product information lists stainless steel, rose gold, titanium, and carbon versions. It also specifies an alligator strap with a rubber reverse and hours, minutes, seconds, and date functions. The published material identifies variant materials and styling but does not establish a current recommendation among configurations; check the exact reference for its specifications before comparing individual examples. Franck Muller’s Vanguard Encrypto product information is the source for these listed features.
Rank #2
- Polished stainless steel case (45 mm x 54 mm, 14 mm thick), Screw-in case-back
- Blue dial, Silver-tone luminescent hands, Silver outline with white filled Arabic numerals
- Date window at the 6 o'clock position
- Scratch resistant sapphire crystal, Swiss automatic movement, Water resistant to 3 ATM/30 meters/99 feet
- Blue rubber strap with blue carbon fiber top, Deployment Buckle
What did it cost, and can you buy one now?
Regal Assets reported a launch-era price range of $10,000–$50,000 per watch in a June 12, 2019 promotional release. This is a historical reported range, not a current quote. The launch announcements and product information cited here do not verify present-day pricing, inventory, authorized sellers, or an Amazon listing. Treat any current offer as unconfirmed until a seller and the specific watch reference have been checked. Regal Assets’ June 12, 2019 release reported the historical range.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Franck Muller Vanguard Automatic Men's Watch 45SCTTBRNRGRYWH
Rank #4
- Polished stainless steel case (53 mm X 43 mm, 13 mm thick), Screw-in case-back
- Brushed black dial, Luminous hands, Applied Arabic numerals, Sweep second hand
- Date window at the 6 o'clock position, 360 degree scale displayed around the flange, Screw-down crown
- Scratch resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal, Swiss automatic movement, Caliber FM 0800, Power reserve of 42 hours, Water resistant to 10 ATM/100 meters/330 feet
- Black rubber strap covered with black leather, Push button deployment buckle, Fits up to an 8.5 inch wrist
Rank #3
- Brushed titanium case with a red trim (45 mm x 54 mm, 14 mm thick), Screw-in case-back, Black guilloche dial, Black luminescent hands
- Applied black Arabic numerals with a red outline, Date window at the 6 o'clock position
- Scratch resistant sapphire crystal, Swiss automatic movement
- Water resistant to 3 ATM/30 meters/99 feet
- Black rubber strap with leather on top and red stitching, Deployment Buckle
