Franck Muller Vanguard Damascus Steel Platinum Jubilee Edition

Franck Muller has consistently stood out as a brand that dares to innovate and redefine the boundaries of watchmaking. Their timepieces are not mere instruments to measure time; they are intricate masterpieces that capture the essence of technical prowess and aesthetic finesse. The latest addition to their impressive repertoire, the Vanguard Damascus Steel Platinum Jubilee Edition, is a testament to this philosophy, a watch that seamlessly blends historical techniques with cutting-edge technology.



Crafted to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Sincere Fine Watches, a renowned retailer of luxury timepieces in Asia, this limited-edition watch is a celebration of a long-standing partnership between two entities that share a passion for horological excellence. The Vanguard Damascus Steel Platinum Jubilee Edition is not just a timepiece; it's a symbol of an enduring bond, a testament to the shared pursuit of pushing the boundaries of watchmaking.



The story of Franck Muller began in 1991 when the eponymous watchmaker, along with Vartan Sirmakes, embarked on a journey to create timepieces that would challenge conventions and captivate the world with their audacity and ingenuity. From the outset, Franck Muller distinguished itself with its Cintrée Curvex shape, a revolutionary design that defied the traditional round cases and paved the way for a new era of form watches. This bold approach to design, coupled with a mastery of complications and a commitment to using only the finest materials, quickly established Franck Muller as a force to be reckoned with in the world of haute horlogerie.



Over the years, Franck Muller has continued to innovate, introducing groundbreaking complications like the Giga Tourbillon, the world's largest tourbillon, and the Revolution 3, a triple-axis tourbillon that showcases the brand's technical prowess. Their watches have graced the wrists of celebrities and collectors alike, drawn to the brand's unique blend of technical mastery and artistic flair.



The Vanguard collection, to which the Damascus Steel Platinum Jubilee Edition belongs, is a testament to Franck Muller's commitment to contemporary design and technical innovation. Launched in 2014, the Vanguard collection features a tonneau-shaped case with a distinct sporty aesthetic. The collection has since become a canvas for Franck Muller's creativity, showcasing a variety of complications and artistic expressions.



It's impossible to discuss the Franck Muller Vanguard Damascus Steel Platinum Jubilee Edition without acknowledging the significant role of Sincere Fine Watches in its creation. As one of Asia's leading retailers of luxury timepieces, Sincere Fine Watches has a long and rich history of curating exceptional watches for discerning collectors. Founded in 1954, Sincere has grown to encompass 16 boutiques across Asia, offering an extensive selection of over 40 prestigious brands. Their commitment to excellence and their passion for horology have made them a trusted partner for watch enthusiasts throughout the region. The Vanguard Damascus Steel Platinum Jubilee Edition is a testament to the enduring partnership between Franck Muller and Sincere Fine Watches, a celebration of their shared passion for pushing the boundaries of watchmaking and delivering exceptional timepieces to collectors.



The Damascus Steel Platinum Jubilee Edition takes the Vanguard collection to new heights, introducing a material rarely seen in watchmaking – Damascus steel. This ancient material, known for its strength and mesmerizing patterns, has been used for centuries to craft swords and other weapons. Its inclusion in a watch is a testament to Franck Muller's willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.



The use of Damascus steel in this watch is not merely an aesthetic choice; it's a symbolic representation of the enduring partnership between Franck Muller and Sincere Fine Watches. The intricate layering of the steel, formed by combining two different alloys, mirrors the intertwined history of the two companies, their shared values, and their commitment to excellence.



A watch collector encountering the Vanguard Damascus Steel Platinum Jubilee Edition for the first time would undoubtedly be captivated by its striking appearance. The tonneau-shaped case, crafted from Damascus steel, immediately draws the eye with its unique striated pattern. This pattern, revealed through a specialized acid bath process, is unique to each watch, making every piece a one-of-a-kind creation.



The skeletonized dial further enhances the visual appeal of the watch, offering a glimpse into the intricate mechanics within. The bridges, also crafted from Damascus steel, create a mesmerizing interplay of lines and patterns, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that has gone into creating this timepiece.



The rose gold accents on the hands, flange, and crown provide a subtle contrast to the steel, adding a touch of warmth and elegance to the overall design. The black alligator leather strap with rose gold stitching complements the watch perfectly, providing a comfortable and stylish fit.



At the core of this watch lies the calibre MVT FM 1740-VS2, a manually wound movement entirely crafted from Damascus steel. This skeletonized movement is a testament to Franck Muller's watchmaking prowess, showcasing a symphony of intricate components working in perfect harmony. The bridges, plates, and even the tiniest screws are all meticulously fashioned from this unique material, creating a visual spectacle that is both captivating and awe-inspiring.



The choice of Damascus steel for the movement is not merely an aesthetic one. This material, renowned for its strength and resilience, ensures the longevity and reliability of the watch. The patented process used to create the Damascus steel used in this watch combines two types of austenitic stainless steels (316L and 304L) through powder metallurgy. This results in a material that is not only incredibly strong but also highly resistant to shocks and corrosion, ensuring the movement remains unhindered and functions flawlessly for years to come.



The calibre MVT FM 1740-VS2 operates at a frequency of 2.5Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour) and boasts an impressive power reserve of 7 days. This impressive autonomy is achieved through the use of a double barrel system, which efficiently stores and releases energy to ensure accurate timekeeping over an extended period.



The movement's finishing is as impressive as its technical specifications. Franck Muller's artisans have employed a variety of techniques to enhance the visual appeal of the calibre MVT FM 1740-VS2. The regulator assembly is adorned with mirror polishing, creating a gleaming surface that reflects light beautifully. The mainplate, bridges, and regulator assembly feature precise beveling, adding depth and dimension to the movement's architecture. Flank drawing further enhances the mainplate and bridges, creating a subtle play of light and shadow. The sinks are finished with diamond polishing, adding a touch of sparkle to the intricate design. Finally, the wheels are circular satin-brushed, providing a contrasting texture to the polished and beveled surfaces.



The dial of the Vanguard Damascus Steel Platinum Jubilee Edition is a masterpiece of skeletonization. The absence of a traditional dial allows for an unobstructed view of the mesmerizing movement beneath. The Damascus steel bridges, with their unique striated patterns, create a captivating backdrop for the rose gold hands and flange. The hour and minute hands, crafted in 18ct rose gold, feature a bold design that ensures optimal legibility. The seconds hand, also in rose gold, is located at 6 o'clock within a white sapphire seconds counter ring, adding a touch of asymmetry to the dial layout.



Encasing this exceptional movement is a Vanguard case, meticulously crafted from Damascus steel. Measuring 42.5mm in width and 52.7mm in length, the case strikes a perfect balance between boldness and wearability. The tonneau shape, a signature of the Vanguard collection, hugs the wrist comfortably, while the curved sapphire crystal provides a clear view of the dial from any angle.



The crown, also crafted from Damascus steel, is positioned at 3 o'clock and features an 18ct rose gold crown cap, adding a touch of luxury to the case's design. The caseback, secured with four screws, is fitted with a sapphire crystal, offering a glimpse of the movement's intricate finishing from the reverse side. It is also decorated with the Sincere Platinum Jubilee 70th Anniversary logo, a subtle reminder of the occasion this watch commemorates.



Completing the watch is a hand-sewn black alligator leather strap with rose gold stitching. The strap is both supple and durable, providing a comfortable fit on the wrist. The Damascus steel buckle, featuring an 18k rose gold Franck Muller emblem, adds a final touch of refinement to this exceptional timepiece.



The Franck Muller Vanguard Damascus Steel Platinum Jubilee Edition is a limited edition of only 28 pieces, making it a highly exclusive timepiece for discerning collectors. It is available at all Sincere Fine Watches Boutiques with a retail price of SGD$71,100 (including GST).