The brand’s latest high jewellery offering combines the best of gem-set and mechanical artistry
Ladies, forget what the detractors tell you. It is possible—recommended even—to have your cake and eat it. While it is commonly believed that gorgeous jewellery watches and technically sophisticated timepieces are mutually exclusive entities, the folks at Franck Muller would like you to consider otherwise.
Since its founding in 1991, the independent Swiss watchmaking house has been known to push the envelope of modern horology. With the new Round Skeleton Baguette 31, an Asia Pacific exclusive release, Franck Muller is once again challenging conventions by bringing together the two seemingly disparate crafts into a petite but powerful and feminine timepiece.
The melding of jewellery and watchmaking know-how isn’t new. Likewise, the self-styled ‘Master of Complications’ isn’t premiering a new mechanical innovation with the Round Skeleton Baguette 31. But the creation of this watch does involve highly complex artistic and technical savoir faire.
For one, this latest member of the popular Round Skeleton collection is also its most distinctive. As its name suggests, the Round Skeleton Baguette 31 sports a dainty 31mm case, compared to earlier 39mm and 42mm models that currently populate the collection.
But don’t let its diminutive dimensions fool you. The Round Skeleton Baguette 31 is loaded with presence, radiating colour and personality through fastidious ornamentation and mechanical prowess.
Anchoring the watch is the MVT FM 1540-RS movement. Comprising 137 parts, every single component has been meticulously crafted, skeletonised and finished, offering unobstructed views of its inner workings. Although it is Franck Muller’s smallest mechanical movement to date, the calibre is a high-performance engine promising top-notch precision and up to four days of power reserve.
Of course, extravagant stones are vital to any high jewellery offering. Franck Muller doesn’t disappoint with a lavish assortment that brims with colour, exuberance and unbridled glamour. You have five spectacular models to choose from. There are two versions in 18k rose gold with either rainbow-hued coloured stones or rubies, and three models in 18k white gold with a choice of blue sapphires, diamonds, or emeralds.
Whichever model you prefer, mega-watt sophistication and flamboyance come guaranteed. Here, the stones, which are all baguette-cut, are set using the channel technique. Every single stone is precisely set by hand inside the bezel and lugs’ channel walls, ensuring they are held securely in place while enhancing optimal shine and transparency.
As a result, the Round Skeleton Baguette 31 models catch the light and radiate with irresistible shimmer, commanding attention on every occasion. Complementing the watches are similarly coloured alligator straps that come with gold buckles, each hand-set with nine matching baguette-cut stones. Indeed, going the whole nine yards, whether with mechanical finesse or bejewelled fancies, comes second nature to Franck Muller.
Check out the glamorous Franck Muller Round Skeleton Baguette 31 at our Franck Muller boutiques today.
