Franck Muller is known for his distinct aesthetic and complicated timepieces. The watchmaker got his start working with complicated watches from Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin, two of the greatest watchmakers in history. With a name like “The Master of Complications,” it is without a doubt that Franck Muller has created some of the most complex watch movements ever. Keep reading to learn more about five of the most complicated Franck Muller watches.
5. Gravity
The Vanguard Gravity combines the case of the Vanguard collection with an uncommonly shaped tourbillon. The elliptical-shaped, oversized tourbillon takes up the entire lower half of the watch. The unique shape is necessary to offset the off-center balance wheel. It rotates once every minute to counter the effects of gravity on the movement. The case is made of titanium in Franck Muller’s signature Cintrée Curvex case to complete the truly quintessential Muller design.
4. Thunderbolt Tourbillon
The Thunderbolt tourbillon is the fastest tourbillon in the world — one rotation is completed in only five seconds. The tourbillon is powered by four barrels and features a new escapement designed by Franck Muller watchmaker Pierre-Michele Golay. The patented escapement makes the tourbillon more energy efficient than the typical tourbillon, allowing the watchmaker to increase the speed of the tourbillon without sacrificing accuracy.
3. Giga Tourbillon
The Franck Muller Giga Tourbillon watch houses the world’s largest tourbillon ever at 20mm in diameter and takes up an entire half of the dial. The massive tourbillon is powered by four barrels and has a 9-day power reserve. In 2013, the brand updates the model to feature a chiming complication with the Giga Gong Tourbillon. The skeletonized case allows you to observe the complex movement and tourbillon.
2. Evolution 3-1
The Evolution 3-1, part of Revolution collection, added another technical best to Franck Muller’s list of achievements and brought another first to the watch industry. The Evolution 3-1 features the world’s very first tri-axial tourbillon. Typically, a tourbillon only corrects for gravity when vertical, but the Revolution 3 corrects for gravity in all positions. This pieces further impresses with an additional complication — a perpetual calendar.
1. The Aeternitas Mega
When it was released in 2010, The Aeternitas Mega was the most complicated wristwatch in the world. The piece features a total of 36 complications and 1,483 parts. The watch features a grand tourbillon, perpetual calendar, moon phase, grande sonnerie, equation of time, minute repeater and more. The watch is named after the Latin word for eternity — inspired by the perpetual calendar complication. The watch is not only one of the most complicated ever but also one of the most expensive priced at $2.7 million.
Photo Credit: timeandwatches.com / franckmuller.com / revolution.watch / excellencemagazine.luxury