This year for the 2023 edition of the World Presentation of Haute Horology (better known simply as WPHH 2023), Franck Muller unveiled an entire shedload of new watches. If I am being completely honest, there are so many new Frank Muller models that it hardly makes sense to attempt to count all of them, although just as a point of reference, the brand’s novelties for 2023 span thirteen different collections, with each one consisting of multiple different colorways and configurations. With the exception of the rather appropriately named “Round” series, which features a traditional circular-shaped profile, all of Franck Muller’s other novelties follow some variation of the brand’s signature tonneau-shaped case; however, the new models span everything from carbon-cased sports models to precious metal dress watches, along with just about everything else in between.
Although I still recommend spending some time browsing through Franck Muller’s website to see the full scope of the brand’s novelties, here’s a quick look at some of the most noteworthy new Franck Muller watches unveiled this year at WPHH 2023.
Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon
Up first is the Franck Muller Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon, which is arguably one of the most technically impressive new models from the brand’s new releases unveiled at WPHH 2023. Combining Franck Muller’s refined Curvex CX case with the brand’s sizable 20mm tourbillon, the Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon is available in either stainless steel or solid gold, and it features a movement with four barrels that provide a generous 4-day power reserve, which is tracked by the arc-shaped power reserve indicator that sits at the very top of its dial. Prices for the new Franck Muller Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon start out at approximately $220,00 USD and increase from there depending on materials, configuration, and the presence of diamonds.
Vanguard New Tone Skeleton
Featuring carbon fiber cases and highly open-worked movements that are inspired by Isaac Newton’s theory on the visible spectrum of light, the Franck Muller Vanguard New Tone Skeleton collection embraces a decidedly modern and colorful overall aesthetic. The bridges of the skeletonized movement are all finished with iridescent metal oxide coatings (known as Spectracoat), and each model from the series is dedicated to a different one of Newton’s primary colors. Additionally, the unique metal oxide finish used on the movement bridges is designed to give the appearance of changing colors depending on the lighting conditions and ambient reflections. Retail prices for the full-size versions of the new Franck Muller Vanguard New Tone Skeleton are set at $56,400 USD, and just as you might expect, the smaller models are slightly less expensive, while the various gem-set references cost a premium compared to their standard counterparts.
Curvex CX Piano
Unlike most of Franck Muller’s watches that offer a thoroughly bold overall aesthetic, the Curvex CX Piano series embraces a minimalist design ethos to create one of the more refined and dressy models from the brand’s current collection. Based on the elegant curved case profile of the greater Curvex CX lineup, the new Franck Muller Curvex CX Piano showcases a gloss black dial that has been finished with 20 coats of translucent lacquer to provide it with a perfectly smooth, jet-black surface. While the Curvex CX case is still unmistakably one of Franck Muller’s designs, its larger crystal and thinner case walls provide it with a much more refined overall appearance. Additionally, to keep the focus on the glossy finish of its lacquer surface, the dials fitted to the Curvex CX Piano watches are devoid of the large Arabic numeral hour markers that are typically associated with the brand’s design language. Retail prices for the new Franck Muller Curvex CX Piano collection start out at $9,400 USD for the stainless steel models, and they increase from there depending on the case materials of the specific reference.
Curvex CX Flash Grand Central Tourbillon
Inspired by the world of high-tech sports cars, the Franck Muller Curvex CX Flash Grand Central Tourbillon offers a thoroughly contemporary take on the brand’s signature aesthetic. Based upon Franck Muller’s ergonomic Curvex CX case profile, the new models place an emphasis on modern alloys and carbon-composite materials, and they feature brightly colored indexes in place of the usual Arabic numerals, with a large one-minute tourbillon prominently displayed directly in the center of the dial. Retail prices for the new Franck Muller Curvex CX Flash Grand Central Tourbillon watches start out at $123,900 USD and increase from there for the models with carbon fiber cases.
Vanguard Damas Collection
As an extension to its fan-favorite Vanguard collection, Franck Muller has added new Damascus steel models to the lineup for 2023. While the actual watches themselves are largely the same as the existing models from the series, the real update here is all about the novel material, which has been used to make knives and swords for hundreds of years. Damascus steel is created by forging two different types of steel together in layers to create a unique alloy that is characterized by the natural wavy lines that run throughout its composition. On the new Franck Muller Vanguard Damas watches, not only is the case made from Damascus steel, but the numerals on the dial and even the buckle for the strap are also made from this striking alloy to create a highly cohesive overall appearance. While the Vanguard Damas Racing (pictured here) is accompanied by an official retail price of $24,200 USD, you can expect to pay nearly twice this much for the highly open-worked Vanguard Damas Skeleton model.
To learn more about the new Franck Muller watches unveiled at WPHH 2023, please visit the brand’s website.