Franck Muller Vanguard Smurfette

In a surprising yet fitting union, the world of Swiss fine watchmaking intersects with a global pop culture phenomenon. Franck Muller has announced its first-ever collaboration with The Smurfs, resulting in a vibrant and meticulously crafted collection of timepieces. Timed to celebrate the upcoming 2025 movie, The Smurfs, the new Franck Muller Vanguard Smurfette series captures the playful spirit of the beloved blue characters through the exacting standards of horological artistry. This collection is a narrative piece, translating the themes of adventure and friendship from the Smurfs' universe onto the canvas of a luxury watch.

The foundation of this unique collaboration is rooted in the independent and often audacious spirit of Franck Muller. Since its inception, the brand has cultivated a reputation for pushing the boundaries of traditional watch design. Known as the "Master of Complications," Franck Muller has consistently introduced complex mechanisms housed within distinctively bold cases, most notably the Cintrée Curvex. This history of embracing unconventional aesthetics and complex watchmaking makes the brand a logical, if unexpected, partner for the whimsical world of The Smurfs. The collaboration feels less like a departure and more like a natural extension of Franck Muller’s willingness to blend serious craftsmanship with a sense of fun.



On the other side of this partnership are The Smurfs, characters who have charmed audiences for decades. Created in 1958 by the Belgian artist Pierre Culliford, known professionally as Peyo, these small blue beings have become enduring icons of friendship and community. Living in their mushroom-house village, they embody values of teamwork and a deep respect for nature. Their journey from comic strips to television series and blockbuster films has cemented their place in the cultural lexicon. The upcoming film, featuring Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette and John Goodman as Papa Smurf, provides the direct narrative inspiration for this horological project.

The film's plot, which sees Smurfette leading a rescue mission into the human world, introduces a powerful theme: the significance of time and how one chooses to spend it. This concept is woven into the very fabric of the Vanguard Smurfette collection. The watches are designed to be more than accessories; they are wearable storytellers, echoing the movie’s message that time is the ultimate measure of one’s journey and destiny. This thematic depth elevates the collection beyond a simple character licensing, creating a meaningful link between the cinematic adventure and the mechanical object that measures its passing.



At the heart of the collection is the iconic Franck Muller Vanguard case. Instantly recognizable by its tonneau shape, the case architecture is defined by its clean, futuristic lines and integrated strap. The form is a study in ergonomics, with refined curves that allow the watch to sit comfortably and securely on the wrist. For this collection, the case measures a versatile 32mm in width, 42.3mm in length, and a relatively slim 9.9mm in thickness, making it suitable for a variety of wearers. Crafted from stainless steel and meticulously hand-polished, it provides a lustrous frame for the vibrant dials within.

A distinctive feature of the Vanguard Smurfette case is the inclusion of colorful inserts along its flanks. These inserts, rendered in either a vibrant Smurf blue or a playful pink, create a striking visual harmony with the dial and strap. This detail adds a layer of customization and character to the watches, directly tying the physical case to the specific theme of each model. The case is water-resistant up to 30 meters and is protected by a sapphire crystal, ensuring durability for daily wear while preserving a clear view of the intricate dial work.



For those seeking an additional layer of luxury, the collection offers diamond-set versions of each design. In these executions, the stainless steel case is hand-set with 308 brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling an impressive 3.77 carats. The process of setting these stones is an art in itself, requiring immense precision to ensure a seamless and brilliant surface. The case is then treated with rhodium plating to enhance its brightness and protect the finish. This transformation from polished steel to a scintillating pave of diamonds elevates the watch into a piece of high jewelry, blending the playful character theme with unapologetic opulence.

The dials of the Vanguard Smurfette collection are where the collaboration truly comes to life. Each dial begins as a metal base stamped with an intricate guilloché sun pattern, a classic horological decoration that creates a dynamic play of light. This textured base is then coated with an astonishing 25 layers of lacquer, a process that imparts a profound depth and richness to the color. This meticulous, multi-layered approach ensures that the dial is not merely a flat image but a three-dimensional work of art.

The collection is presented in three distinct dial interpretations. The first, the Vanguard Smurfette in blue, features a dial in the character’s signature color. An image of Smurfette is centrally featured, exuding a sense of bold confidence. The hand-applied applique numerals are outlined in a matching blue, creating a cohesive and striking look. This model is a direct and proud tribute to the Smurf universe's most iconic hue.



A second variant offers a more whimsical aesthetic on a white dial. Here, the large, stylized numerals are hand-painted in a soft pink, providing a gentle contrast against the bright background. Smurfette is again the star, her cheerful disposition captured in the artwork. This version is paired with a matching pink strap, reinforcing its lighthearted and charming character.

The third interpretation, the Vanguard Smurfette Pink Flowers, presents the most elaborate dial. Set against a backdrop with pink numerals, Smurfette is surrounded by a lively motif of blooming flowers. This design is intended to celebrate what the brand calls her "blossoming personality." It's a joyful and decorative execution that radiates a playful spirit, perfectly complemented by its vivid pink strap.

Regardless of the specific design, the numerals on every watch are a testament to Franck Muller's attention to detail. These applique numerals are not simply printed on the dial. Each one is individually crafted, meticulously painted by hand, and then carefully applied to the lacquered surface. This painstaking, artisanal process adds a tangible sense of quality and texture to the dial, setting it apart from mass-produced counterparts.



Powering each timepiece in the Vanguard Smurfette collection is the MVT 1748, a bidirectional self-winding mechanical movement. This caliber is the reliable engine that drives the hours, minutes, and seconds functions. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz, which ensures a smooth and continuous sweep of the seconds hand. The movement is composed of 75 individual components and provides a practical power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound.

While the owner may not see it, the movement is finished to the high standards expected of a Swiss watchmaker. The bridges and rotor plate are decorated with Côtes de Genève, a series of parallel stripes that are a hallmark of fine movements. The mainplate features perlage, or circular graining, creating a pattern of small, overlapping circles. Further finishing includes beveling on the rotor board, diamond polishing on the sinks, sunray brushing on various components, and snailing on the ratchets. These decorations serve no mechanical function but are a proud display of the craftsmanship invested in every part of the watch.

The functionality of the watch is straightforward and user-friendly. A dual-position crown controls all operations. In its first position, flush against the case, it can be used to manually wind the movement. Pulled out to the second position, it allows for the precise setting of the time. This simple and intuitive system makes the watch accessible even to those new to mechanical timepieces.



Completing the aesthetic of each watch is a strap that perfectly complements its dial and case accents. The blue models are fitted with a Smurf blue strap, while the pink-themed watches come with a vivid pink strap. For the diamond-set models, the buckle also receives special treatment. It is hand-set with an additional 12 brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing 0.21 carats, ensuring that the luxury detailing extends to every aspect of the watch.

The presentation of the Vanguard Smurfette is as imaginative as the watch itself. Each timepiece is delivered in a custom Smurf-themed box. This packaging is specially designed to resemble a "magical portal," a direct nod to the film’s narrative of the Smurfs traveling from their magical forest into the human world. This thoughtful detail enhances the collector experience, making the unboxing a part of the story.

The collaboration represents a bold new chapter for Franck Muller, demonstrating the brand's ability to merge its refined watchmaking sensibilities with the universal appeal of a pop culture icon. It transforms the act of storytelling into a tangible, wearable form, capturing a narrative about courage, time, and destiny on the wrist.



This collection is a true limited edition, with production capped at just 100 pieces for the entire world. This scarcity is sure to appeal to dedicated Franck Muller collectors, fans of The Smurfs, and those who appreciate unique and adventurous watch design. The blend of high craftsmanship and nostalgic charm creates a compelling and exclusive proposition.

The Franck Muller Vanguard Smurfette collection is priced according to its materials. The three stainless steel models (Smurfette Steel Blue, Smurfette Steel Pink, and Smurfette Steel Pink Flowers) are each priced at CHF 9,800.00. The three diamond-set models (Smurfette Blue Diamond, Smurfette Pink Diamond, and Smurfette Pink Flowers Diamond) are priced at CHF 20,800.00. The watches will be available for purchase through Franck Muller boutiques and online at the retailer Watchespedia. For eager collectors and fans, deliveries are scheduled to begin on September 25, 2025.

Case: Stainless steel Vanguard case, hand polished; Dimensions 32 mm x 42.3 mm x 9.9 mm; Sapphire crystal; Water resistant to 30 meters; Features colored inserts on the sides (blue or pink); Diamond models are hand set with 308 brilliant-cut diamonds (3.77 carats) and have rhodium plating.

Movement: Caliber MVT 1748 self-winding bidirectional movement; 38-hour power reserve; 28,800 vph; 75 components; Functions include hours, minutes, and seconds; Decorations include Côtes de Genève, perlage, and sunray brushing.

Dial: Stamped guilloché with a sun pattern, finished with 25 layers of lacquer; Features a central image of Smurfette and hand-painted, hand-applied applique numerals; Available in blue, white with pink numerals, or white with pink numerals and a floral motif.

Strap: Integrated strap in either vibrant blue or vivid pink to match the dial accents; Diamond models feature a buckle hand set with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.21 carats).

Price: CHF 9,800.00 for stainless steel models; CHF 20,800.00 for diamond-set models.

Reference Number: V 32 SC AT FO SMURFETTE (BL/RS), V 32 SC AT FO SMURFETTE FLOWER (RS), V 32 SC AT FO D SMURFETTE (BL/RS), V 32 SC AT FO D SMURFETTE FLOWER (RS).

Notes: Limited edition of 100 pieces worldwide across all six models. A collaboration celebrating the 2025 Smurfs movie, starring Rihanna as Smurfette. Presented in a custom Smurf-themed box. Deliveries begin September 25, 2025.