The Low Down

There is something fun about Bamford London. Founder and Creative Director George Bamford enjoys riffing on memories that make him smile. It can be an iconic comic book hero, a cool sticker pack or some other happy-making element from the fourth quarter of the last century. We’ve seen Snoopy characters, Sesame Street and the focus of the latest launch Popeye. In classic Bamford style, it’s all about the details and this watch will make even the most staunchly serious observer crack a smile!

Following on from the sell-out blue and white 90th anniversary Popeye GMT, Bamford is launching the second watch in a blue and black livery in a limited edition of 100 pieces. The latest GMT is decked out in blue and black with the Popeye character in one of his inimitable poses with his spinach-enabled super strong arms acting as the minute and hour hands. The blue and black theme is picked up in Popeye’s outfit and the steel case has a matte black finish. What’s not to love?

IMHO

The packaging is utterly genius too. I’m fairly confident that at least two generations were encouraged or hoodwinked into eating spinach “because it makes Popeye so strong” by parents desperate to get some greens into their youngsters. I certainly remember only eating cabbage as a child because I was (un)reliably informed that it was spinach and, of course, I wanted to be like Popeye. George Bamford has used Popeye’s spinach tin as the packaging. And this is the best bit – you have to actually open the box/can/tin with a can-opener. Want to keep your Popeye GMT in NOS condition? Well, you can but you’ll never actually set eyes on the watch! The package is completed by a Bamford-signature sticker pack.

The Bamford London watches pack a Popeye-esque powerful punch in the price range in which they sit and this latest GMT is no exception. I like the internal 24-hour bezel in these watches and on the wrist they are super comfortable. Although Popeye has actually been around since 1919, it’s the 80s television version that I personally remember so well. So seeing this watch, I couldn’t help but crack a smile – thanks George!

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