Watch & Jewelry
April 1, 2015
Pierre Kunz | The Franck Muller Group and its Diverse World
PIERRE KUNZ
Text by OPENERS
Known as the "magician of retrograde," Pierre Kunz is celebrated for his modern design sensibility, which he imbues into retrograde complications. A former technician at Franck Muller, he debuted under the Franck Muller Group in 2003, quickly becoming the "face" of the brand. This year's highly anticipatedDiver's Watchis also scheduled for arrival at Franck Muller Watchland Tokyo soon.
Founder Pierre Kunz was born in Bern, Switzerland, in 1959 and has dedicated over 20 years to watchmaking. He first honed his precise watchmaking skills at a school in the Vallée de Joux, the mecca of watchmaking, focusing on acquiring advanced techniques to become an exceptional craftsman.
After mastering his craft, he spent several years at the renowned Vianney Halter workshop, building expertise in all aspects of grand complications. He then briefly ventured into restoring antique clocks before returning to his original passion: creating grand complications. Subsequently, he received an offer from Watchland, run by Franck Muller, to create original timepieces bearing the Pierre Kunz name, thus realizing his long-held dream.
At Watchland, Kunz's unique complex watches, incorporating his innovative retrograde mechanisms, began to take shape. Kunz truly demonstrated his remarkable talent in complex timepieces featuring these retrograde complications.
The exceptional dynamism of Pierre Kunz is closely linked to a fusion of tradition and modernity, underpinned by solid technical prowess, and
his very first collection expresses this bold, daring spirit of challenge to continue creating contemporary yet classical timepieces.
New for 2009
A New Interpretation of the Regulator Model
Vertigo (Sports Model)
This is one of Pierre Kunz's 2009 new models, scheduled to arrive in Tokyo soon. Two watches garnered attention this year, and
one of them is this "Vertigo." Vertigo is French for "dizziness."
Pierre Kunz conceived this watch during a vacation in the South of France, inspired by a free-fall amusement park ride.
True to Kunz's mastery of retrograde displays, the retrograde seconds on the left side of the dial ascend upwards and reset to zero at the 12 o'clock position. The sub-dial at the top right indicates minutes, and the one at the bottom right shows seconds. This watch, brimming with Kunz's playful spirit, is a delight to behold.
Automatic, Stainless steel case (partially black PVD coated) x rubber strap, 43mm square case, 100m water resistance, ¥1,869,000 (estimated retail price), scheduled for release this autumn.
An ingenious detachable depth gauge
Spirit Diver
This year, Pierre Kunz's first-ever "diver's watch" captured significant attention. This is the "Spirit Diver" pictured, slated for imminent arrival in Japan. The most striking feature of this timepiece is undoubtedly the simple depth gauge integrated into the outer edge of the case. Capable of measuring up to 80 meters (the watch is water-resistant to 100 meters), this detachable gauge is a practical feature designed not to burden the watch, while simultaneously serving as a stylish design element. The disc display for the seconds hand and the dial made of Texalium material further enhance its modern aesthetic. The pictured model boasts a vibrant, dazzling red.
Automatic, Stainless steel case x rubber bracelet, 44mm diameter, analog depth gauge with a maximum measurement of 80m, 100m water resistance, ¥1,239,000, scheduled for release this autumn.
Franck Muller Watchland Tokyo
5-11-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3549-1949
Business Hours | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Open daily)
Franck Muller Watchland Osaka
3-9-15 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel. 06-6251-4101
Business Hours | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Open daily)
Franck Muller Watchland Fukuoka
2-3-24 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Tel. 092-739-1949
Business Hours | 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
http://www.franckmuller-japan.com/