Cheapest How Software Helps Design Complicated Watches Like The Franck Muller Giga Tourbillon Replica Wholesale Center

When it comes to watches, especially mechanical watches, there is no denying that they are incredibly complex miniature machines. Have you wondered how those watches are designed and validated before the first piece of metal is cut? This used to be entirely done by hand with drawings and slow prototyping. However, starting in the 1990s, the watch industry has moved toward using design and engineering software to create everything from cases to movements.

SolidWorks is a software suite that many high-end watch makers rely on to design and test movements digitally. In a recent video we can see how a Franck Muller Watch 2014 Replica movement design can come together, such as the Giga Gong Tourbillon we’re seeing in CAD.

How Software Helps Design Complicated Watches Like The Franck Muller Giga Tourbillon Feature Articles
The situation is quite big. At 44mm broad, 53.7mm long, and 15.8mm thick, so it is going to wear quite prominently on most wrists. All the better to observe the dialup, which is sure to catch people’s attention with its applied, oversize Arabic numeral hour markers and large hands fitting the case color. The dial color varies as you’ll see in the images, and my personal preference is that the grey dial that I believe gives the best background for the other elements to stand out against.Cutting off the six o’clock marker is a small, circular date window which is guaranteed to bug a lot of people. It doesn’t quite match the rest of the watch’s aesthetic and could have been better managed. In contrast, the strap has been quite well done. A deployant clasp allows for easy wearing and removing.As Ariel also said in his hands on with the Vanguard Glacier, “. . .don’t judge any one of these watches fully before you place one on your wrist.” With that in mind, I will say that I look forward to getting a hands on with the Franck Muller Watches 2015 Replica Vanguard Chronograph, judging from the release images and information, I think it is the more exciting and balanced of the Vanguard models. The Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph is priced at $15,800 and if you’re one for bold watches, it can be well worth viewing the watch for yourself and taking a peek into Franck Muller’s world of “Pure Imagination.”

Frankly, after watching something like this, it seems almost indescribable that watchmakers were able to advance the craft as they did before the advent of tools like this.  Of course, it probably involved a lot of trial and error, and fiddly modification of parts – in other words, quite a bit trickier than what we have today.

Even though software makes things easier, nothing is complete until the movements and cases are produced in real metal. Software still isn’t able to account for everything, especially how different metals and materials react to one another or age. So even though technology makes the design of mechanical movements much more efficient, brands still need to verify and test everything the old fashioned way.

It’s with tools like these that we’re able to see the leaps in functionality and design that modern watches have brought to the table. So if you’ve wondered why the last two decades have seen watches historically never possible, this is why. With increasingly advanced 3D modelling tools added to the arsenal of watch creators, there’s no telling what we might end up seeing coming down the line.  franckmuller.com

Top Quality ONLY WATCH 2013: See What Brands To Expect Wild Watches From Replica Watches Buy Online

ONLY WATCH 2013: See What Brands To Expect Wild Watches From Sales & Auctions

We love the ONLY WATCH auction that takes place every other year in Monaco for the support of charity. Why do we love it? Well a range of participating watch brands produce totally unique watches that are auctioned off for charity (Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy). The pieces are sometimes mere color variations on existing models, and sometimes they are radically new models that are production concepts or signs of things to come. In any event, they are all one-off pieces (with the exception of models that are “#1” in a limited edition). The brands do it for the massive media exposure and marketing opportunity.

UPDATE: See the aBlogtoWatch full list of Only Watch 2013 Watches.

2013 is the 5th edition of the Only Watch (administered and operated by auctioneer Antiquorum) auction and it will take place later in 2013 on September 28th. The participating brands will slowly release their Only Watch pieces until then. While more brands may be added later, here are the companies that we expect to see interesting timepieces from over the next several months:

  • Backes & Strauss
  • The plan of the FM 1700 is pleasant but not overly distinctive. It does the job though and is searchable via a sapphire caseaback window. I look forward to watching the new Franck Muller Vintage Curvex 7-Days Power Reserve watches hands-on soon. Price is about $22,500 in 18k rose gold and roughly $11,000 in steel.It is really wild, and kind of ridiculous at precisely the same moment. In a way, it feels just like what Audemars Piguet did together with all the Royal Oak Offshore, only here with Franck Muller. This is actually the tourbillon version of the view, but there’s also a (much less costly) chronograph version. It comes in titanium and Egral or rose gold. Over $100k, and massive in size.This is the first new Franck Muller watch in sometime – which makes sense as the watch maker has had to lay-off individuals due to a reduction in demand. The maturation of a few watch is very expensive, particularly with a maker like Franck Muller. They do not just receive a movement from ETA and built a watch about it, but rather construct their own movement, or have one created for them. This with the physical layout of the watch takes years, and is a massive investment. To get a watch maker to keep in the spotlight, they have to release new watches on a regular basis, unless they need people to think that are going under. Well Franck Muller isn’t going under and also this brand new Triple Scale Chronograph Ratrappante Ref. 8883 watch.While the look of the watch is familiar to the normal tonneau shaped cases which Franck Muller is know for, the design and performance of this watch is pretty unique. This watch has a great deal going on both on the front and rear of this watch, and all revolves around the chronograph functions. Actually rather than being flamboyant and flashy, this view is practically a pure classic style instrument. The watch face itself is smaller, and placed in the lower center of the face – with quite the instrument like appearance (something I would probably suspect being on a Sinn watch or Panerai). As the chronograph function is central to the Triple Scale Chronograph, it is quite impressive. It is really rather clever because the functions on the trunk are seldom used, but are there if you need it, and it is probably not too big of a deal to take the eye off if using those purposes. The rear features include a: tachymeter scale (measures rate), a pulsometer (measures pulse), and also a telemeter (measures distance).

  • Bell & Ross
  • Blancpain
  • Breguet
  • Chanel
  • Chopard
  • ChronoSwiss
  • Christophe Claret
  • Corum
  • Cyrus
  • deLaCour
  • De Bethune
  • DeWitt
  • Franck Muller
  • Frédérique Constant
  • Girard Perregaux
  • Glasshütte Original
  • Harry Winston
  • Heritage Watch Manufactory
  • Hublot, Ikepod
  • Jaquet Droz
  • Ladoire
  • Laurent Ferrier
  • Louis Vuitton
  • Manufacture Royale
  • Maurice Lacroix
  • Montblanc
  • Patek Philippe
  • Piaget
  • Richard Mille
  • Roger Dubuis
  • Armin Strom
  • Ulysse Nardin
  • Vacheron Constantin
  • Van Cleef & Arpels
  • Vulcain
  • Zenith

That is a huge number of brands and you can compare them to the all the pieces from the Only Watch 2011 auction. We look forward to sharing with you the auction pieces as they trickle out leading up to the event in September of 2013. onlywatch.com

Can I Buy Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph Watch Perfect Clone Online Shopping

Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph Watch Watch Releases

The Swiss watch maker Franck Muller Watches Nyc Replica has somewhat of a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory air to it. With an elaborate production facility named “Watchland” outside of Geneva, oftentimes over-the-top brand positioning, and watch collections with designs far from the traditional, it would not be too surprising if they were to announce that golden tickets were being hidden in the packaging. Unfortunately for fans of the brand, that isn’t the case, but the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph is still a noteworthy and exciting watch to consider.

Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph Watch Watch Releases

Note that the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph was released last year, but we have recently been provided additional information on the watch that we wanted to pass along. So what is so exciting about the Vanguard Chronograph? Well, just look at the thing. Housed in a tonneau-shaped case available in 18k rose gold, stainless steel, or titanium, it is quite the watch to behold. In his hands-on with the Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier, Ariel said, “In computer rendered images, the Vanguard looks both underwhelming and like it is trying too hard at the same time.” The addition of the chronograph pushers and subdials adds excitement to this model of the Vanguard, and though I have not yet had hands-on time with the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph, based on the images, the added complication fits better with the overall design of the collection than the standard model.

Within the watch is your manually wound Franck Muller grade 7002 using a power reserve of about 42 hours. If you buy this watch you get a personalized strand made from platinum. Even though the watch face itself decentered, you get a clear appearing face with a subsidiary seconds hand. The case of this watch is actually steel, which will keep the price of the watch down a bit – although it’ll be high luxury in cost. The obvious “instrument” appearance of this watch is something brand new, and is probably a subtle hint out of Franck Muller that watches are tools supposed to be used and do have a practical component that’s more important that only the mere expression of the watch. Let’s hope the message get’s across.This has to be among the most cutesy luxury watches I have ever seen. Underneath the heart shaped bridge is located the world’s smallest generation tourbillon at a wristwatch. The little tourbillon escapement is just 11.6mm broad. Very small, really.

Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph Watch Watch Releases

Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph Watch Watch Releases

The Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph is powered by the Franck Muller 7000 automatic movement. It has 27 jewels and a power reserve of 48 hours, with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). It is also decorated with Côtes de Genève, circular graining, and rhodium plating so that the internals of the watch are just as beautiful as the outside.

The case is quite large. At 44mm wide, 53.7mm long, and 15.8mm thick, it is going to wear very prominently on most wrists. All the better to see the dial, which is sure to catch people’s attention with its applied, oversized Arabic numeral hour markers and large hands matching the case color. The dial color varies as you’ll see from the pictures, and my personal preference is the gray dial which I think gives the best background for the other components to stand out against.

Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph Watch Watch Releases

Cutting off the six o’clock marker is a small, circular date window which is sure to bug a lot of people. It doesn’t quite match the rest of the watch’s aesthetic and could have been better handled. In contrast, the strap has been very well done. The lugs have been integrated into the case design, and the strap is alligator leather on top and rubber on bottom. A deployant clasp allows for easy wearing and removing.

Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph Watch Watch Releases

As Ariel also mentioned in his hands-on with the Vanguard Glacier, “…don’t judge any of these watches fully until you put one on your wrist.” With that in mind, I’ll say that I look forward to getting a hands-on with the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph, judging by the release images and information, I think it is the more exciting and balanced of the Vanguard models. The Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph is priced at $15,800 and if you are one for bold watches, it may be worth seeing the watch for yourself and taking a step into Franck Muller’s world of “Pure Imagination.” franckmuller.com

Who Makes The Best Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Eta Movement Replica Watches

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

It wasn’t until I needed to go ring shopping did I really learn to appreciate diamonds. As a guy, I just always assumed diamonds were for women. Sure some men have diamond rings and earrings – but that hardly represents the norm, at least here in the United States. Diamonds are a sure-fire sign of wealth, but they also represent the most basic and arguably unsophisticated form of luxury features – being really shiny. Though it does help their cause that diamonds are inherently rare. What I do however love, are watches. So what happens when you combine these two things?

The “full pave” (or totally diamond covered) watch in the United States is often a simple code for “I have too much money, and perhaps not as much taste.” While jealousy might have something to do with those thoughts, it is true that simply covering something normal with diamonds is a less than difficult (albeit expensive) way of adding luxury. That would be ignoring a lot of the really nice diamond covered watches out there. Easy to make fun of and perhaps taboo to wear – the diamond covered luxury watch remains an extremely powerful force that is hard to resist if you can afford one. It is like buying a private island: it might be just too excessive to ever actually justify, but secretly you want one and all the stigma that comes with it. This is akin to walking around with a crown.

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

Recently I got to test my feelings on the all (or mostly) diamond covered watch. I was in no better place to do it… Hong Kong. They don’t joke about Asia being the premier place for watch consumption. I challenged myself to not spot something watch-related for a full minute while driving around the city. It never happened. From ads to shops, the city is literally watch-crazed. Being there makes you truly believe that high-end watch brands are taking over the world.

While there, I was lucky enough to be part of the 2012 Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair. And yes, clocks are actually part of the fair. A unique area of the fair was a hall of luxury, sponsored by local high-end watch retailer chain Prince Jewelers. Prince set up a series of extremely decadent fully diamond-studded timepieces from brands such as Blancpain, Breguet, Piaget, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Franck Muller, and more. These aren’t the watches you see in brand ads, nor the ones they show people like me at the big shows like Baselworld and SIHH. These fully diamond covered creations are either exclusive to special markets, or sometimes even one-of-a-kind luxuries.

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

Some totally diamond covered watches are head-to-toe lined with diamonds. The case is usually in 18k white gold while diamonds of different sizes and cuts are used to cover the case, bracelet, and dial. On watches like this you are sometimes lucky to see the hands as they can blend in with all the shine. The best types of these pieces use a variety of stones to retain the shape of the watch or offer unique patterns.

Use of small round-cut stones can lead to a lot of sparkle, but can also create a blurry effect as details become hard to see. For example, look at the center of the Breguet Reine de Naples watch. It uses all round-cut stones and looks like a super shiny diamond soup. Use of square or rectangular-cut baguette diamonds is often a better choice when wanting to retain or create shapes. Most of these watches are professionally done and designed coming from the world’s most respected brands. They certainly don’t mess around when creating such full pave timepieces. Even the Franck Muller Sunset Diamond Watch Replica watch with its closely set stones uses baguette cut pieces upon close inspection.

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

One drawback of baguette diamonds are price and shine. They don’t refract as much light as round-cut stones which means that they don’t sparkle as much. Plus, since they are usually bigger, they cost a lot more. That doesn’t mean they don’t shine at all, and high luster is not always what you want. Especially when you want to appreciate the details of a design. Take the beautiful Blancpain tourbillon watch. The case and bracelet use all baguette stones. The dial places the stones in a pattern almost like floor marquetry. You could never do that with round-cut stones. That was probably my second favorite piece of the lot.

For me, the most impressive all diamond-covered watch of this series was from Jaeger-LeCoultre. It is funny because a watch like that is almost totally against their marketing in the Western world. They promote ideas like “are you ready to own a real watch,” and stress their mechanical ingenuity and power as a serious in-house mechanical watch maker. Then you have this unbelievably ostentatious diamond-covered watch that is designed about as nice as you could hope. The piece is a modified version of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Tourbillon Dual Time. The watch has the retrograde date hand removed, and the 24 hour dial for the second timezone has the indicators more or less removed. Stripped of some function, but the dial does looks tre, tre sexy no?

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

Why Franck Muller made a decision to put their new in-house made FM 1700 quality movement in a Vintage styled watch isn’t apparent to me. The newest Vintage Curvex watch is not considerably different than most other models, save for some dial particulars. One version has a railroad track style minute marker ring, while other models have more clean dials with just the hour mark along with that iconic Franck Muller font. Light and dark dial options with gold trim make for an attractive appearance.As I have said, the motion is the new Franck Muller in-house made FM 1700. It’s a manually wound movement with a full week of power book. Going in line with the “Classic” part of the title, the movement has a slower operating speed of 18,000 bph which no doubt helps it keep such a long power reserve.Over on the dial you can appreciate the movement’s complications. The subsidiary seconds dial is a bit more recessed within a nice looking gold ring, along with also the power reserve indicator is just one of those piece’s most distinctive components. In the past I’ve seen several Franck Muller watches with highly diminutive power reserve indicators. On the one hand I love this. The indicator is small and out of the way, but there when you want it. I have said many times that I simply don’t like wearing the majority of manually wound movement based watches if they don’t have a power reserve indicator. It seems like I am driving a vehicle without a gas gauge.The power reserve indicator is small enough not to interrupt the dial in any substantial manner, which is great. So the only bad news is that a few people need it to be bigger. They have difficulty reading the tiny numbers on the disc in the dialup, or they maintain their watches off their wrist and like to view from afar if the watch requires winding or not. So while the out-of-the-way nature of the power reserve indicator is a blessing, it is also a curse for some individuals as it will be too small to use.

Brands like Piaget and Franck Muller are no strangers to diamonds and excessive luxury. For some people excessive luxury is bad, but for the people buying these watches it is good. These consumers desire excessive luxury. They feel like they deserve it. You simply don’t purchase an all diamond-covered watch if you wish to appear humble. That just isn’t the point. These watches are about loud wealth in places where that is OK. It used to be places like the Middle East, and as of the last few years has moved to China and other parts of Asia. This is compounded by the natural social acceptance of displays of status and wealth. Whereas these same displays are often chastised in parts of the Western world.

These is a difference between watches with diamonds, and watches with mostly diamonds. Each of these pictured watches are mostly diamond-covered to the degree that they are “diamond watches.” Mere “diamond decorated” watches might have a few around the bezel, or diamond hour markers. Those can’t compete in these leagues. Part of the problem with a diamond covered watch is that you often can’t wear them alone. I mean you can, but diamond-covered watches need some other diamond-covered things on your person while wearing them. I suggest a diamond-covered tie. Or if you are more casual that day, diamond socks. They aren’t that comfortable oddly enough, but they look great when people get a peek under your trousers.

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

Full Pave: A Collection Of Diamond-Studded Swiss Watches Watch Style

It takes a real man to appreciate a men’s watch covered in diamonds. If you are lacking in appreciation for the be-dazzled then simply show the piece to a woman. I don’t mean to stereotype, but I have yet to meet a women who doesn’t have some special warm spot for expensive shiny things. It does beg the psychological question of why we are attracted to shiny things. It is almost innate isn’t it?

I am man enough to admit that I ponder traveling through life wearing watches that are totally “iced out.” I don’t even know why I think about it. Am I so shallow as to truly want people to feel I am that rich? Or is it perhaps my desire to cause shock and awe in others? Probably the latter. The watch industry likes to use the term “boldness” to refer to products which stand out. Fully pave diamond covered watches are perhaps the most bold timepieces available on the market. If you are a bold loving man (that sounds like the tag line for some extremely unhealthy fast-food product) then perhaps diamonds are right for you. Just expect prices for each of these lovely wrist treats to be in the several hundreds of thousands, if not over a million dollar price ranges. What? Ultra exclusivity doesn’t come cheap.

The remainder of the new Franck Muller Tourbillon Lady 3080 T is equally petite. Surprisingly, it’s just 10mm thick, which makes it very thin to get a tourbillon watch. It is manually wound in-house movement with 80 hours of power book in 2 barrels. On the rear of the case is another sapphire window for a view of the movement.I think about the positioning of this watch on the marketplace. You do not have to create “the world’s smallest tourbillon” in a man’s watch, because kind of defeats the concept of the modern men’s watch that are large. Franck Muller still wanted to unveil its new feat in a opinion, so really the only option was a woman’s watch, were little size is a merit. It will be the rare, but not non girl, that will really appreciate the difficult sophistication involved in creating this type of small tourbillon. Really just looking at the magenta hued pink all over the strap and dial allows you to consider femininity and simplicity, not plain sophistication. So this view is a small contradiction, but still looks quite wonderful. The ideal wrist can wear it on special occasions and appreciate the opinion fo the heart shaped bridge rotation to indicate the seconds. There is actuallyn’t that much more to it. Start saving up.

High End BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends June 2, 2017 Replica Watches Essentials

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends June 2, 2017 ABTW Round-Ups

In this round-up we broach the subject of micro-brands. We explore who and what constitutes a micro-brand, and why some collectors adore micro-brands so much. We also have a slew of new and interesting watches, including AkriviA’s first non-tourbillon watch, the AK-06; MB&F’s outrageous HM7 Aquapod watch; and Piaget’s new and controversial Polo S chronograph.

We also take a look at the history of Breitling’s SuperOcean watches. Unbeknownst to most watch lovers, Breitling was one of the first brands to come up with dive watches, and in this round-up, we will examine the history of early Breitling SuperOcean watches. And to close things off, we will explain why, despite the weak demand for new watches, it is unlikely for watch brands to start slashing prices on watches soon.

1. AkriviA AK-06 Watch Hands-On

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends June 2, 2017 ABTW Round-Ups

AkriviA is a small watch brand based in Geneva and founded by Rexhep Rexhepi. Rexhepi is just 30 years old and has been called the next big thing in independent watchmaking. Even Kari Voutilainen has singled Rexhepi out as one of the young watchmakers to keep tabs on. When you look at Rexhepi’s watches, it is easy to see why. The ArkiviA AK-06 was unveiled at Baselworld earlier this year and it is the brand’s first non-tourbillon time-only watch. But don’t let that throw you off because if you look closely at the dial, you’ll see that this isn’t an ordinary time-only watch. The movement has been specially designed to be aesthetically pleasing and the finishing is exemplary.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

2. MB&F HM7 Aquapod Watch Hands-On

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends June 2, 2017 ABTW Round-Ups

If you are a person of means and you are ready to splash the cash on a statement watch, you could do a lot worse than any of MB&F’s Horological Machine watches. The HM7 is the latest and it makes a very strong case for being the most outrageous of them all. It might be round in design, but it is completely unconventional. It has a double-domed case and the time is read off two concentric discs, which in turn surround the flying tourbillon regulator. The highlight of the watch is possibly the bezel, which isn’t directly affixed to the case. Instead, it sits on extensions, allowing it to surround the case and look as if it is floating in mid-air. All in all, I can’t quite decide if it looks like a hockey puck or a jellyfish. Take a closer look at this unusual watch for yourself here.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

3. Hublot Big Bang Unico Magic Gold Watch Review – Just How Magical Is It?

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends June 2, 2017 ABTW Round-Ups

The Swiss watch maker Franck Muller Watch Green Replica has a Bit of a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory air to it.

With an elaborate manufacturing facility called “Watchland” out of Geneva, oftentimes over-the-top brand positioning, and observe collections with designs far from the traditional, it would not be too surprising if they were to announce that gold tickets were being hidden in the packaging. Unfortunately for fans of the brand, that isn’t the case, but the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph remains a remarkable and exciting watch to consider.Note that the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph was released last year, but we have recently been supplied additional information regarding the watch that we wanted to pass along. Well, just examine the thing. Housed in a tonneau-shaped case available in 18k rose gold, stainless steel, or ceramic, it is fairly the opinion to behold. In his hands-on using the Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier, Ariel said, “In computer rendered pictures, the Vanguard looks equally underwhelming and like it’s trying too hard at the exact same time.” The accession of this chronograph pushers and subdials adds excitement to this model of the Vanguard, although I’ve not yet had hands-on time together with the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph, depending on the pictures, the added complication matches better with the total layout of the collection compared to standard model.The Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph is powered by the Franck Muller 7000 automatic motion. It’s 27 jewels and a power reserve of 48 hours, using a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). It’s also adorned with C?tes de Genève, circular graining, and rhodium plating so that the internals of this watch are just as amazing as the exterior.

Hublot has two unique gold alloys that it uses in its watches. One of them is King Gold, which is a variant of red gold that appears even redder due to its higher percentage of copper and added platinum. More impressive perhaps is Magic Gold, which is a completely new type of gold developed by Hublot that fuses gold with ceramic. The end result, according to Hublot, is the world’s first scratch-resistant gold. So, just how scratch-resistant is it? We put it to the test with the Big Bang Unico Magic Gold watch.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

4. Piaget Polo S Chronograph Watch Hands-On

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends June 2, 2017 ABTW Round-Ups

Piaget’s new Polo S and Polo S Chronograph watches were possibly the most surprising and controversial watches of last year. The design of these new watches generated a lot of chatter online, mainly because of their resemblance to Patek Philippe’s Nautilus and Aquanaut watches. While there are some inescapable similarities between Piaget’s new Polo S watches and Patek Philippe’s sports watches, in the flesh, however, the Polo S watches have a much more distinctive design than what press photos would suggest. Here, take a look at the Polo S Chronograph watch for yourself.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

5. Five Reasons Collectors Like Watches From Micro Brands

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends June 2, 2017 ABTW Round-Ups

When I started out reading about watches, the thing that amazed me most were micro brands. I knew your traditional big name watch houses like Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Patek Philippe. But then I came across names that I never heard of like Steinhart, Helson, Armida, Magrette, just to name a few, and I was intrigued. Where are these brands from and why haven’t I heard of them before? Where and how are their watches made? These were some of the questions I had and it led me down a rabbit hole. So what is it about micro brands that gets some watch lovers so excited? Here are some reasons why.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

6. Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic PAM674 Watch Review

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends June 2, 2017 ABTW Round-Ups

The Luminor Due is Panerai’s latest collection and on first glance, it might be hard to tell just what exactly is new or unique about it. The name itself is a bit confusing because Due (pronounced as doo-eh) is actually Italian for two. However, the Luminor Due isn’t really a successor to the Luminor nor the Luminor 1950 collections. So what is the Luminor Due? Personally, I think of a Luminor Due watch as an ultra-slim version of Panerai’s iconic Luminor watches. It won’t be a stretch to say it’s the dressiest Luminor you’d find right now. But don’t just take it from me. We have an extended review of the new Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic PAM674 watch right here.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

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Swiss 7750 Valjoux Franck Muller Custom Oppa Gangnam Style Watch For PSY Eta Movement Replica Watches

Franck Muller Custom Oppa Gangnam Style Watch For PSY Watch Releases

Within the watch is your manually wound Franck Muller Price Watch Quote Replica grade 7002 using a power reserve of about 42 hours. If you get this watch you get a personalized strand made from platinum. Though the watch face itself decentered, you get a clear looking face with a subsidiary seconds hand. The case of this watch is actually steel, which will keep the cost of the watch down a little – although it will be high luxury in cost. Obviously both crystals are both sapphire and the watch is water resistant to 20 meters (not very much).If you’re considering that this watch is sort of an odd one out for your Franck Muller line, you’re right. The obvious “instrument” appearance of the watch is something brand new, and is likely a subtle hint out of Franck Muller that watches are resources meant to be used and do have a practical element that’s more important that just the mere expression of the watch. Let’s hope the message get’s across.This has to be among the most cutesy luxury watches I have ever seen. Underneath the heart shaped bridge is located the world’s smallest generation tourbillon at a wristwatch. The little tourbillon escapement is merely 11.6mm wide. Very little, really.

Franck Muller, the always interesting and sometimes over-the-top Swiss watchmaker has produced a one-of-a-kind timepiece apparently for Korean musical artist PSY. Depicting PSY doing his more than well-known horse riding dance right on the dial, the likely 18k white gold or platinum watch is full pave covered with diamonds. Black diamonds are used to fill in the large Roman numerals and the image of PSY dancing is likely hand painted.

Franck Muller Custom Oppa Gangnam Style Watch For PSY Watch Releases

The watch image was shared direct from a Franck Muller insider so for sure it is a legit piece for the pop superstar. PSY’s famous Gangnam Style music video on YouTube (as of this article) has over 1.5 billion views. I suppose it was about time to treat himself (or perhaps it is a gift to PSY). franckmuller.com

Swiss Grade Franck Muller Vintage Curvex 7-Days Power Reserve Watch Replica Watches Free Shipping

The design of the FM 1700 is pleasant but not overly distinctive. It does the job though and is searchable via a sapphire caseaback window. I look forward to seeing the new Franck Muller Vintage Curvex 7-Days Power Reserve watches hands-on soon. Price is about $22,500 in 18k rose gold and roughly $11,000 in steel.It is pretty wild, and sort of ridiculous at the same time. In a sense, it seems just like exactly what Audemars Piguet did with all the Royal Oak Offshore, just here with Franck Muller. This is the tourbillon version of the view, but there’s also a (much less costly) chronograph version. It comes in titanium and Egral or rose gold. Over $100k, and enormous in size.This is the first new Franck Muller watch in sometime – which makes sense since the watch maker has had to lay-off individuals due to a decrease in demand. The development of a few watch is quite pricey, particularly with a manufacturer like Franck Muller. They don’t just receive a movement from ETA and built a watch about it, but instead construct their own motion, or have one made for them. This with the physical design of this watch takes decades, and is a huge investment. To get a watch maker to keep in the spotlight, they have to release new watches on some regular basis, unless they want people to believe that are going under. Well Franck Muller isn’t going under and this new Triple Scale Chronograph Ratrappante Ref. 8883 watch.While the look of the watch is recognizable to the typical tonneau shaped instances that Franck Muller is know for, the design and functionality of this watch is really unique. This view has a lot going on both on the front and back of the watch, and all revolves round the chronograph functions. Actually instead of being flamboyant and flashy, this view is almost a pure vintage style tool. The watch face itself is smaller, and put in the lower centre of their face – with quite the instrument like appearance (something I’d probably guess being on a Sinn watch or Panerai). As the chronograph function is central to the Triple Scale Chronograph, it is quite impressive. Not only is it a split second dual chronograph (rattrapante), but carry’s over to the back of the watch for additional functionality. It is actually rather clever because the functions on the back are rarely used, however are there when you need it, and it’s likely not that big of a deal to take the watch off if using those purposes. The rear features comprise a: tachymeter scale (measures speed), a pulsometer (measures pulse), and a telemeter (measures distance).
Franck Muller Vintage Curvex 7-Days Power Reserve Watch Watch Releases

Someday I’d like to hear the real story of Franck Muller’s history as a watch brand. As a timepiece maker it is a fascinating company that has done a lot and gained a laudable amount of popularity for a high-end exclusive watch maker. Having said that, the Franck Muller group has certainly had its series of ups and downs from severe economic woes to quasi-scandals. The brand has been admired as helping to bring the luxury watch into new areas of culture with innovative marketing and some very unique watches (such as the Crazy Hour), but at the same time have a bit of a struggle in certain sectors where they are overcoming a reputation for quality issues. Oh, to be in the high-end watch business!

The Franck Muller of today is more restrained and simple that its former self. While the air of avant garde still remains, as a brand they have consolidated and are trying to focus on what really works for them. A few months ago the rumor of a new entry-level in-house movement hinted at the upcoming release of these Vintage Curvex 7-Days Power Reserve models. And here they are. Fresh from Geneva with that iconic Curvex (which most people call tonneau) shaped case and a new long-power reserve movement.

Franck Muller Vintage Curvex 7-Days Power Reserve Watch Watch Releases

The models seen are just the gold versions, they will be offered in steel as well. The press release from Franck Muller focused almost entirely on the movement and not the watches themselves. I truly hate when that happens, as it makes it most difficult to tell people exactly what they will be able to buy. What’s with the cloak and dagger approach Franck Muller? Having said that I am pretty sure that the watches will be in the 35.90mm wide x 50.30mm tall versions of the Curvex case… or something very close. I have to say that Franck Muller (for me) is the brand that made tonneau-shaped cases seem wearable. Before Franck Muller, I felt this style of case only looked good on the wrists of men with extremely plump fingers who regularly smoke cigars.

Why Franck Muller decided to place their new in-house made FM 1700 caliber movement in a Vintage styled watch isn’t clear to me. The new Vintage Curvex watch isn’t much different than most other models, save for some dial details. One version has a railroad track style minute marker ring, while other versions have more clean dials with just the hour markers and that iconic Franck Muller font. Light and dark dial options with gold trim make for an attractive appearance.

Franck Muller Vintage Curvex 7-Days Power Reserve Watch Watch Releases

As I have mentioned, the movement is the new Franck Muller in-house made FM 1700. It is a manually wound movement with a full week of power reserve. Going in line with the “Vintage” part of the name, the movement has a slower operating speed of 18,000 bph which no doubt helps it keep such a long power reserve.

Over on the dial you can appreciate the movement’s complications. The subsidiary seconds dial is slightly recessed within a nice looking gold ring, and the power reserve indicator is one of the piece’s most distinctive elements. In the past I’ve seen several Franck Muller watches with highly diminutive power reserve indicators. On the one hand I love this. The indicator is small and out of the way, but there when you need it. I’ve said many times that I simply don’t like wearing the majority of manually wound movement based watches if they don’t have a power reserve indicator. It feels like I am driving a car without a fuel gauge.

The power reserve indicator is small enough to not disrupt the dial in any significant way, which is great. So the only bad news is that some people need it to be larger. Either they have trouble reading the tiny numbers on the disc in the dial, or they keep their watches off their wrist and like to see from afar whether the watch needs winding or not. So while the out-of-the-way nature of the power reserve indicator is a blessing, it is also a curse for some people as it will be too small to use.

The design of the FM 1700 is pleasant but not overly distinctive. It does the job though and is viewable through a sapphire caseaback window. I look forward to seeing the new Franck Muller Watches Ranking Replica Vintage Curvex 7-Days Power Reserve watches hands-on soon. Price is about $22,500 in 18k rose gold and about $11,000 in steel.

Franck Muller Vintage Curvex 7-Days Power Reserve Watch Watch Releases

 

Tech Specs from Franck Muller:

VINTAGE (CURVEX) 7-DAYS POWER RESERVE
Caliber: FM 1700
Movement: Mechanical with manual-winding, Two barrels, in-house
manufactured Breguet hairspring, high performance FM
escapement and balance screw
Dimensions of Movement: Ø 31.00 mm and height: 5.00 mm
Power Reserve: 7 days
Frequency: 18’000 vibrations / hour
Number of Components: 213
Number of Jewels: 27
Water-resistance:
3 ATM
Movement decoration: Côtes de Genève, circular graining, hand bevelling
Display: Hours and minutes, Seconds at 6 hours, Power reserve

We Buy Auction Watch: Antiquorum’s ONLY WATCH 2011 Results Replica Buying Guide

Auction Watch: Antiquorum's ONLY WATCH 2011 Results Sales & Auctions

As expected the ONLY Watch 2011 went without a hitch last week. It raised € 4.5 million, about USD $ 6,075,000 as of this writing. Let’s take a look at some of the results. [see all of the watches: studio pics & in-the-flesh, hands-on]

Antiquorum Auctioneers – The collection of unique 40 timepieces achieves € 4.5 million at the Only Watch Charity Auction: Monaco, September 24, 2011 – The fourth edition of the biennial Only Watch Charity Auction held at the Hotel Hermitage in Monaco on September 23, in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, closed with an outstanding result of EUR 4’563’000. The auction room was full in addition to the strong internet and intense telephone bidding. International participation included Japan, Switzerland, Hong Kong, China, the United States and the Russian Federation. Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones was also present in the room to support the auction.

Auction Watch: Antiquorum's ONLY WATCH 2011 Results Sales & Auctions

Perhaps the most controversial piece was the Patek tourbillon / minute repeater, Ref. 3939, Lot 30. The “Wish Price” for this dream piece was €450,000 – €650,000. It went for €1.400.000, about USD $1,890,000! There were a lot of haters for this piece. It’s perhaps the least-flashy of the watches in the auction. It’s from a manufacture that some consider old and stodgy. It’s in stainless steel, which is particularly odd for a Patek. And the size? It’s only 33.3mm! So whomever won this piece has a great gift for his wife.  ? All that said, it’s still a phenomenal finish for this watch.

Lot 23 was the Ikepod Hour Glass. A couple weeks ago I wrote:

“I say timepieces and not watches if for no other reason than the always iconoclastic Ikepod is presenting an hourglass (lot #23) for 2011! It’s a limited edition of one (see non-limited flavor). It’s fantastic. Something a little different from one of my favorite brands. The “Wish Price” for this item is 15,000 – 25,000. Compared to the other items in this auction the hourglass is a steal. And you’ll never need to get it serviced as long as you never drop it.”

Looks like their estimate nailed it. And we were correct about this item being a deal compared to much of the rest of the auction.

Auction Watch: Antiquorum's ONLY WATCH 2011 Results Sales & Auctions

And what of Lot #28, the MB&F Horological Machine No.4 Thunderbolt “Flying Panda?” Earlier, I wrote:

The two large horizontal cones/tubes that are the displays remind the wearer of the A-10 Thunderbolt warplane. The two pods look like jet turbines. And the “Flying Panda” angle? Well, there’s a small panda sitting atop the watch holding reigns, not unlike Ben-Hur on his chariot, or even Santa on his sleigh. Make no mistake, it’s an odd combo, but if anyone has the horological street-cred to pull it off, MB&F does. The details: manual wind, twin mainspring barrels, and 50 jewels. The “Wish Price” for this item is EUR 170,000 – 230,000.

This MB&F finished at € 170,000, frankly, rather disappointing in my opinion. I really could have seen this easily hitting €250,000, especially considering that these official estimates of hammer prices are intentionally low. Was it the economy? Maybe collectors move to the finest houses in economic downturns and times of certainty. That explanation would at least seem to partially explain the amazing result for the Patek.

Let’s check out a few of the other pieces and their results …

Lot 2: Bell & Ross, BR01 Casino
Wish Price: €20.000 to €40.000
Result: €18.000
Analysis: A bit of a disappointment. Though I don’t find it surprising. I find all of the poker and gambling-related watches to be rather gaudy and quickly-dated.

Auction Watch: Antiquorum's ONLY WATCH 2011 Results Sales & Auctions

Lot 5: Bovet, Amadeo Dragon & Phoenix
Wish Price: €180.000 to €220.000
Result: €70.000
Analysis: “Ouch” would be an understatement here. Bovet is one of those “newish” brands that has tried to conjure up a rich and deep aura around itself. Pascal Raffy has become a watch industry celeb second only to maybe the Great J.C. Biver.  In my opinion, this may be due partially to the fact that we are talking about a pocket watch. I don’t particularly care how well-heeled one is. If you drop tens of thousands on a watch, you’re going to want to wear it at least a few times. And unless you’re decked-out in morning dress, in 2011 a pocket watch is a bit of an affectation. The €70.000 here has to be a bit of an embarrassment no matter how you spin it.

Lot 11: Corum, Golden Bridge
Wish Price: €55.000 to €70.000
Result: €50.000
Analysis: A little low. This watch has a bit of the Richard Mille look that has been popular of late. I expected this to go for a bit more.

Lot 16: Franck Muller, Crazy Hours
Wish Price: €20.000 to €40.000
Result: €44.000
Analysis: Franck Muller pieces continue to be popular. I don’t get it.

Auction Watch: Antiquorum's ONLY WATCH 2011 Results Sales & Auctions

Lot 38: Van Cleef & Arpels, Jules Verne From The Earth To The Moon Poetic Complication
Wish Price: €100.000 to €150.000
Result: €215.000
Analysis: Wow, never saw that one coming. Not really my personal taste, but a beautiful piece nonetheless.

A final thought on the diminutive Patek. Years ago a man’s watch was full-sized at 36mm, then later at 38mm. Over the last decade we’ve seen this creep upwards of 45mm in many cases (yes, Panerai and Graham, we’re looking at you). You would have to go upwards of 45mm before many people would today raise their eyebrows and wonder if a watch was simply too big. I guess 45mm is the new 38mm? So it’s not like Patek has offered a 37mm watch here and it’s being called small. 33.3mm is REALLY small. I wonder if this could be a new trend bringing us back to case-size sanity? I think it’s worth noting that purely from an engineering standpoint, putting a tourbillon and minute-repeater into a 33.3mm case is much more of a feat than doing so in a 48mm case.

And let’s look a bit more at the steel issue. The Patek, far and away the highest priced item here, is stainless steel, as is the Ulysse Nardin “Freak Diavolo.” Is this a new trend in high-end watches? Or more appropriately, is it coming back into vogue. I think that the use of stainless steel in expensive watches was first done bu Audemars Piguet with their Gerald Genta-designed Royal Oak circa 1972. Traditionally, fine watches are offered in gold or some other precious metal. Is steel back?

Here are the top 10 watches in terms of final hammer prices:

The Swiss watch Manufacturer Franck Muller has somewhat of a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory air to it.

Having an elaborate manufacturing facility called “Watchland” out of Geneva, oftentimes over-the-top brand positioning, and watch collections with designs much from the traditional, it wouldn’t be too surprising if they were to announce that golden tickets were being concealed in the packaging. Unfortunately for fans of the brand, that isn’t the case, however the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph remains a remarkable and exciting watch to consider.Note that the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph was released last year, but we have recently been provided additional information regarding the watch that we wanted to pass along. So What’s so exciting about the Vanguard Chronograph? Well, just examine the thing. Housed in a tonneau-shaped case available in 18k rose gold, stainless steel, or titanium, it is fairly the opinion to behold. In his hands on using all the Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier, Ariel said, “In computer rendered pictures, the Vanguard appears both underwhelming and like it’s looking too hard at precisely the exact same moment.” The accession of this chronograph pushers and subdials adds delight to this version of the Vanguard, and though I have not yet had hands-on time with the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph, depending on the pictures, the additional complication matches better with the overall design of the collection compared to normal model.The Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph is powered by the Franck Muller 7000 automatic motion.

Watch US Dollars
Patek Philippe, Ref. 3939 $1,910,720.00
Richard Mille, RM 027 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal $696,048.00
DeWitt, Concept Watch No. 3 X-Watch $559,568.00
Bernhard Lederer, Gagarin Tourbillon $409,440.00
Van Cleef & Arpels, Poetic Complication $293,432.00
MB&F, HM4 Thunderbolt Flying Panda $232,016.00
Harry Winston, Midnight GMT Tourbillon $218,368.00
Ulysse Nardin, Freak Diavolo $170,600.00
Breguet, Grande Complication $163,776.00
Vulcain, Skeleton Cricket $156,952.00

 

Auction Watch: Antiquorum's ONLY WATCH 2011 Results Sales & Auctions

The Patek, Gagarin Tourbillon, Breguet, Chanel, Celsius, Franck Muller, Frederique Constant, Piaget, Ulysse Nardin, and Van Cleef & Arpels all beat their estimates. Of the forty watches in the auction, nearly half (18) failed to hit their minimum estimate. Overall, I think that while the auction did raise a great deal of money for charity, and gave the manufactures some fine P.R., the results show the realities of the world’s financial woes.

Cheap Wholesale 3 Concept Smartwatches That Could Be From Popular Swiss Luxury Brands Swiss Movement Replica Watches

3 Concept Smartwatches That Could Be From Popular Swiss Luxury Brands Watch What-If

The number one complaint the Swiss watch industry has had toward the most current crop of smartwatches is that they aren’t attractive by European design standards – and that even applies to the Apple Watch. Jean-Claude Biver went so far as to suggest that, given his standards, the Apple Watch looks as though it was designed by a student. So if the best breed of smartwatch yet (even though it hasn’t even been released at this time) doesn’t pass Swiss watch industry muster, what would a smartwatch design by Switzerland’s old guard look like?

One thing we know all too well is that the Swiss watch industry is all about tradition. It can be safely assumed that a smart watch that looks into the future, may very well also look into the past. So for this edition of Watch What-If, we propose three possible Swiss smartwatches from popular taste-making brands. Here, we have conceptually connected digital timepieces from Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, and Franck Muller Geneve Watches Prices Replica by our artist Niklas Bergenstjerna. He has designed mock-ups that we personally would want to wear, and he even proposed names for each.

Jaeger-LeCoutlre Reverso Red Pill Smartwatch

Keeping it simple and stylish is part of the Jaeger-LeCoultre personality. We think the Reverso design is very well suited for a transformation into a smart watch. Maybe a mechanical watch on the other side? The dial is digital so that the it will be completely blacked out when the watch is not in use.  The red slider at the bottom can work as a switch for the dial, and at the same time light up and give alerts when you have new messages or calls. A rubber strap to match the smart watch image.

3 Concept Smartwatches That Could Be From Popular Swiss Luxury Brands Watch What-If

Panerai Luminor Venturo Smartwatch Concept

The idea was, with this Panerai, change the big “crown-chunk” on the right side into a mechanical slide function with a thumb grip where the OP-logo is located. It might even function as an on/off switch. There is a camera lens between “SWISS” and “MADE.” Oh, and we made the small icons above the camera from scratch. We wanted something in a Panerai minimalistic style, but in a matte black ceramic case. We gave the watch a thick rubber strap with a noticeable grain to give it kind of a rugged feel, but still keeping the “smart watch” look that we think rubber straps give. The social media icons are dimmed out, but will light up when new messages arrive.

3 Concept Smartwatches That Could Be From Popular Swiss Luxury Brands Watch What-If

Franck Muller is an independent watch brand based in 1991, meaning that the brand is 25 years old this year. Over time, they’ve have amazed fans and collectors with their bold and brash watches and ranges. Longtime watch enthusiasts will surely remember the launch of the bonkers Aeternitas Mega 4 in 2010, a super complex watch that has 36 complications along with above 1,400 components. Even today, the Franck Muller Ladies Diamond Watch Replica Giga Tourbillon watch nonetheless boasts the largest tourbillon mechanism in any wristwatch, so let’s have a better look at some of them here.Franck Muller released the first of its Giga Tourbillon watches in 2011, and it was developed to be a showcase of this brand’s experience in motion design and production. The Franck Muller Giga Tourbillon is so known because of its large tourbillon mechanism, of course. And in case you were wondering, the tourbillon cage measures a whopping 20mm in diameter. That’s almost twice the size of most tourbillons found in different watches, and almost half the diameter of many watches! Also impressive is how the tourbillon cage is marked with the brand’s robes, FM.It’s a stunning accomplishment, particularly once you consider the amount of energy that’s needed to animate a tourbillon of that size. To achieve this, Pierre-Michel Golay, the master watchmaker in Franck Muller, decided that he had to match no fewer than four barrels into the watch. Not just that, the barrels had to be larger than traditional ones, and ultimately they quantified over 16mm at a diameter, nearly rivaling the width of the tourbillon itself. Finally, the four barrels have been attached in series and it gave the movement a consequent power book of 240 hours, or 10 days, which I believe you will agree is remarkable thinking about the substantial size of this tourbillon.

Within the watch is your manually wound Franck Muller caliber 7002 using a power reserve of about 42 hours. If you buy this watch you receive a personalized strand made out of platinum. Though the watch face itself decentered, you get a clear looking face with a subsidiary seconds hand. The case of the watch is actually steel, which will continue to keep the price of the watch down a bit – although it will be high luxury in price. The obvious “instrument” appearance of the watch is something brand new, and is probably a subtle hint out of Franck Muller that watches are tools supposed to be used and do have a practical element that is more important that only the mere expression of the watch. Let’s hope the message get’s across.This needs to be one of the most cutesy luxury watches I’ve ever seen. Underneath the center shaped bridge lies the world’s smallest generation tourbillon at a watch. The small tourbillon escapement is just 11.6mm wide. Very little, indeed.

Franck Muller 3D Punk Smartwatch

Speaker in the upper side of the tonneau-shaped Franck Muller case in 18k rose gold. A thin led light with a “vintage light bulb look” at the botton of the case. Light flashing when receiving new calls or messages. A 3D dial with added depth to make the watch appear less flat than other smart watches/digital watches.Rubber strap with stripes to match the speaker design and the small stripes inside the led light.

Niklas Bergenstjerna is a freelance graphic designer and watch lover based in the south of Sweden. niklex.com

Cheapest Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Replica Expensive

Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Admittedly, it has been a while since I’ve spent any serious time with the people at Franck Muller. The Swiss watch maker is a sort of modern legend, and the Franck Muller Group is further an assortment of luxury brands that includes others such as Backes & Strauss. In the past, the group was even larger including brands such as Rodolphe, Pierre Kunz, and Martin Braun. Now, Franck Muller himself and co-founder Vartan Sirmakes continue to make watches at their “Watchland” headquarters in Switzerland outside of Geneva. Today, I am going to look at something different for Franck Muller that represents a modern side of the brand. This watch is the Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier, from the newer overall Vanguard collection.

Admittedly, it’s been some time since I’ve spent some significant time with those in Franck Muller. The Swiss watch manufacturer is a type of modern legend, and the Franck Muller Watch Malaysia Price Replica Group is further an assortment of luxury brands that includes others like Backes & Strauss. In the past, the group has been even bigger including brands like Rodolphe, Pierre Kunz, and Martin Braun. Now, Franck Muller himself and co-founder Vartan Sirmakes continue to create watches at their “Watchland” headquarters in Switzerland out of Geneva. Now, I am going to look at something different for Franck Muller that represents a modern side of the brand. This watch is the Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier, by the newer overall Vanguard collection.Franck Muller began in 1991 and since a brand is known for several things such as their popular Cintrée Curvex case, as well as some heavily complicated watches. This timepiece is about the simpler side offering only the date and time, but includes a complex yet elegant design that I find really appealing.I’ll quickly acknowledge that the Franck Muller Vanguard collection didn’t appeal to me until I actually saw one in person and put it on my wrist. In computer rendered images, the Vanguard looks both underwhelming and like it’s trying too hard at precisely the same moment. In a feeling, some folks may say that about the Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex family of watches. Put both of these models on your wrist in individual, and you’ll have a totally different experience — at least, I did.The Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex collection begins with a tonneau-shaped case, and it is perhaps one of the couple tonneau-shaped cases on the market that I like. Others might include those produced by Richard Mille. This is an age-old design going back to the 1920s, but Franck Muller made it hot again. Actually, I’d go so far as to say that Franck Muller was the first “cool” watch brand of the modern horological era. Just to (by some reports) become a casualty of their own success and confront the same problems most other luxury brands perform now in the areas of distribution and marketing. In contrast to others, I believe that Franck Muller was comparatively silent, choosing to stay more low key and holding back until they have a solid strategy in place. At minimum, they have a good stable of interesting timepieces.

Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Franck Muller started in 1991 and as a brand is known for a few things including their popular Cintrée Curvex case, as well as some heavily complicated watches. The brand often likes to refer to themselves as “the master of complications.” This timepiece is on the simpler side offering just the time and date, but has a complex yet refined design that I find really appealing.

I’ll quickly admit that the Franck Muller Watch Prices Singapore Replica Vanguard collection did not appeal to me until I actually saw one in person and put it on my wrist. In computer rendered images, the Vanguard looks both underwhelming and like it is trying too hard at the same time. In a sense, some people might say that about the Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex family of watches. Put either of those models on your wrist in person, and you’ll have an entirely different experience – at least, I did.

Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The Do Franck Muller Watches Have Batteries Replica Cintrée Curvex collection begins with a tonneau-shaped case, and it is perhaps one of the few tonneau-shaped cases on the market that I like. Others would include those produced by Richard Mille. This is an age-old design going back to the 1920s, but Franck Muller made it hot again. In fact, I would go so far as to say that Franck Muller was the first “trendy” watch brand of the modern horological era. Only to (by some accounts) become a victim of their own success and face the same issues most other luxury brands do today in the areas of marketing and distribution. Compared to others, I think that Franck Muller has been relatively quiet, choosing to remain more low key and holding back until they have a solid strategy in place. At the least, they have a solid stable of interesting timepieces.

Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Hands-On

I wouldn’t suggest trying to understand the Vanguard collection’s point by reading about it on Franck Muller’s website, as that isn’t going to tell you much. In fact, it is a good example of the type of writing that really doesn’t explain much but takes up space on a luxury brand’s website. My take on the Vanguard is that it is quite simply a modern rendition of the design that made Franck Muller Watches Australia Replica as a brand popular in the first place. Say what you will about some of the people who have worn the brand or the showiness the brand is known for that not all people like… but at its heart, the core “Franck Muller look” is well-done and until now hasn’t really been captured better by anyone else when it comes to their classic Cintrée Curvex look.

Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Hands-On

So with that said, consider the Franck Muller Vanguard collection to take that classic Art Deco look and make it feel much more contemporary. That includes the case as well as the dial – whose Arabic numeral hour markers are applied, and a different take on the painted ones you see on more traditional-looking Franck Muller timepieces. Then you have the case which, also tonneau for the Vanguard, is flatter and a bit more ergonomic than the Curvex case. It sits nicely against the wrist, and with the right color and material choices results in a bold, yet elegant look which doesn’t sacrifice legibility for style. Note the compass markers on the internal flange ring – which I’ll consider being for style. Better than another tachymeter scale – that’s for sure.

Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Hands-On

This particular version of the Franck Muller Vanguard is the reference V 45 SC DT AC.GL Vanguard Glacier – known as such because of the particular PVD-coated finishing over the steel case and the use of a white rubber strap with matching dial accents. Note that this is one of the rare steel Vanguard watches (because of the particular PVD treatment) but most non-gold ones are in titanium. The case is steel and 44mm wide by 53.70mm tall, and just 12.8mm thick. The curved Vanguard case sits comfortably on the wrist with the integrated rubber strap. Visually, the look of the strap continues through the case with a clever look which makes the case appear as though it sandwiches the strap. To allow for a more high-end look versus straight rubber, the strap has white alligator over the rubber lining – which makes for a good look (as people know who have worn straps such as this from other brands like Hublot).

Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Design wise, there is a modern “audacity” to the overall look that will be inviting to some and repel others. That’s fine, since pretty much no watch Franck Muller King Watch Replica has ever made is intended to have universal appeal. These are well-done watches for people who like to show off a bit… and if you don’t like to show off this way, their timepieces probably won’t appeal to you. Again, don’t judge any of these watches fully until you put one on your wrist. I personally was pleasantly surprised.

Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Inside these three-hand Franck Muller Vanguard collection watches is their caliber FM 0800 automatic movement, which operate at 4Hz (28,800 bph) with a power reserve of 42 hours. I do not believe these are in-house movements (Franck Muller confirmed that these are modified base Swiss ETA movements), but in other Franck Muller watches they of course feature their own movements. The movement offers the time and date (displayed at 6 o’clock). There is no exhibition caseback, and I think there should have been on the watch. It would have made more sense than writing “Master of Complications,” on a watch that isn’t that mechanically complicated. The Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier isn’t a limited edition per se, but it is an individually numbered watch with a serial number placed on the caseback.

Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Hands-On

Franck Muller produces no shortage of variations for each of their popular timepieces. In addition to offering a range of Vanguard models (from this three-hand automatic to a chronograph and even a few tourbillons) each of the models seems to offer a range of versions as well (most of which aren’t even on the Franck Muller website, by the way). This “discreet information” culture is part of the exclusive nature of the brand, but also one of the reasons that Franck Muller hasn’t fared as well in the information-hungry internet age.

Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier Watch Hands-On Hands-On

The interesting “shiny gunmetal” applied PVD finishing on the steel case mixed with the white tones makes for an interesting and fun look in the Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier, but plenty of other versions are available. It isn’t inexpensive, but it is a good look that fits the Franck Muller brand well and the next generation of people who will find interest in the brand. Again, this simply isn’t a brand for conservative types, but the range of talents the brand has, as well as their many technical achievements means that Franck Muller just might be a brand to look at again (or for the first time). Price for the Franck Muller Vanguard Glacier watch is $9,800. Prices in the collection for Vanguard Chronograph watches is $15,800 and the Vanguard Tourbillon is $106,600. franckmuller.com