Constantly innovating, Franck Muller unveiled an impressive slew of novelties this year (among them the Grand Central Tourbillon Flash CX 36, Cintrée Curvex Retrograde Hour Tourbillon, Curvex CX Lady, Vanguard Damas and Vanguard Slim Skeleton) that exemplified the watchmaker’s expertise in complications and gem-setting—often within the same timepiece. In particular, the Vanguard Slim Skeleton was a formidable example of how far Franck Muller would and could push the limits of watchmaking.
A contemporary rendition of Franck Muller’s Vanguard design, the Vanguard Slim Skeleton and its 9.1mm-thin V41 and V37 cases necessitated an overhaul of the movement, resulting in a unique movement that has been redesigned and manufactured specifically for this watch.
Minimising the case thickness while maintaining the character and technical features of the movement proved to be a monumental challenge that the watchmaker overcame. The result is the entirely new ultra-thin skeleton movement, the self-winding in-house FM 708-SQ, which is set to a balance wheel frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and boasts 38 hours of power reserve, at a mere 4.15mm in thickness for the V37, and 3.83mm for the V41.
The ethereal transparency of the skeletonised dial, combined with the show-stopping 439 brilliant-cut diamonds set on the 41mm by 49.95mm V41 case, gives the Vanguard Slim Skeleton a modern, edgy attitude, while the graceful contours of the tonneau silhouette and side insert underscore its prominent dimensionality and balanced proportions.
Available in rose gold or white gold, the watch also comes in a new case size for Franck Muller’s Vanguard collection—V37—which expands the wearability of the signature Franck Muller design to smaller wrists. The distinctive numerals are set with 144 brilliant-cut diamonds, while the rose gold or white gold buckle bears another 24 brilliant-cut diamonds, and the timepiece is held together with a hand-sewn alligator strap with rubber underside.
Within the case, the movement’s components are enhanced with expert decoration, such as chamfering on the mainplate and bridges, diamond polishing on the sinks, circular satin brushing on the wheels and barrel cover, and satin brushing on the mainplate and bridges.
With a reduced but still robust profile, a new V37 case size that’s more wearable, and a new in-house manufacture movement, the Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton embodies a step into an new era of extraordinary watchmaking.
For more information, visit the Franck Muller website here.