WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH＆BASEL
February 26, 2015
FRANCK MULLER | New Releases Unveiled at the Unique "W.P.H.H." Exhibition!
FRANCK MULLER | A New Era
At its peak: Mechanisms and style from the premier watchmaker.
FRANCK MULLER consistently presents something new, whether in its mechanisms or designs. This year, the evolution and refinement of models with particularly striking designs stand out. Yet, alongside these material choices and bold aesthetics, models pursuing a classical taste have also emerged, adding depth to the collection.
Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito
The charismatic figure of modern watchmaking, watchmaker Franck Muller, has two facets. One is the 'Master of Complication,' heir to the legacy of great watchmakers, primarily represented byBreguetAnd the other is the 'avant-garde artist of the watch world,' who transformed the wristwatch from a 'tool to know the time' into a 'tool to enjoy time.' Since the brand's inception in 1992, his and his successors' world-leading watch brand, FRANCK MULLER, which has achieved legendary development, now offers products in these two categories, delighting fans worldwide.
The new models announced in January 2012 at the exclusive "W.P.H.H." exhibition held at the brand's chateau headquarters in the suburbs of Geneva are, in essence, further evolutions and developments of the previous year's 2011 models.
For instance, the "Giga Tourbillon," featuring an exceptionally large 20mm diameter tourbillon escapement, showcasing the 'Master of Complication's' prowess, has seen its variations enriched. Furthermore, the "Black Croco," with its case and dial entirely finished in black crocodile leather, now includes the highly anticipated chronograph model and the 'Crazy Hours' model, where the hour hand jumps acrobatically every hour. Additionally, a Japan-limited edition model has been announced for the "Conquistador Grand Prix," a robust sports model introduced in 2010. This year, the "Gothic Allongé" captivated visitors with its novel dial design, alongside the "Vintage," which evokes the good old days with an antique aesthetic.
Beyond these, the range of new products, including the world's smallest automatic tourbillon model, is so extensive that it's difficult to grasp in a single interview. While it may be a relatively new brand compared to others, it has undoubtedly reached a stage of maturity.
Gothic Allongé Noir
A timepiece for "always being aware of death and living a fulfilling life."
The skull, a popular motif in fashion and a symbol of 'life and death' since ancient times, has a deep connection with watches, tools that mark the passage of time. This motif is boldly incorporated onto the dial, along with Franck Muller's signature elongated 'Allongé Index,' in this simple yet profound watch. It is both a striking fashion item and a philosophical model embodying the old Latin proverb: 'To live a fulfilling life, one must constantly be aware of death.'
Automatic winding, stainless steel case with black PVD coating, crocodile strap, case dimensions 55.5 x 39.5mm. Priced at 1,522,500 yen, scheduled for release on June 7th.
Conquistador Grand Prix Rising Sun
A Japan-limited model inspired by the 'Land of the Rising Sun.'
Introduced in 2010 with a case combining black titanium and the high-tech aluminum alloy 'Ergal,' this is a special Japan-limited edition of the "Conquistador Grand Prix," Franck Muller's first true sports model, which caused a sensation. The Arabic numeral indices are a deep red, evoking the sun motif of the Japanese flag, and the dial features a "Nouvelle Vague" guilloché pattern representing the seas surrounding the Japanese archipelago. It's a piece imbued with power, capable of energizing the wearer. This is a limited edition of 100 pieces for Japan only. A chronograph version is also available in a limited run of 50 pieces.
Automatic winding, black titanium & Ergal case, rubber strap (deployant clasp), case dimensions 57.4 x 38.4mm, limited to 100 pieces in Japan. Priced at 1,155,000 yen, scheduled for release on March 10th.
Lady Tourbillon Automatic
The world's smallest automatic tourbillon model for women.
This ladies' model features the brand's iconic Tonneau Curvex case, housing the world's smallest automatic tourbillon movement with a mere 11.6mm diameter. The automatic winding mechanism employs a micro-rotor. In addition to the pleasure of admiring the tourbillon's movement from the front, it can also be viewed through the transparent case back. This is an elegant and epoch-making complication model from Franck Muller, designed for women who appreciate the value of complex mechanisms.
Automatic winding, white gold case, crocodile strap, case dimensions 42.25 x 30.3mm, transparent case back. Price and release date to be determined.
Tonneau Curvex Vintage
Reproducing the simple style of the earliest models.
Franck Muller, with his profound knowledge of classical timepieces, has impeccably applied his sense to design this 'vintage design' model in the Franck style. The case, of course, is Franck's iconic Tonneau Curvex. With Breguet numerals and hands, it reinterprets the essence of a bygone era, and fans will find comfort in the retro charm of the dial. A slightly larger size option is also available.
Automatic winding, white gold case, crocodile strap, case dimensions 48.5 x 35mm. Priced at 2,467,500 yen, scheduled for release in April.
Giga Tourbillon
A colossal tourbillon that astounded collectors.
This is the latest specification of the "Giga Tourbillon," announced in 2011, which astonished watch collectors worldwide with its exceptionally large 20mm diameter tourbillon escapement and four barrels. Unlike last year's skeletonized version, the barrels are not visible, but the sheer scale of the massive tourbillon escapement is overwhelming.
Manual winding, white gold case, crocodile strap, case dimensions 59.2 x 43.7mm. Release date to be determined.
Franck Muller Watchland Tokyo
Tel. 03-3549-1949
http://www.franckmuller-japan.com/