Over the last 74 years, Charles M. Schulz’ Peanuts comic strip has entertained millions with tales of the friendship between Charlie Brown and his beagle, Snoopy. Ever more imaginative and adventurous as time progressed, Snoopy’s character evolved from a simple dog into a daydreaming hound with a fascinating fantasy life.
The timeless nature of Snoopy’s bond with his loyal sidekick Woodstock inspired the latest collaboration between Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller and the London-based Bamford Watch Department specialising in watch customisation. It’s the third creation, a 65-piece limited edition showcasing the innovation and artistry of these companies. The piece has a midnight black dial accentuated with a twisted guilloche pattern inspired by the “Clous de Paris” design. Snoopy and Woodstock are rendered in silver tones, with a SuperLuminova heart glowing in Woodstock’s beak, representing their incredible friendship.
The watch is housed in a titanium case and presented in a bespoke black lacquered Peanuts doghouse box with a deep red interior to reflect the characters’ playful spirit. The Crazy Love Snoopy fastens with a luxurious black suede strap.
George Bamford, founder of Bamford Watch Department, said: “I am so proud and excited by our friendship and collaboration with the team at Franck Muller and Peanuts. The watches we create together are unique and stunning and elevate our love for all things Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. The Crazy Love is a particular favourite of mine, in its depiction of the beautiful friendship between Snoopy and Woodstock.”
Nicholas Rudaz, CEO of Franck Muller, added: “We’re thrilled to unveil our latest collaboration with Bamford Watch Department alongside Peanuts, featuring the beloved Snoopy. This partnership blends Franck Muller’s craftsmanship with the playful spirit of an icon, with one of our DNA complications, creating a timepiece that’s as timeless as it is fun.”
“Freedom. Independence. Loyalty. Diversity.” Family-owned Geneva-based watchmaker Raymond Weil finds synergy with these values, shared by graphic novel hero Largo Winch, who stars in the brand’s latest Chronograph Tri-Compax from the Millesime collection.
Largo Winch is one of the best-selling graphic novel series globally, a cornerstone of the adventure and thriller genre, enjoyed across generations and adapted into film. The series has sold nearly 15 million albums since its debut and is particularly popular in Europe. It follows the swashbuckling Largo Winch on action-packed adventures intertwined with finance, business, loyalty, independence, and justice themes.
With established links to music and contemporary art, Raymond Weil’s entry into the world of arts and culture reflects its commitment to creating exceptional timepieces while celebrating the work of Belgian graphic artist Philippe Francq, who has given life to the adventurous character for almost four decades.
The caseback illustration hints at a new story starring Largo Winch, depicted with a bag slung over his shoulder and wearing a Raymond Weil watch, en route to meet a contact on the Mont-Blanc Bridge in Geneva. The design seamlessly integrates elements from the Largo Winch universe, such as the dollar bill-inspired Pantone 4214C colour, prominently seen on the Chronograph Tri-Compax counters and subtly featured on the tachymeter scale.
“I’ve always been and continue to be an artisan in my creative process as an illustrator, the same way the artisans at Raymond Weil assemble the watches of this special series by hand in their workshops in Geneva. It takes me 18 months to create a graphic novel that takes an hour to read. Raymond Weil takes about the same time to launch a timepiece, [yet] it takes a second to tell time,” explains Francq.
“As a child, every album by Philippe Francq took me on an amazing journey to somewhere in the world, and it still does today with my family and children, who are also fans,” says Elie Bernheim, Raymond Weil’s CEO.
Just as Largo Winch captivates the imagination, the Millésime collection – including the award-winning Petite Seconde model, which claimed the Challenge Prize at the 2023 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – appeals to watch enthusiasts with its sport-chic aesthetics, precision, and craftsmanship. In addition, the collection reflects the meticulous detail and storytelling seen in Francq’s graphic novels.
There are three models, all housed in finely crafted stainless-steel cases. The midnight blue version (Ref 7765-STC-50651) pairs silver auxiliary counters with light blue Arabic numerals, while a white-highlighted tachymeter scale adds a dynamic, sporty touch. A high-quality blue calfskin leather strap completes the look. The black dial version (Ref 7765-STC-20001), with white indexes and Arabic numerals, offers a more striking and assertive aesthetic, making each piece a testament to mechanical excellence and timeless design.
This watch, limited to 300 numbered pieces, is available through Raymond Weil’s 2 500 points of sale and on the brand’s e-commerce platform.
