Reservoir releases a new retrograde minute jump hour watch with the playful charm of Popeye in action mid-swing while playing golf.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: Reservoir Popeye Golf
The retail price of the Reservoir Popeye is CHF 4,900 inclusive of Swiss tax. Limited edition of 300 pieces.
Commentary
Reservoir has been playing on the theme of Popeye on their jump hour retrograde watch for a while. The whimsical use of the cartoon character using his arm as the minute pointer has appeared with Popeye on a Camel, as a Noir Black collaboration which we covered. In fact, the Popeye collection 6 different variants of Popeye in various activities.
This novelty has him playing golf. His arm, extended with his golf driver is the minute indicator and the ball is the digital jump hour. The rest of the watch depicts the golf course. All in a cartoon like vibe, mainly executed in bright primary colours.
The movement remains unchanged as the RSV-240, which is based on the G100 model of La Joux Perret.
Editor’s note: we do note that we received the release on Mar 13, and it was post-dated to March 28. However, the accompanying email nor the release itself had no mention of any embargo. We decide to publish this today as we are keen to spread the news load from about now till the conclusion of Watches & Wonders Geneva 2025.
Release details
RESERVOIR Watch, renowned for its bold and innovative luxury timepieces, unveils its latest masterpiece—a striking fusion of comic book nostalgia and refined Swiss craftsmanship.
At the heart of this distinctive timepiece is a retrograde minute display, reinvented with a “golf club” single-and that sweeps across the dial. The watch face features an artful depiction of Popeye in mid-swing, capturing his signature brawn, determination, and unmistakable humor. Set against a vividly detailed golf course backdrop, this limited-edition timepiece delivers a winning combination of sophistication and playfulness, designed for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate horology with a twist. The visual story comes to life, showcasing RESERVOIR’s dedication to combining fun with horological precision.
— He’s Popeye the Sailor Man!
Since his first appearance in E.C. Segar’s Thimble Theatre comic strip on January 17, 1929, Popeye has been a symbol of resilience, humor, and unwavering strength. A true underdog with a heart of gold, the sailor has captivated audiences across comic strips, radio broadcasts, animated series, and live-action adaptations, becoming one of the most popular characters of the 20th century.
His unmistakable squint, pipe, and unrelenting spirit have transcended generations, making Popeye not just a pop culture icon but a universal symbol of perseverance. Now, in collaboration with RESERVOIR, his animated charisma is captured in the refined artistry of Swiss watchmaking, ensuring that his legacy continues to tick forward in style.
— A Playful Tribute to Comics and Golf Enthusiasts
Marrying nostalgia with innovation, the RESERVOIR x Popeye Golf is more than a timepiece—it’s a statement of craftsmanship and creativity. Its single-hand, retrograde minute display, which sweeps across the arc and returns to zero every 60 minutes, reimagines classic watchmaking conventions, offering a refreshing and dynamic way to experience time. The intricate movement echoes the rhythmic precision of a golfer’s swing, ensuring that each passing minute is measured with technical mastery. Whether on the wrist of a golf enthusiast, a comic connoisseur, or a collector of distinctive timepieces, this watch bridges the worlds of sport, storytelling, and Swiss engineering.
The watch face depicts Popeye mid-swing, his muscular form captured in perfect motion, exuding both power and mischief. The golf course setting, enriched by vibrant greens and blues, enhances readability while staying true to the comic-inspired aesthetic. A signature jumping hour complication at 5 o’clock ensures seamless time transitions, underscoring RESERVOIR’s expertise in blending intricate mechanics with playful storytelling.
Housed in a 41.5mm stainless steel case and paired with a brown nubuck leather strap with green stitching and green edge paint, this watch bridges the gap between casual elegance and sporty refinement. The retrograde minute hand mirrors the rhythmic motion of a golf swing, always resetting with precision, just as a golfer resets for their next shot.
— Swiss-Made Excellence Meets Artistic Design
Beneath its whimsical exterior lies the uncompromising precision of Swiss horology. The RESERVOIR x Popeye Golf is powered by the Swiss-made RSV-240 caliber, a manufacture self-winding mechanical movement featuring a patented 113-piece module. This intricate mechanism delivers a 56-hour power reserve, ensuring reliability for those who appreciate both adventure and precision.
The open case-back provides a mesmerizing 360° view of the movement, allowing enthusiasts to admire the complexity of its craftsmanship. Limited to just 300 pieces, each numbered timepiece is presented in a white wooden collector’s box adorned with an illustration of The Popeye Family. Adding an extra touch of exclusivity, the set includes a customized golf ball featuring the RESERVOIR Watch logo and a Popeye print—a perfect companion for those who take their game as seriously as they take their timepieces.
— The Art of Motion: A Tribute to Precision and Play
Golf, much like watchmaking, is a game of precision, patience, and rhythm. Every swing, like every tick of a movement, requires meticulous calculation and flawless execution. The RESERVOIR x Popeye Golf celebrates this shared pursuit of mastery, where timing is everything. The watch’s retrograde minute display mirrors the fluid motion of a golfer’s backswing, while the jumping hour complication reflects the seamless transition between shots. Just as golfers refine their technique over years of practice, RESERVOIR continuously pushes the boundaries of traditional horology, crafting timepieces that are as innovative as they are iconic.
Ref. RSV04.PO/133.GF
CASE – 41.5mm, 316L Stainless Steel Case with Satin finish – Green & Blue Dial with “Popeye” Pattern, white Index with a “golf club” single-hand for the minutes – Screw-down Crown, Water-resistant 5ATM – Opened Case-Back at 360° – Domed Anti-reflective Sapphire Crystal
MOVEMENT – Retrograde Minute, Jumping Hour – Caliber RSV-240: Manufacture Self-winding Mechanical Movement, Patented proprietary 113-pieces module (LJP G100 base) – 56-Hour Power Reserve – 28,800 alt./h – Swiss Made
STRAP – Brown Leather Nubuck Strap with Green Stitching and Green Edge Paint, 20mm width, Stainless Steel Pin Buckle
BOX – White Wooden Box with an image of “The Popeye Family” (© 2022 King Features Syndicate™ Hearst Holdings, Inc.) – Additional Golf ball customized with RESERVOIR Watch logo and Popeye printing – International Warranty Card
AVAILABILITY – Delivery by May 2025 – Available to order online and authorised dealers in 20+ countries.
