Watchmaking

Franck Muller: 4 iconic watch fair novelties that will enchant you

Details

Date 1. 9. 2023

Category Watchmaking

The Swiss brand Franck Muller, known for its innovative and technically perfect models, presented a total of thirteen new collections.

This showcase of watchmaking art, combining precise Swiss craftsmanship with bold design, attracted the attention of luxury watch lovers from all over the world. From the rich selection, we at BENY have selected four of the most striking models that embody the pinnacle of contemporary watchmaking.

The WPHH: A showcase of Swiss watchmaking excellence

The fair is traditionally held in the surroundings of Geneva's Domaine du Grand Malagny, the historic headquarters where Franck Muller hosts its exclusive events. The majestic atmosphere of this venue provided the perfect backdrop for the presentation of the latest collections that push the boundaries of watchmaking.

Founded in 1991, Franck Muller has earned its place among the elite luxury watchmakers by combining traditional Swiss craftsmanship with bold innovation. Each model from the workshops of this prestigious manufacture tells a story of passion for precision and technical excellence.

1. Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon

The Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon is arguably the most impressive piece presented at WPHH 2023. This luxury men's watch combines the elegant curved case typical of the Curvex collection with a stunning 20mm tourbillon that takes up half of the skeleton dial.

The tourbillon, one of watchmaking's most prestigious complications, was originally developed to eliminate inaccuracies caused by gravity in pocket watches. In Franck Muller's rendition, this technical necessity has been transformed into a breathtaking artistic element.

Technical specifications of the Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon:

Case materials: available in several finishes including 18k rose gold and titanium
Movement: in-house calibre FM CX-NBR-MT with manual winding
Power reserve: an impressive 96 hours (4 days)
Water resistance: 30 metres
Special features: skeleton dial revealing the complex tourbillon movement
Tourbillon size: 20 mm, one of the largest on the market

Franck Mullertourbillon watches represent the true pinnacle of watchmaking and are sought after by the most discerning collectors around the world. Each example is hand-assembled and finished by experienced watchmakers, and a single piece can take several weeks to complete.

2. Vanguard™ New Tone Skeleton

Franck Muller once again proves its position as an innovator in the field of men's luxury watches with the introduction of the Vanguard™ New Tone Skeleton. This skeleton watch pushes the boundaries of design by using revolutionary technology inspired by Isaac Newton's theory of the visible parts of the colour spectrum.

Thanks to a high quality metal oxide top layer, referred to as 'spectracoat', and masterful openworked processing, this watch acquires the unique property of changing its hue depending on the angle of view. This technological innovation turns the watch into a living art object that adapts its form to the circumstances and lighting conditions.

Unique features of the Vanguard™ New Tone Skeleton:

Innovative finish: spectracoat technology creating variable color effects.
Each model is dedicated to one of Newton's primary colors.
Fully skeletonized movement: allows a view of the complex mechanism from both sides of the watch.
Craftsmanship at the highest level: the hand-finished components impress with a perfect finish.
Ergonomic case design: characteristic of the Vanguard collection.

This skeleton watch demonstrates Franck Muller' s philosophy of combining technical excellence with artistic expression. The transparent dial and caseback allow you to admire the complex movement of the movement, while the innovative colour technology adds an unexpected dimension to the whole.

3.Curvex CX Flash Grand Central Tourbillon

Inspired by the world of high-end sports cars, the Curvex CX Flash Grand Central Tourbillon brings a thoroughly modern take on the brand's signature design. This men's luxury watch retains the ergonomic profile of the Franck Muller Curvex CX case, while emphasising modern alloys and materials.

Unlike the brand's traditional models, which are known for their Arabic numerals, the dial of this model features brightly coloured indices, giving it a dynamic, sporty look. The real centre of attention, however, is the large minute tourbillon, which pulses majestically right in the centre of the dial.

Technical specifications of the Curvex CX Flash Grand Central Tourbillon:

Case: titanium finish with ceramic elements
Dimensions: 43 mm x 49.95 mm, thickness 9.9 mm
Movement: Manufacture calibre FM CX GCT with automatic winding
Running reserve: 72 hours
Special features: central tourbillon, luminescent indices
Water resistance: 30 metres

This model represents a fusion of traditional watchmaking craftsmanship with a modern design inspired by the automotive industry. The tourbillon watch in this design is not only a precision timekeeper, but also a symbol of sportsmanship and technological maturity.

4. Vanguard™ Damascus Steel

With the Vanguard™ Damascus Steel, Franck Muller brings an innovative use of traditional damascus steel to modern watchmaking. This men's steel watch represents a technological revolution and a design evolution in one.

Damascus steel, a material with many centuries of history originally used to make knives and swords, is created by precisely forging two different types of steel. The result is a distinctive wave pattern that makes each piece completely unique. In the Franck Muller Vanguard™ Damascus Steel watch, this traditional material is applied not only to the case, but also to the dial numerals and even the strap buckle.

Unique features of Vanguard™ Damascus Steel:

Case material: hand forged damascus steel with visible corrugated pattern
Dimensions: 44 mm x 53.7 mm, 12.7 mm thick
Movement: automatic calibre FM 800-DT with a power reserve of 42 hours
Dial: numerals made of damascus steel
Strap: leather with damascus buckle
Water resistance: 30 metres

This men's steel watch embodies a combination of traditional craftsmanship, historic materials and modern design. Thanks to the unique damascus steel pattern, each piece produced is absolutely unique - there can never be two identical examples.

Wide range of Franck Muller watches

In addition to the four main models, Franck Muller also presented a number of other fascinating innovations at WPHH 2023:

Vanguard™ Slim Skeleton - an ultra-thin skeleton watch with a sleek profile
Vanguard™ Crazy Hours by Hom Nguyen - an artistic collaboration bringing an unconventional display of time
Skafander™ - a waterproof model inspired by diving equipment
Vanguard™ Slim Vintage - a return to classic shapes with a modern twist

Women's Collection:

Curvex CX Lady - elegant women's models that retain the distinctive case shape
Curvex CX Piano - artistically crafted dial inspired by the keyboard
Cintrée Curvex™ Retrograde Hour - a sophisticated watchmaking complication in a feminine design

Franck Muller Vanguard: the flagship of men's luxury watches

The Franck Muller Vanguard collection has established itself as one of the prestigious brand's most successful and sought-after lines. The distinctive features of this collection include:

An ergonomically designed case that fits perfectly on the wrist.
Bold, sporty design balancing elegance and dynamism.
A wide range of materials from steel to titanium to precious metals and composites.
Technologically advanced movements with a variety of complications.
Recognisable design language with distinctive numerals and sophisticated details.

Models from the Vanguard collection are among the best-selling Franck Muller men's luxury watches and represent the perfect combination of Swiss precision, technical excellence and bold design.

Swiss watchmaking excellence since 1991

Founded by master watchmaker Franck Muller and businessman Varmin Sassou, the company has risen to become one of the world's elite luxury watch manufacturers in its three decades of existence. Known as the 'Master of Complications', the brand excels in its ability to create technically demanding models with impeccable craftsmanship.

Each Franck Muller watch is made with exceptional care in the manufacture in Genthod, Switzerland, combining traditional watchmaking techniques with innovative processes. The result is timepieces that appeal to the most discerning collectors around the world.