Released in June 2023, Final Fantasy XVI, the latest installment in the iconic Final Fantasy series, may not have hit the sales numbers some expected. But that hasn't stopped its epic world from expanding, with two paid DLCs, "Echoes of the Fallen" and "The Rising Tide," giving players even more to explore.
Now, the game is leveling up its luxury game, announcing a stunning collaboration with Swiss haute horlogerie brand Franck Muller. Introducing the "VANGUARD FINAL FANTASY XVI" collection, featuring four breathtaking designs: "Final Battle," "Ifrit," "Phoenix," and "Bahamut." These ultra-exclusive timepieces are set to drop today, March 5th, at authorized Franck Muller dealers.
Known for its distinctive tonneau-shaped cases, Franck Muller excels at weaving narratives through its masterful watchmaking. Final Fantasy XVI, on the other hand, crafts a fantastical adventure that transcends time. This cross-industry collaboration brilliantly merges "time" and "fantasy," resulting in wrist-worn works of art that are truly exceptional.
Leading the charge is the talk-of-the-town "Final Battle" special edition, an absolute showstopper limited to just one piece worldwide. Its price tag? A staggering 30.8 million JPY (approximately $205,000 USD). The dial design is a breathtaking fusion of FF16's iconic Eikons—Ifrit, Phoenix, and Bahamut—symbolizing the game's core worldview and showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship and unique aesthetics.
Kazuya Takahashi, FF16's character designer, shared his vision: "For me, white is the starting point of Final Fantasy, so for this special edition, there was no other choice but white."
He masterfully integrated the "Flame Eikon Ifrit," the "Eikon of Rebirth and Protection Phoenix," and the "Symbol of Power Bahamut" into a single, cohesive design. The inspiration? The awe-inspiring scene from the final battle where the three Eikons fight side-by-side, even featuring Bahamut soaring through the skies carrying the other two. Plus, the game's "Red Wish Star" and the "Metia" satellite concepts are ingeniously transformed into the tourbillon design, resembling a moon watching over everything.
As for the other three models, each is limited to a mere 16 pieces, featuring Ifrit, Phoenix, and Bahamut respectively.
▼ Ifrit Edition - Price: 2,860,000 JPY
The Ifrit Edition features Clive's organization mark—a cluster of swords piercing a crystal—engraved on its back. The dial subtly incorporates the protagonist's signature sword, "Invictus," with the overall design perfectly capturing Clive's battles and challenges.
▼ Phoenix Edition - Price: 2,860,000 JPY
At the heart of this timepiece is the mysterious "Phoenix Egg" motif, a crest passed down through generations of the Grand Duchy of Rosaria. The designer has reinterpreted and seamlessly integrated it into the dial. To emphasize the concept of "Rosaria's Guardian Phoenix," the watch features a striking red strap, not only the royal family's signature color but also a symbol of Joshua and his destiny.
▼ Bahamut Edition - Price: 2,860,000 JPY
The dial's background showcases the "Holy Dragon Knights" emblem, depicting Bahamut in a majestic, soaring pose. The designer has cleverly blended the Eikon's profile with this emblem, creating a dynamic composition that perfectly embodies the "soaring giant dragon." What's more, atop Bahamut's head, you'll find the "Dragon's Breath" plant, a crucial symbol woven throughout the characters' emotional journeys.
