Results for Franck Muller

WWG26 Armchair Picks: Frank’s Top 3 From The New Releases

Our writer Frank shares his top 3 picks from the recently concluded Watches & Wonders Geneva

Franc Vila’s FVF2 Time & Day is Quirky Haute Horlogerie

FVF Genève’s second model after the FVF1 skeleton tourbillon, the FVF2 Intrepido Time & Day is a more concise and accessible watch. It’s essentially a familiar formula – time (plus day) and a hand-finished manual wind movement – the FVF2 nonetheless manages to stand out thanks to brand founder Franc Vila’s eye for design. Pictured here with a black mother of pearl dial, part of a five-piece edition, the FVF2 has a pleasing asymmetry. The movement is composed of intriguing geometric forms and quirky details like the square winding click, while also being traditionally decorated with generous bevelling and black polishing. The case is an unusual “unibody” construction where the base plate and case middle are one and the same Initial thoughts The FVF2 might seem like yet another time-only watch with a fancily decorated movement, and it is just that, but not quite. Its creator, Franc Vila, is an industry veteran rather than a newcomer, and is now making a comeback after rising and falling with his original brand some two decades ago. Unlike many recent calibres that try to do more with more, the FVF2 movement is more minimalist but has a recognisable style and artful details. The calibre is characterised by geometric forms that encompass finer elements like the winding click, while also retaining a clear classical bent with the prominent going train and finishing. The treatment for the titanium base plate requires superheated gases to create an oxide layer on t...

Watches, Stories, and Gear: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Last Client, Huckberry’s Retail Store, and Fossil’s Fantastic Four Appearance

“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Last Original Client For most people with an interest in architecture, the best you can do with respect to the works of Frank Lloyd Wright is to admire his buildings from afar, or perhaps get the guided tour experience if you visit his most famous pieces. Obviously, far fewer people actually get to live in the homes he designed, and fewer still are alive today that can tell you what it was like to work with the architect during the building process. This wonderful piece in NPR puts a spotlight on Roland Reisley, who recently turned 101 years old. He is, according to NPR, the last surviving original client of Frank Lloyd Wright, and he still lives in the home he designed. He’s been at the residence in Westchester County, NY for over 70 years, and has become a bit of a Frank Lloyd Wright scholar in that time. This one’s a must read for anyone with an interest in architecture. Huckberry Opens Shop: Brick & Mortar in Georgetown For over 14 years, the team at Huckberry has worked to curate a collection of clothing, gear, and home accessories like no other. While their offerings have drawn the attention of many, you were only able to shop online or...

The SpaceOne Worldtimer completes a trilogy of affordable, space-faring, avant-garde watches

Deceptively simple name, downright kooky design.The post The SpaceOne Worldtimer completes a trilogy of affordable, space-faring, avant-garde watches appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Armchair Picks: Frank’s 3 of the Best Watches from WWG25

Frank selects three of his favourite pieces from Watches & Wonders Geneva 2025.

In conversation: Franco and Federico Ziviani introducing Gerald Charles (video)

We caught up with Franco & Federico Ziviani, the owners of the maison Gerald Charles in their recent trip to Singapore. Eavesdrop here for the discussions.

Hands On: Barbier-Mueller Mosaïque II

One of the most esoteric offerings in Only Watch 2024 is the Barbier-Mueller Mosaïque II. A follow-up to the first edition made in 2017, the Mosaïque II sticks to the same template that was originally inspired by a 19th century pocket watch with an inlaid case. It’s essentially an F.P. Journe Chronometre Souverain with a slightly larger case inlaid with semi-precious stones and a hinged hunter back. This also makes F.P. Journe the only brand with two watches – the other is the Chronomètre Furtif Bleu – in the upcoming charity auction that takes place on May 10, 2024. Initial thoughts I liked the original version because it was recognisable as an F.P. Journe watch, yet entirely different. The Mosaïque II holds the same appeal, albeit at a far higher price given the increased demand for F.P. Journe in the years since. While in 2017 one could reasonably hope to buy the first Mosaïque for a high five-figure price – in fact it sold for a trifling CHF90,000 – the Mosaïque II will almost certainly end up in the high six- or even seven figures. Affordability aside, the Mosaïque II is a little more interesting than its predecessor because of the floral motif as well as the materials; the bloodstone inlays are a particularly striking backdrop for the other stones. The inlays are also more complex, with both the dial and back inlaid with stones in a mix of shapes and sizes. A Geneva museum Located along a small street in Geneva’s Old Town is the Barbier-Mueller Mus...

Armchair Picks: Frank’s 3 of the best new watches from WWG24

Frank Chuo makes his armchair picks of the best new watches from Watches & Wonders 24 with Patek Philippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

The Louis Vuitton Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon De Genève Sapphire Frank Gehry

I knew Canadian architect Frank Gehry for his work on the beautiful and impressive Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. However, through Louis Vuitton, I learned that he was also responsible for the Fondation Louis Vuitton building in Paris (2014) and the Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul (2019). The latter inspired a remarkable watch, the […] Visit The Louis Vuitton Tambour Moon Flying Tourbillon Poinçon De Genève Sapphire Frank Gehry to read the full article.

CWC Watch Review: The Mellor 72

A quick hands-on look at the vintage-correct CWC Mellor 72. Check out the review for specs, pricing, photos, and more.

Barbier-Mueller Returns with the Mosaïque II

In 2017, the original Barbier-Mueller Mosaïque made its first public appearance at Only Watch. The collaborative efforts of longtime friends Stéphane Barbier-Mueller and François-Paul Journe, one being the preeminent independent watchmaker and the other a member of one of a Swiss real estate dynasty, this was an unexpected and rather pleasant surprise. Now, the pair have returned with the Mosaïque II, follow up to their initial offering, sticking to the same principles as before, but with the eye of watch designer Eric Giroud.  Initial thoughts Those who are fans of the original will be pleased to see all of the main traits have been carried over to this latest version. The stone work on the dial, case and hinged caseback is all there, and the two hander runs on the F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain movement – in fact, it is essentially an elaborately inlaid Chronomètre Souverain. If anything, they have elevated their previous efforts by incorporating more types of semi-precious stones in order to execute Mr. Giroud’s design. While Mr Giroud’s eye has given the Mosaïque II a different feel from its predecessor, the new watch still reflects Mr Barbier-Mueller’s interest in arts and culture, which was the basis for the original Mosaïque. Besides being a shareholder in F.P. Journe, Mr Barbier-Mueller is also a member of the family that established the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva that’s famous for its world-class collection of tribal art. The original M...

Armchair Picks: Frank’s 3 of the Best from W&W; 2023

Our writer, Frank, picks his three favourite watches from Watches & Wonders 2023 (that happen to be from three different countries).

Dear Santa: Frank Chuo Makes His Christmas Wishlist for 2022

Our writer Frank Chuo makes his Christmas wishlist for 2022, featuring three watches that he wishes Santa would place under his Christmas tree.

Up Close: Franc Vila FVF1 C2 Tourbillon Superligero

Short for “Franc Vila Founder”, FVF is a tale of redemption. Founded by the namesake designer, FVF is the second act of the Spanish watch designer, one he embarked on after his first went off the rails as many independent watch brands tend to do. FVF’s inaugural watch is the FVF1 C2 Tourbillon Superligero. It’s an original look and at a glance there’s nothing linking it to the creations of the original Franc Vila brand – a good thing in my estimation. But look closely and hints of the earlier designs emerge. Most importantly the FVF1 reveals itself as an impressively executed watch – the movement has an interesting construction, excellent finishing, and an original aesthetic. Mr Vila has made his comeback in style. NB: The watch pictured is a prototype that’s been worn so it shows wear. The FVF1 has a flying tourbillon, roller day indicator, day and night display, and a 100-hour power reserve Rising from the ashes Born in Valencia but now a longtime resident of Switzerland, Mr Vila founded his namesake brand in 2005 and rode the wave that buoyed modern, flamboyant independent watchmaking for the next decade or so. Propelled by Mr Vila’s convivial personality, Franc Vila became one of the hot brands of the era. During those heady days, it could sell several dozen tourbillons and minute repeaters a year, making it one of the top clients of now-defunct complications specialist BNB Concept. A classic from the original Franc Vila brand, the Tourbillon Planèta...

From Frank Sinatra to Queen: 5 musically inspired watches you should know

Musically inspired watches have been around for quite some time. Here are five that truly stand out with their designs.The post From Frank Sinatra to Queen: 5 musically inspired watches you should know appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Franc Vila Returns with the FVF1 C2 Tourbillon Superligero

A Spanish watch designer who founded one of the hot independent brands during the lead up to the last financial crisis, Franc Vila has made a quiet return with the FVF1 C2 Tourbillon Superligero. Turning away from the excessive style that characterised his original watches, Mr Vila now relies on the movement construction to create a distinctive aesthetic. Produced by an unnamed independent watchmaker, the FVF1 movement is open-worked to give it an airy feel. And it features a novel “piston” mechanism for the roller indicator for the day. Initial thoughts When I first encountered the FVF1 C2, it was interesting both from a visual and technical perspective. But I was sceptical as the brand has baggage. Mr Vila’s original brand went under after the finial crisis of 2007-2008. And while it was successful before it was not – at its peak the brand perhaps 500 watches a year – that brand’s watches were oddly styled, with a dial that resembled a monkey’s head (or a cobra according to the brand itself). But a decade has passed and Mr Vila’s latest creation is appealing. The styling found in his original watches has been dialled back, which is a good thing. The movement is open-worked and unusually constructed, giving it a distinctive look despite the simple outline of the case. At the same time, it has a novel mechanical function with the “piston” adjuster for the day indicator. And it is also finished attractively to a level similar to that of the Poincon de G...

What does ‘batshit crazy’ mean to you? To me, Wei, Frank and RJ, it means these new watches…

“Batshit crazy”, it turns out, is a phrase that means different things to different people. To me in a watch context, it means technical craziness. Lots of complications. Unnecessary but deeply impressive flexing of watchmaker muscle. To Wei it’s a state of mind. What watch would you be batshit crazy to wear on the mean … ContinuedThe post What does ‘batshit crazy’ mean to you? To me, Wei, Frank and RJ, it means these new watches… appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

VIDEO: Andrew, Frank, Wei & RJ pick the 4 best watches under $10k, including IWC, Oris and ‘rapper’s weed’

Recently, myself, Frank from Monochrome, Wei from Revolution and RJ from Fratello got together for a Zoom call that had no loftier intention than to kill our boredom for a couple of hours. The idea was to talk about the winners and losers from Watches & Wonders, the same way we’ve done in the media … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: Andrew, Frank, Wei & RJ pick the 4 best watches under $10k, including IWC, Oris and ‘rapper’s weed’ appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Frank Chuo makes his Dear Santa wishlist choices for Christmas

As is tradition here at Deployant, we've come together in this time of festivity to share with you our horological Christmas wishlist. Here is Frank Chuo's.

Dear Santa: Frank’s Christmas Wishlist

As part of Deployant tradition, our writer Frank tells us what his horological Christmas wishlist looks like - this time with defined budget tiers.

RECOMMENDED READING: Is there a paradox in watchmaking? Franco Cologni thinks so

Let me preface this by stating two things: (a) this is a slightly more philosophical discussion than usual, and (b) Franco Cologni is an important man in the watch business. After starting his career selling Must de Cartier products in the ’70s (of which I am a fan), he rose prominently within the Parisian organisation, … ContinuedThe post RECOMMENDED READING: Is there a paradox in watchmaking? Franco Cologni thinks so appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

INSIGHT: Frank Castronovo and his IWC Mark XV

Editor’s note: Matt Hranek’s now sold-out book, A Man and His Watch, is one of the real standouts of the watch year, a beautiful and thoughtful text, packed with 76 stories of watches and the people who wear them. So taken were we by this book, we asked Matt if it would be possible to … ContinuedThe post INSIGHT: Frank Castronovo and his IWC Mark XV appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Spot the Watch: Frank Lampard, Soccer Player

For this weeks Spot the Watch, we feature Frank Lampard, a Chelsea FC legend, who currently plays for New York City FC. He has quite good taste in timepieces

An Open Letter to the Swiss National Bank from H. Moser and Cie on the Sudden Rise of the Swiss Franc

A dramatic event occurred in the financial markets yesterday that will certainly affect many of the Swiss watch brands that we love and follow. The SNB (Swiss National Bank) made the sudden announcement of its decision to scrap its cap on the Swiss Franc against the Euro (at 1.20CHF per Euro). This news sparked a […]

Interview With Franc Vila of Franc Vila Watches

REVOLUTION recently had a chance to catch up with Franc Vila, founder and owner of the brand that bears his name. A brand most watch connoisseurs know from its lavishly styled, slightly eccentric and often quite complicated watches. Operating outside the mainstream, this young brand has obtained a following of their own, and Franc Vila […]

A New Face To Vintage: Franc Vila Vintage Chrono Bicompax Intrepido

The term vintage seems to bring you back to the classical lines that were in fashion decades ago, but not in the universe of Franc Vila. What he calls vintage, most brands would refer to as progressive especially in terms of styling. But when you compare the Intrepido case style to the even more unusual […]

Dear Santa: Frank makes his Christmas wishlist for 2025

As December rolls by, we tend to sit and reflect on the year that was and ponder what the future holds. And as per Deployant tradition, we also like to look back on the watches that came to be this year. I, personally, have enjoyed the trend towards design-focused watches and the rise of smallerRead More

First Look: Franc Vila at Geneva Watch Days 2025

Business News: Swatch Group Hikes U.S. Watch Prices In Response To Rising Swiss Franc and Tariffs

Swiss maker of Blancpain and other brands says price increases follow 'dramatic' change in exchange rates.

Frank Everett of Sotheby’s New York discusses the one jewelry piece all men should own today