To mark its 25th anniversary, Franck Muller is treating its WPHH show – held from January 15th to 20th 2017 – to a brand-new setting in one of the annexes of the chateau of the Grand Malagny estate owned by the group. Among the creations being presented, visitors will enjoy a chance to discover a model commemorating the iconic Cintrée Curvex™ watch and specially created to mark this jubilee.
Vividly testifying to Geneva’s proud architectural heritage, the Grand Malagny estate overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps from the village of Genthod, where Franck Muller has been established for 25 years. The group has thus chosen to invest right next to its historical stronghold in order to develop its activities, by purchasing this splendid ensemble composed of an 18th century chateau complete with beautifully spreading French-style gardens, along with two neo-classically inspired wings built at the dawn of the 20th century. And it is precisely in one of these two wings, on which restoration work has just be completed, that the 27th edition of the WPHH – World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie will be held. A 2,000 sq.m. exhibition area staged amid this splendid setting will enable visitors to discover the latest creations from the group’s nine brands: Franck Muller, Barthelay, Backes & Strauss, ECW, Martin Braun, Pierre Kunz, Rodolphe, Smalto Timepieces, as well as Roberto Cavalli by Franck Muller.
A “25th anniversary” special edition
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of its founding, the brand has chosen to introduce a special edition of an iconic model showcasing Franck Muller’s creative boldness: the Cintrée Curvex™ watch. Launched in the early 1990s, it laid a new milestone in contemporary history by introducing a tonneau-shaped case with an unprecedented curving architecture, creating a 3D effect typical of the Franck Muller style. For this anniversary edition, the case sets the stage for the famous baroque-inspired numerals, another emblematic brand signature. They are first engraved into the gold case and then coated with ceramic before being reworked to reveal fascinating relief effects. The enamel dial also bearing these numerals bears a “25th anniversary” logo, while a Manufacture-made movement sets the pace for this special edition.
FRANCK MULLER
Founded in 1992 by the talented watchmaker Franck Muller, in partnership with Fine Watchmaking specialist Vartan Sirmakes, the Franck Muller has – within just 25 years – become an authentic benchmark in the field of luxury watchmaking, thanks to its exceptional expertise and its innovative design. The brand has filed 50 patents to date and currently runs 48 exclusive boutiques around the world, along with seven production sites in Switzerland.