Since the 1980s, Franck Muller has been associated with gorgeous workmanship and one-of-a-kind designs. Throughout Haute Horlogerie and high complexities, Muller’s identity has been linked to a company that has developed a succession of extraordinary timepieces that, while initially avant-garde, have become welcomed and frequently copied.
The Cintrée Curvex casing was one-of-a-kind from the start. Indeed, the Haute Horlogerie was constrained by precedent and, as a result, was not very amenable to creativity, particularly in terms of design. There were plenty of round timepieces and maybe a few rectangular ones at the time, but nothing resembled Franck Muller’s Curvex. Let us tackle a few stories behind Franck Muller’s success and recognition in the world of watchmaking today.
- Novel Design
The introduction of the Cintrée Curvex case in 1992 was a risky move, as it was something before unseen on the market: a tonneau curved body in three dimensions, including significant technological problems in manufacture. As a result, the Franck Muller watch with this design is instantly recognizable due to its tonneau form, which is widely considered the brand’s most prominent silhouette. It rapidly became a huge hit for the brand and a method to convey its distinct character, express its DNA, and exhibit its expertise in case production.
Furthermore, Franck Muller clocks were readily identifiable due to their distinctive and elegant numerical design. The dials on our Cintrée Curvex models are likewise extremely difficult to manufacture. They must, for instance, be exactly curved to match the curvature of the case while yet having the highest guilloche, printing quality, and accuracy. Franck Muller was also responsible for the introduction of dials in magnificent brilliant colors such as royal blue, which retained all of the hallmarks of a traditional Franck Muller design. Franck Muller is especially impressed by all of its pieces, which include exquisite casings, brilliant displays, and incredibly sophisticated movements. They are excellent examples of minimalist and somber designs with timeless charm.
- Watchland: Place With Rich Story
Franck Muller Genève stays true to its roots by being located in the same place where Franck began his business in 1983, notably Genthod, in Geneva’s bordering countryside. Only this time, it was a mansion constructed in 1905 that was rebuilt to become the stunning headquarters of this budding firm in just a few months. The Franck Muller house finds inspiration for his works in this fascinating and romantic setting. The extraordinary peace of these surroundings embodies the architects’ pursuit of balance and excellence. The estate’s classical terraced gardens, as well as its breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc and Lake Léman, are just a few of the characteristics that make this location one-of-a-kind.
The Franck Muller timepieces are created and manufactured in this sophisticated and welcoming environment. In response to the brand’s expanding success, two new buildings in a similar style were constructed in 2000. In 2019, the house will open two new 16000m buildings, allowing the factory to repatriate its employees in charge of watch component manufacturing. This massive architectural enlargement symbolizes continuity and reinforcement. One of the brand’s key aims, as it was from the beginning, is to stay autonomous. The company is pleased to use all resources to answer to one distinct characteristic: the development of great timepieces, notwithstanding its autonomy in invention, development, and strategy.
Watchland, this one-of-a-kind watchmaking idea, enables employees to focus on the same character throughout the entire process of constructing a watch: conceptualization, watchmaking, assembling, case production, embossing, after-sales team, and so forth. In addition, the Franck Muller group has many production locations in the Jura Arc, such as dial manufacture and case stamping, which are subsequently shipped to Watchland to be completed and eventually assembled. Launching the Watchland site is Franck Muller’s way of paying thanks to the artists who carry on the magnificent watchmaking legacy, as well as sharing his enthusiasm with those who already enjoy excellent watchmaking or wish to learn more about it.
- Devotion to Art
Franck Muller’s creativity is highlighted by three important qualities: passion, innovation, and precision. For more than two decades, the chronology of the watches has been distinguished by countless classics and collections that provide a modern aesthetic and energy within the iconic realm of the Art of Watchmaking. The jewelers at Franck Muller Watchland have the luxury of building the mechanism in its totality. Each component must receive the unique care it demands so that every timepiece that leaves Genthod factories stands the test of time with uniqueness and that the craft of watchmaking may be transmitted down through generations. Many aesthetic crafts are required for watchmaking, and proficiency of them is regarded highly in Fine Watchmaking. Franck Muller is continuously striving to improve and expand his studies into every watch element, constantly improving the critical link between cutting-edge processes and classical workmanship.
Consequently, Franck Muller engraving studios preserve this historic trade, prioritizing hereditary expertise by valuing total handwork, with no interference other than the artist’s skill and his tools. When one considers the beauty and perfection in the manufacture and ornamentation of each portion, each component becomes “the” centerpiece of the watch. The level of hand finishing and workmanship on Franck Muller’s timepieces and big complexities is unrivaled in the market. Every element has been treated with great care, effort, and devotion. An expert decorator may be required to work for up to 20 hours on a single component. Even if the parts are not visible, the elegant movement must seem as good on the inside as it does on the exterior. This level of an eye for detail is what makes the Franck Muller their uniqueness and limitless value.
Final Thoughts
Franck Muller’s talent for inventiveness was evident from an early age. Since 1986, this watchmaking virtuoso has been making up with World Premieres regularly. These were high-complication timepieces that had never been manufactured before in the annals of crafting. Franck Muller has also established itself not only via the extraordinary quality of its designs but by the formation of its watch exposition, the WPHH – World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie, where it exhibits its trailblazing status as an independent company. This exhibition is housed in the Grand Malagny site, which commands a commanding view of the lake and Mont-Blanc.
