Franck Muller's latest creation, the
Franck Muller Vanguard Loes Van Delft Skull, is a testament to this unwavering commitment, a timepiece that seamlessly merges the worlds of art and horology. This exceptional watch, limited to a mere 75 pieces, is the result of a second collaboration between Franck Muller and the celebrated Dutch artist, Loes Van Delft. It's a timepiece that not only tells time but also tells a story, a story of transformation, renewal, and the enduring allure of the skull motif.
To fully appreciate the significance of this collaboration, we must first delve into the rich history of Franck Muller, a brand synonymous with creativity and technical mastery. Founded in 1991 by Franck Muller and Vartan Sirmakes, the company quickly gained recognition for its Cintrée Curvex collection, which challenged the traditional norms of watch design with its unique curved case shape. This bold approach to watchmaking, combined with a dedication to crafting exceptional movements, has solidified Franck Muller's position as a leading figure in the world of luxury watches.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
The Vanguard collection, to which the Loes Van Delft Skull belongs, is a perfect embodiment of Franck Muller's design philosophy. Characterized by its sporty tonneau shape and clean aesthetics, the Vanguard exudes a sense of dynamism and modernity. The collection's signature feature is the seamless integration of the strap into the case, creating a fluid and harmonious design that is both elegant and distinctive.
Loes Van Delft, the artistic force behind this extraordinary timepiece, is a Dutch painter known for her vibrant and imaginative artwork. Her creations, often featuring whimsical characters and dreamlike scenes, are imbued with a sense of childlike wonder and playful surrealism. Van Delft's artistic journey began at a young age, culminating in her graduation from the St. Lucas Art Academy in 2012. Her early career was marked by an exciting internship with the creative team Supperclub in Amsterdam, where she also held her first solo exhibition in 2011.
Van Delft's signature character, Pjipje, a quirky and endearing figure, has become synonymous with her artistic style. However, in recent years, her work has taken a darker, more introspective turn, exploring themes of mortality and transformation. This evolution is evident in her collaboration with Franck Muller, where the skull motif takes center stage.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
The Franck Muller Vanguard Loes Van Delft Skull is a striking timepiece that commands attention. The dial, devoid of numerals, is a canvas for Van Delft's artistic expression. A skull, rendered in bold colors and dynamic shapes, dominates the dial, its fiery hues evoking a sense of energy and passion. The skull, a symbol often associated with mortality, is reinterpreted by Van Delft as a representation of transformation and renewal, a reminder that endings are also beginnings.
The watch's case, crafted from grade-2 titanium with a black PVD coating, is a testament to Franck Muller's commitment to technical excellence. The hand-brushed finish adds a subtle texture, while the black inserts on either side of the case provide a visual contrast. The sapphire crystal, renowned for its scratch resistance, protects the intricate dial beneath.
Completing the watch's aesthetic is a hand-sewn alligator strap, its black color harmonizing with the case and dial. The brushed titanium buckle, also coated in black PVD, adds a final touch of refinement.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
At the heart of this exceptional watch beats the MVT 2536-SC, a bidirectional automatic movement that exemplifies Franck Muller's dedication to horological excellence. This intricate mechanism, comprising 191 components, is a testament to the brand's technical prowess. With a power reserve of 42 hours, the MVT 2536-SC ensures that the watch keeps accurate time, even when not worn for an extended period.
The movement's balance wheel frequency is set to 28,800 vibrations per hour, a rate that ensures precise timekeeping. The movement's decoration is a testament to the brand's attention to detail. Côtes de Genève, a decorative pattern of parallel lines, adorns the bridges and rotor plate, adding a touch of refinement. Beveling, a technique that creates a polished, angled edge, is applied to the rotor board, further enhancing the movement's aesthetic appeal.
Perlage, a circular graining pattern, decorates the mainplate, adding a subtle texture. Diamond polishing, a process that creates a mirror-like finish, is used on the sinks and bridge bevels, highlighting the movement's intricate details. Sunray brushing, a technique that creates a radiating pattern of fine lines, is applied to the bridges, rotor segment, bearing cage, and barrel cover, adding a touch of brilliance. Snailing, a decorative pattern of concentric circles, adorns the ratchets, completing the movement's exquisite finish.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
The Vanguard case, measuring 43 mm in diameter, is crafted from grade-2 titanium, a lightweight and durable material that is often used in aerospace applications. The case's black PVD treatment adds a layer of protection and enhances its visual appeal. The hand-brushed finish adds a subtle texture, while the black inserts on both sides of the case provide a visual contrast. The sapphire crystal, renowned for its scratch resistance, protects the intricate dial beneath.
The watch's crown, located at the 3 o'clock position, is used for both winding the movement and setting the time. The crown's dual-position functionality ensures ease of use. The watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear.
The hand-sewn alligator strap, with its black color, complements the watch's overall aesthetic. The strap's intricate stitching is a testament to the brand's commitment to craftsmanship. The brushed titanium buckle, also coated in black PVD, adds a final touch of refinement.
The Franck Muller Vanguard Loes Van Delft Skull is not just a timepiece; it's a statement piece, a reflection of the wearer's individuality and appreciation for art and horology. Its bold design, combined with its technical excellence, makes it a watch that is sure to turn heads.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
Each watch comes with an exclusive artwork by Loes Van Delft, inspired by the skull design and her signature style. This additional artwork enhances the deep symbolism and offers collectors a unique connection to Van Delft's creative universe. The artworks embody her vision of change, saying goodbye to familiar images and opening up to new creative directions.
This unique offering is priced at €19,500, a reflection of the watch's exclusivity, craftsmanship, and the inclusion of original artwork. It's a price that resonates with collectors who appreciate the fusion of art and horology, who understand the value of owning a limited-edition timepiece that tells a story.