Franck Muller - The Beauty in Everything: Single Owner Online Auction Hong Kong Tuesday, November 29, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Franck Muller
    Year: Circa 1996
    Movement No: 4’491’717
    Case No: 5
    Model Name: Special Limited Edition Chronograph
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1874, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Franck Muller certificate dated March 1996, COSC Certificate, leather folio, original crocodile straps, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    I find this watch serious and thoughtful. It is Franck Mueller's attempt to bring classic 30's to 60's era chronographs into the 90's and it is very well done. I especially love the domed hour markers, the Breguet 12 and 6 and the flat bezel surrounding the dial. In the hand it feels incredibly refined and high quality. - Mark Cho

    To the new owners of the watches in the sale: The Armoury will custom-make the winner one of The Armoury’s signature garments as a gift. For further details please visit the link below.

    More Details: https://www.thearmoury.com/the-beauty-in-everything-gifts

    - This rare limited edition chronograph is one of the earlier creations by the revered watchmaker, Franck Muller, after establishing his own brand in 1991, following a successful career as one of the world’s leading watch restorers. Unmistakably drawing from his time repairing collectables from Patek Philippe’s private collection, the design of the present example is understated and refined, resembling the most recognisable chronographs such as the ref. 130 which launched in 1934.

    - Limited to 50 pieces, the present Special Limited Edition Chronograph is exemplary in execution. The design is that of a dual-register chronograph, with a two-tone silver dial and applied Breguet numerals. The darker center is beautifully juxtaposed against the brushed silver subsidiary dials and tachymeter track, playing coyly with the light which reveals layers of brightness depending on its intensity and angle of reflection. Furthermore, the applied Breguet numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock is a desirable trait found on coveted vintage chronographs, which also adds significant depth to its otherwise two-dimensional facade. The dial features an “Individual Chronometer Officially Certified” signature, along with its individual number signed “No. 5”, referring to its stance in the run of 50 pieces. The feuille hands are blued steel, matching the hands used for the subsidiary dials. Measuring at 36mm, the case is distinct with its polished, stepped concave bezel and contrasting brushed-finished lugs.

    - Its timeless aesthetics, rarity and reflection of the forgotten era before Franck Muller found his distinct design code, set the present chronograph apart from its tonneau-shaped peers. With a traditional rounded stainless steel case, a two-tone dial, applied Breguet numerals and Lemania 1874 ébauche based caliber, it embodies some of the most desirable features one would hope to find in a chronograph from any period.

  • Artist Biography

    Franck Muller

    Swiss • 1991

    Specializing in top-quality timepieces, Swiss watchmaking company Franck Muller was founded in 1991 in Geneva. The company was named after watchmaker Franck Muller, also known as the "Master of Complications," and Vartan Sirmakes, Co-Founder and CEO of the Franck Muller Group. Shortly after graduating from watchmaking school in the 1980s, Muller was among the first to create his own tourbillon wristwatch, along with world-renowned brands Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

    In addition to Muller's fine craftsmanship and intricate complications, the brand is often recognized for its modern designs and colorful flare. To date, the brand's notable lines are the Curvex, Crazy Hours, Casablanca, Conquistador, Long Island and Aeternitas, as well as Revolution2 and Revolution3.

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Σ8042

A rare and early limited edition stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with two-tone silvered dial, certificate and presentation box, numbered 5 of a limited edition of 50 pieces

Circa 1996
36mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$30,000 - 50,000 
€3,700-6,200
$3,800-6,400

Sold for HK$403,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Beauty in Everything: Single Owner Online Auction

Online Auction 30 November - 6 December 2022