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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Franck Muller’s Vanguard Encrypto is a limited-edition watch announced in 2019 with Regal Assets. Its dial displays a QR code for a public Bitcoin wallet address, while a sealed USB stick supplied with the watch is intended to store the associated private key. The dial’s Bitcoin imagery is a design feature; it is not the private-key storage.
What the Vanguard Encrypto does
Franck Muller’s product description says the watch’s dial has a laser-etched QR code linked to a public Bitcoin wallet address. That public address can be used to deposit Bitcoin or check the wallet’s balance. A public address is not the secret credential needed to spend the funds: according to the maker, the associated private key is stored on a sealed USB stick included with the watch.
In other words, the watch itself is not described as holding Bitcoin or storing the private key in its face. It presents the public address; the USB stick is the stated private-key storage device.
The Genesis Block design is separate from the wallet address
The dial’s design references the Bitcoin Genesis Block address and includes a Bitcoin logo. Those elements are visual motifs. They should not be confused with the watch’s laser-etched QR code for its public wallet address, which is the part Franck Muller says can be used to receive Bitcoin and view the balance.
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#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
How the watch was launched
Regal Assets announced the partnership on May 22, 2019, describing the Encrypto as a collaboration with Franck Muller on a Bitcoin wallet and cold-storage system. Regal Assets’ launch announcement said a maximum of 500 units of each version would be available. That was a launch-era statement, not confirmation of how many were ultimately made or remain for sale.
Franck Muller’s official news archive published its announcement on June 27, 2019, referring to the watch as the “World’s first functional bitcoin watch.” The maker’s product details and description are available on its Vanguard Encrypto product page. In the launch release, Franck Muller regional director Erol Baliyan described the company’s aim as creating an emotional bond between customer and timepiece; Regal Assets CEO Tyler Gallagher said he was honored to participate in developing the process. Both remarks were promotional statements made at launch.
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
Materials, styling and functions
The official product description lists versions in stainless steel, rose gold, titanium and carbon. It also specifies an alligator strap with a rubber reverse and hours, minutes, seconds and date functions. Those details establish the documented range of materials and watch features, but do not provide a basis to recommend one configuration over another. Confirm the specifications for the exact model reference before relying on them.
What is known about its storage security
Franck Muller describes the wallet storage as offline-generated, non-deterministic TRNG (true random number generator) paper-wallet-style storage. That is the maker’s description; the available product information does not establish an independent security audit or test. It therefore does not support a guarantee that the wallet cannot be hacked or that the storage is secure under every threat model.
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
Anyone evaluating the watch as a way to hold Bitcoin should distinguish the collectible timepiece from the security of its wallet setup. The maker’s account explains where it says the public address and private key reside, but does not provide independent evidence about the implementation or recovery process.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Launch-era price and current availability
A June 12, 2019 Regal Assets release reported a price range of $10,000–$50,000 per watch. That is a historical figure reported by the company, not a current quote. The launch materials also described a limited edition, but do not verify present-day stock, authorized sellers, current pricing or whether a particular marketplace listing is genuine.
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
For a purchase today, seek confirmation directly from Franck Muller or a seller whose authorization and specific watch reference can be verified. Do not treat the historical price range or the launch-era maximum-unit claim as evidence that a watch is currently available.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Franck Muller Vanguard Automatic Men's Watch 45SCTTBRNRGRYWH
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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