Franck Muller has a reputation for pushing boundaries in watchmaking, and their latest creation is no exception. In a bold move that aligns with the upcoming Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, the esteemed watchmaker unveils the Silhouette CX Snake, a limited-edition timepiece that is as much a work of art as it is a technical marvel. This watch not only honors the serpentine
Zodiac symbol but also introduces the groundbreaking Silhouette CX case, marking a significant evolution in Franck Muller's illustrious design history. Limited to just 28 pieces, this Asia Pacific exclusive is set to become a coveted item among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Silhouette CX Snake is a testament to Franck Muller's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. Crafted from luxurious 18k rose gold, the watch immediately captivates with its alluring design. The snake, a symbol rich in meaning across cultures, represents fluidity, transformation, and, above all, elegance. These qualities are masterfully embodied in the watch's design. The Silhouette CX case, with its asymmetrical curves and undulating form, subtly mirrors the sinuous movements of a snake. It offers tantalizing glimpses of the serpent's silhouette without explicitly revealing its head or tail, creating an air of mystery and intrigue. The case itself is a marvel of engineering, a testament to the vision of Franck Muller's co-founder and master casemaker, Vartan Sirmakes. Inspired by the snake's transformative nature, the Silhouette CX represents a unique evolution of the Curvex CX, which was a modern take on the Vanguard and the iconic Cintrée Curvex. The new case's twists and turns not only echo the snake's graceful motion but also create a tactile and visual experience that is both dynamic and refined. The unconventional shape of the case adds to its allure, making it a standout piece in any collection.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
One of the most striking features of the Silhouette CX Snake is its sapphire glass, which extends all the way to the lugs. This design choice is not just aesthetically pleasing; it also presents a significant technical challenge. The glass, shaped into a spherical form using advanced diamond grinding and CNC techniques, curves in two directions: from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock and from 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock. This curvature not only complements the asymmetrical case's shape but also provides a clear, unobstructed view of the dial. The creation of such a unique sapphire glass is a testament to Franck Muller's engineering prowess, transforming a simple block of sapphire into a crystal that is both functional and visually stunning. The glass also allows for an uninterrupted view of the dial, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the watch.
The dial of the Silhouette CX Snake is equally impressive. Its design mirrors the striking asymmetry of the case, with numerals carefully arranged to achieve perfect alignment within the irregular outline. The dial is crafted using 3D CNC machining, a process that ensures both precision and artistic harmony. The intricate snake motif on the dial, handset with deep green emeralds, adds a layer of refinement and luxury. The emeralds, of varying diameters, are set close together using the snow-setting technique, creating a unique and dazzling pattern. This technique minimizes the visibility of prongs, enhancing the brilliance of the stones. The bejeweled snake slithers across the sunray-brushed dial, evoking a sense of mysterious romance without revealing its head or tail. The emeralds set in the dial are stunning in their appearance. They bring the entire design of the watch together. The color of the emeralds is similar to that of a snake, very on brand for the theme of the watch. The pave setting in which the emeralds are set in really allows them to be shown off in an amazing light. The deep green color really goes well with the rose gold setting in which the watch is placed in. It is definitely a conversation starter.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
The House of Franck Muller, co-founded in 1992 by master watchmaker
Franck Muller and watchmaking specialist and entrepreneur Vartan Sirmakes, has always been synonymous with innovation and excellence in the world of horology. The brand is known for its highly exclusive technical complications, many of which are proprietary innovations produced in-house at its Manufacture in Genthod, Geneva, known as Watchland. With over 50 world premieres and patents, Franck Muller has consistently amazed watch connoisseurs and celebrities alike with creations that represent major technical advances in the history of haute horlogerie. The Silhouette CX Snake is a continuation of this legacy, showcasing the brand's ability to blend artistry with technical mastery. The brand has created some of the most iconic watches of all time. Franck Muller is known for being worn by celebrities and being a high class watch brand. The craftsmanship that goes into each and every Franck Muller watch is second to none. Franck Muller is known for creating high complications in their watches. The brand also has an amazing aesthetic appeal that sets them apart from many of their competitors.
At the heart of the Silhouette CX Snake lies an in-house movement, meticulously placed centrally within a specially shaped casing ring customized to fit the asymmetrical case. Every element of the watch, from the case and bezel to the dial, casing ring, and sapphire glass, has been meticulously crafted to align with the watch's novel design and shape. This dedication to detail emphasizes Franck Muller's commitment to unparalleled elegance and technical innovation. The in-house movement is a testament to the brand's watchmaking expertise, ensuring that the watch is not only visually stunning but also mechanically sound.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
The technical specifications of the Silhouette CX Snake are as impressive as its design. The case, crafted from 18k rose gold, measures 30.8 mm in width, 44 mm in length, and 8.3 mm in thickness. It is hand-polished and features a sapphire crystal, with water resistance up to 30 meters. The dial, with its stamped guilloché and sun pattern, is adorned with hand-applied numerals. The watch's functions include hours, minutes, and seconds, powered by the MVT FM 2038 movement. This movement boasts a power reserve of 40 hours and a balance wheel frequency set at 28,800 alternations per hour. The movement's decoration includes Côtes de Genève on the bridges and rotor plate, perlage on the mainplate, beveling on the rotor board, diamond polishing on the sinks and bridge bevels, sunray brushing on the bridges, rotor segment, bearing cage, and barrel cover, and snail finishing on the ratchets. These intricate details highlight the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each Franck Muller timepiece.
The movement is a marvel of engineering, featuring intricate decorations that highlight the brand's attention to detail. The Côtes de Genève on the bridges and rotor plate, the perlage on the mainplate, and the beveling on the rotor board all add to the movement's aesthetic appeal. The diamond polishing on the sinks and bridge bevels, along with the sunray brushing on various components, further enhance the movement's visual appeal. The snail finishing on the ratchets adds a final touch of refinement. These decorative elements not only showcase the technical skill involved in creating the movement but also add to the overall beauty of the watch. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, allowing the wearer to appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship that go into each Franck Muller timepiece. The movement is designed to be reliable and accurate, ensuring that the watch performs as beautifully as it looks. The power reserve of 40 hours means that the watch can run for nearly two days without needing to be wound, making it practical for everyday wear.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
The serpentine green strap, made of calf leather embossed with a snakeskin texture, perfectly complements the thematic unity of the timepiece. The strap's color matches the vivid green of the emeralds on the dial, creating a cohesive and visually appealing design. The strap is ergonomically integrated directly into the case and features a rubber underside for added durability and comfort. This blend of luxury and practicality ensures that the watch is comfortable to wear while maintaining its high-end aesthetic. The 18k rose gold buckle, hand-polished to perfection, adds a final touch of elegance to the strap. The strap is hand-sewn, showcasing the attention to detail that Franck Muller is known for. The snakeskin texture of the strap adds to the overall theme of the watch, further emphasizing its connection to the Year of the Snake. The strap is not just an accessory; it is an integral part of the watch's design, contributing to its overall aesthetic and thematic coherence. The rubber underside of the strap ensures that it is comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. The ergonomic design of the strap means that it fits snugly against the wrist, preventing the watch from moving around too much.
The numerals on the watch are carefully arranged to fit the asymmetrical design of the case. They are hand-applied, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each Franck Muller timepiece. The numerals are easy to read, even at a glance, thanks to their clear and distinct design. They are also designed to catch the light, adding to the watch's overall visual appeal. The numerals are not just functional; they are also an important part of the watch's aesthetic. They contribute to the overall balance and harmony of the dial, making it both visually appealing and easy to read. The numerals are crafted with the same precision and attention to detail as every other component of the watch, ensuring that they are both beautiful and functional.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
The Silhouette CX Snake is not just a watch; it is a statement piece that reflects Franck Muller's dedication to pushing the boundaries of watch design. The creation of the Silhouette CX case required innovative dimensional control methods, as traditional methods could not be applied to such an unconventional shape. Each component of the watch had to be meticulously crafted and assembled using positioning checks derived from detailed 3D files. This painstaking process ensures the mechanical strength, water resistance, and flawless functionality of the watch, even with its asymmetrical case shape. The result is a timepiece that is as robust and reliable as it is beautiful. This watch is a perfect blend of form and function, showcasing the brand's ability to create watches that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically advanced. The asymmetrical case shape is not just a design choice; it is a technical achievement that required innovative manufacturing techniques. The result is a watch that is both unique and functional, a testament to Franck Muller's commitment to innovation.
The Silhouette CX Snake is exclusive to the Asia Pacific region and will be available in a limited run of just 28 pieces, priced at SGD $66,000. This exclusivity adds to the watch's allure, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors. The limited availability ensures that each watch is a rare and valuable item, further enhancing its desirability. The price reflects the craftsmanship, materials, and exclusivity of the watch, making it a significant but worthwhile acquisition for serious collectors. The exclusivity of the Silhouette CX Snake makes it a highly desirable piece for collectors. The limited production run ensures that each watch is a rare and valuable item. The price of SGD $66,000 reflects the craftsmanship, materials, and exclusivity of the watch. For serious collectors, the Silhouette CX Snake is not just a watch; it is a piece of art that represents the pinnacle of watchmaking excellence.
Case: 18k Rose Gold. Silhouette CX case, hand polished, sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 30 meters. Width: 30.8 mm, Length: 44 mm, Thickness: 8.3 mm. Asymmetrical.
Movement: MVT FM 2038. Power reserve of 40 hours. Diameter: Ø 20 mm, Thickness: 3.9 mm. Balance wheel frequency set at 28,800 alternations per hour. Côtes de Genève on bridges and the rotor plate, perlage on the mainplate, beveling on the rotor board, diamond polishing on the sinks and bridge bevels. Sunray brushing on the bridges, rotor segment, bearing cage, and barrel cover, and snail finishing on the ratchets.
Dial: Stamped guilloché with sun pattern. Hand-applied numerals. Features a snake motif meticulously handset with deep green emeralds using the intricate snow-setting technique.
Strap: Hand sewn calf leather strap embossed with snakeskin texture. 18k rose gold buckle, hand-polished. Rubber underside for added durability and comfort.
Price: SGD $66,000
Notes: Limited to 28 pieces. Asia Pacific Exclusive. Debut of the Silhouette CX case.