Undone Popeye El Capitan Watch, One Of The Most Popular Undone Models

One of such innovative companies successfully making a name for itself in the watchmaking industry is Undone. This Hong Kong-based microbrand and its Popeye El Capitan limited edition watch are our topics of the day.

UNDONE x POPEYE “El Capitan” genuinely masculine with the Endmill Stainless Steel Watch Strap

A brief introduction to Undone watches

As mentioned above, Undone is a microbrand. But not just any microbrand among the watchmakers. Undone has already managed to become the world’s leading custom watch brand, although just a shy over five years old, a relatively brief background for a horologist.

However, Undone’s success didn’t happen overnight. Its founder, Michael Young, and his growing team of expert watchmakers have followed their dream to the end. Having made his name as a master watch repairer and restaurateur over the years while being an avid watch collector at the same time, Mr. Young gained an admirable knowledge and comprehensive perspective of the horology world.

He realized what the contemporary watchmaking world lacked: customization according to client wishes. As a result, the industry became highly uniform and predictable to a great extent, which started to turn potential customers away.

El Capitan’s sporty appearance reaches another level with the blue & khaki nylon watch strap

What was needed is going back to the old days when customers’ needs and desires were a prerequisite for starting working on a particular watch and strictly implemented while making it.

After all, that’s where the name Undone originates. The watch is completed only when the customer has chosen the parts and the design themselves. Closely listening to their wishes was indeed how Popeye the sailorman family of watches was also born.

Such an original approach, coupled with years of experience in all areas related to watchmaking and superior craftsmanship, quickly caused Undone to shine over a plethora of other microbrands existing within the watchmaking industry.

Popeye Undone watches

This popular series of Undone watches is inspired by the worldwide famous character of Popeye the sailorman. All four Popeye models feature a round case, beige numerals, and black bezel, providing clear visibility under all conditions.

Popeye, striking one of his infamous poses and wearing a familiar black and blue outfit, is the centerpiece of dial design. His legendary forearms function as hours and minutes hands.

The four models available in the Undone Popeye series are:

• UNDONE X POPEYE™ “Blacksand”
• UNDONE X POPEYE™ “Seaweed”
• UNDONE x POPEYE™ Limited Edition “The Sailorman”
• UNDONE x POPEYE™ Limited Edition “El Capitan”

Now, let’s put our topic of the day – Popeye El Capitan under the direct spotlight.

UNDONE x POPEYE classy appearance reinforced by an Italian rebel leather strap

Undone Popeye El Capitan limited edition watch

This limited edition beauty comes with the features standard to all the watches from the Undone Popeye family:

• 316L Stainless Steel Case, 40mm wide and 15mm thick
• matching flat 3-link style stainless steel strap, featuring Undone signature quick-release technology
• mechanical movement
• SII NH35 Caliber
• Lexan Polycarbonate glass
• automatic and hand winding
• unidirectional bezel
• 100m water resistance
• transparent case back

Being a limited edition watch, El Capitan naturally comes with some unique features, as well. The case incorporates the aesthetics of the classic diving watch that was widely popular among the mariners between the 1950s and 1970s.

This “Marine Nationale” design is reinforced by the navy blue dial color, rectangular shape indices, and beige colored markings on the bezel. In addition, the vivid red second hand and Popeye logo positioned next to the three O’clock position further complement the marine design and add to overall excellent visibility.

The vivid red of the UNDONE El Capitan limited edition, emphasized by red stitch detail on a Racer handmade Italian leather watch strap

Finally, the transparent back case featuring the iconic Popeye full-face on top of an anchor completes the unique design elements of El Capitan.

The entire series is limited to 300 pieces only, with the index number of every particular model vividly marked on the back case.

The striking transparent back case of UNDONE El Capitan

Conclusion

So, is Undone a good watch brand? It is, by all means. Almost any Undone watches review that you can find highly praises the watches’ overall build quality and originality.

The high level of customization Undone advocates contributes to the attractiveness of their models, which is another positive mark on the good watch brand scoreboard. Plus, it gives a whole new meaning to modern-day watch-making, taking us back to the roots of its artistry.

When it comes to Undone El Capitan in particular, all those features that make Undone watches notable are present in this limited edition watch. Furthermore, it’s these characteristics, combined with Popeye’s popularity, that made El Capitan a highly sought-after watch from the moment it was announced.

Another feature that contributed to the popularity of this limited edition is its universal application. Although a casual sports-style watch by origin, El Capitan easily adapts to different environments with a bit of aid.

It feels at home in business-style circles when combined with watch straps of various materials and colors. Particularly in a less strict and open-minded modern-day business environment, the one that steadily takes the reigns in the business world today.

UNDONE x POPEYE Limited Edition business style looks with an Italian suede leather watch strap

No wonder finding one to buy is an impossible task these days. Still, keep an open eye, and don’t lose all hope. Maybe one will eventually appear on the market again, and you’ll be the one to grab it.

UNDONE x POPEYE watch extended wearability with a group of quick-release CANVAS watch straps: Top: Military green, Mid: Dark grey, Bottom: Orange

External ref :

• Undone Limited Edition Popeye Character Watches
• Undone Watches: Step-by-Step Guide to Customising Your Own Watch
• UNDONE Watches Review: Can You Craft The Ultimate Watch?
• Undone Watches – Hands on Review

Written by S.K., images by Toni and UNDONE