- Franck Muller launched a limited-edition luxurious watch tied to the Solana blockchain, that includes a built-in QR code linked to the proprietor’s Solana pockets—mixing bodily and digital (“phygital”) identification.
- The launch raised security considerations, as current crypto-related kidnappings and assaults spotlight the dangers of publicly flaunting blockchain wealth.
- Whereas the watch appeals to Web3 lovers, carrying it might pose real-world risks, prompting debate over the stability between digital delight and private safety.
Swiss luxurious watchmaker Franck Muller has dropped a slick new timepiece—this time, it’s acquired some crypto taste. The limited-edition watch is impressed by the Solana blockchain and merges the model’s traditional craftsmanship with a digital twist.
Just one,111 of those watches will ever exist, they usually don’t come low cost. Every one is priced at 20,000 Swiss francs (yep, that’s about $24,300). However right here’s the place it will get a bit wild: each watch features a built-in QR code tied to the proprietor’s Solana pockets deal with. Principally, it permits you to put on your crypto identification—proper in your wrist.
They’re calling it “phygital,” that blend of bodily and digital stuff that’s beginning to catch on in Web3. For die-hard crypto followers who wish to flex their blockchain creds in the actual world, it’s kinda cool. However… is it sensible?
Timing Would possibly Be a Bit Off
Right here’s the factor—crypto-related crimes are means up this yr. And flaunting digital wealth in the actual world? That may include some scary baggage.
Take what occurred in France not too way back: the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat (he’s the CEO of Paymium) had been practically kidnapped. Broad daylight, entire factor caught on digicam. Simply earlier than that, a crypto millionaire’s dad was kidnapped—and sure, they minimize off one in all his fingers.
It’s not simply remoted stuff both. David Balland, one of many founders of Ledger (the {hardware} pockets firm), was additionally focused. He and his spouse had been kidnapped from their house. Fortunately, the cops had been capable of finding them and even recovered the ransom that had already been handed over.
So yeah, these aren’t simply unfortunate one-offs. As digital belongings climb in worth, the folks related to them develop into larger targets—like, bodily.
Daring Assertion or Huge Threat?
Franck Muller’s Solana watch is clearly meant to be a flex—a stupendous one at that. However with that sort of digital hyperlink tied to your wrist, it additionally sends a message. And in in the present day’s local weather, that message may make somebody a goal.
It’s a gutsy step into the Web3 world for a standard luxurious model, and collectors or blockchain lovers may go nuts for it. However it additionally raises a legit query: is carrying your crypto identification in public… truly a good suggestion?
Possibly it’s higher to maintain your wallets—and your wrists—a bit extra low-key.