Franck Muller's new models offer a unique way to tell time

Franck Muller’s World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie is held annually at the Grand Malagny in Geneva. — Photos: FRANCK MULLER

Franck Muller has unveiled dazzling new models at its very own watch fair – the World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie (WPHH) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Among the highlights are Grand Central Tourbillon Skeleton, Cintrée Curvex Double Retrograde Hour and Cintrée Curvex Retrograde Hour Day & Night, the latter two offering a unique way to tell time.

On the feminine side, there are Vanguard Lady Slim Vintage and the Cintrée Curvex Nuance.

The week-long 34th WPHH transformed the Domaine du Grand Malagny into a gallery for guests to discover Franck Muller’s creative and fascinating world.

Exclusively presented to watch aficionados and professionals, the WPHH has seen the launches of Franck Muller’s exceptional timepieces and world premieres.

Grand Central Tourbillon Skeleton

The tourbillon, which serves as a precise timekeeper, is positioned right at the centre of the timepiece.

A deviation from the norm, it is also a revolution in the aesthetics of watchmaking.

The skeletonised design of the watch reveals the perfect placement of each component, which is both a technical feat and a visual spectacle.

The technical shape of the skeleton gives off an air of modernity and classicism, giving the limelight to an in-house movement that prioritises precise chronometry.

This timepiece, which has hand-set diamonds on the case and the inner bezel, boasts a four-day power reserve.

Cintrée Curvex Double Retrograde Hour

This timepiece features a double retrograde hour complication.

The upper arc tells the time in the day (6am to 6pm), while the lower arc is in charge of the night hours (6pm to 6am).

Instead of a traditional hour hand that makes a full rotation around a central axis, this watch has one hand each for the arcs.

When the hands reach 6pm or 6am, they will instantly jump back to their starting position, alternately presenting the day and night hours.

And in a move that subverts the conventional time display, the minute numerals on this watch take the usual place of the hour numerals, offering an original perspective.

This timepiece is an invitation to explore time in a poetic form.

Cintrée Curvex Retrograde Hour Day & Night

Unlike the traditional hour hand that makes a full circle, this ticker’s hour hand travels on a 220 degree arc and snaps back to its starting point twice a day when it reaches 6pm or 6am.

Since the hour hand only moves along the upper part of the dial, the bottom half is free from obstruction for the Day & Night complication.

Placed at 6 o’clock, this additional complication features a hand-painted disc that rotates and transitions between a pictorial representation of daytime (bright, sunny hues) and nighttime (stars and darker shades).

This Day & Night complication doubles up as a seconds indicator with a regularly rotating seconds hand.

Like the Cintrée Curvex Double Retrograde Hour, this timepiece also has minute numerals standing in the place of the hours on the dial.

Vanguard Lady Slim Vintage

This Vanguard Lady with a slimmer profile measures just 9.1mm thick, which is made possible by a very flat movement manufactured in-house.

Available in a 35mm case, this watch adds a new dimension of elegance to the renowned line.

This collection comes in colours inspired by classic automobiles – mint green, lead gray, blue, beige and pink – that evoke a vintage heritage.

Proudly displayed at the centre of the dial is the Côtes de Genève decoration (parallel lines reminiscent of waves), a nod to the Bella Époque period.

This watch also features an open caseback to offer a view of the intricate inner workings.

Its automatic winding movement has a power reserve of 42 hours.

The Vanguard Lady Slim Vintage features either a diamond-studded or a smooth sunray-brushed dial.

Cintrée Curvex Nuance

This collection features a new sub-dial around the date aperture at 6 o’clock, lending a more technical look to the watch face.

Through its curved case and unique contours, the Cintrée Curvex Nuance is a fresh expression of Franck Muller’s most iconic shape.

It comes in four colour choices – black, blue, red and green.

The colour-coordinated numerals and the hand-sewn alligator strap underscore the watch’s modern aesthetics.

Housed in rose gold or stainless steel, this watch is set with diamonds on its case.

With a dainty width of 29mm, the Cintrée Curvex Nuance is suitable for both everyday and occasion wear.