Model: Franck Muller Skeleton Vanguard “Colour Dreams” V45 S6 SQT
Year: 2020s
Features:
The Maker. Franck Muller is one of the original independents to emerge from Switzerland, rising to fame in the 1990s with his avant-garde approach to watchmaking. He repopularised the idea of complications for complication’s sake - no false pretence or justification required. Franck Muller would add a tourbillon simply because he could.
The Aim. Today, that might not sound novel - but before the ’90s, serious watches generally came in two flavours: tool watches that could justify every gear, and dressier pieces that prioritised dials above all else. Franck Muller sought to combine the visual flamboyance of the latter with the Swiss pedigree of the former, paving the way for brands like Richard Mille.
The Theme. The skeletonised Vanguard collection comes in just about every colourway imaginable. Yet the rainbow palette remains not only one of the most striking, but it’s also a satisfying nod to Muller’s famous Colour Dreams from the early 2000s. The aluminium bridges get their rainbow hues from anodisation, ensuring the colours remain vivid for decades to come.
The Case. While the skeletonised dial (or lack thereof) is the main spectacle, the watch is far more than just a pretty face. It’s also incredibly lightweight, durable, and comfortable - and despite its intimidating 52mm lug-to-lug measurement, the lugless titanium case and rubberised leather strap mould beautifully to your wrist, resulting in a watch that sits comfortably on something as small as my 6.5 inch wrist.
The Power Reserve. And peeking through the bridges, you will notice a huge mainspring at 12 o’clock - flip the watch over and you’ll notice an identical one on the back, giving the watch an impressive seven-day power reserve. If you don’t have the stones to wear this to the office, have no fear - it will hold its charge all week, patiently waiting for its chance to shine during the weekend.
The Independence. Displayed around the edges of the caseback are the words Made by Watchland, the headquarters of Franck Muller in Switzerland - proudly reminding everyone it has avoided being gobbled up by one of the huge Swiss conglomerates.
Specifications:
Condition: In great condition overall. Just serviced by Franck Muller.
Scope: No box or original papers, but comes with a two year manufacturer’s warranty and the service papers.
Movement: In-house Manual Wind FM movement
Dimensions:
- Case Width: 43.8mm
- Lug to lug: 53.1mm
- Case Thickness: 12.8mm
