GTTP: Preview Of The New Franck Muller Vanguard™ Line Cut
Editor’s Note: Don’t have time to be reading the Editor’s Note, do we? Short-attention span, have we? Just need a quick watch fix? This preview of the new Franck Muller Vanguard™ Line Cut is a GET TO THE POINT (GTTP) review with all the info you want / need to know QUICK. Let’s get to the point.
What is it: The special edition Franck Muller Vanguard™ Line Cut
Why: Because this new offering reduces the thickness of the (iconic) Vanguard case to a minimum and at the same time aesthetically provides with an all titanium watch, whose rugged grey look is somewhat of a rarity (at least compared to the dive watches flooding the industry). Made entirely from grade 5 titanium, it’s a lightweight mechanical beauty that to the most part stands apart from the crowd
When released: 16 December 2020
Where: French market only
Who is it for: By the sounds of it, for the French males apparently. But honestly though, I reckon its for anyone who appreciates the skills that went behind both the exterior (case material) and the interior (movement) of the timepiece. All said and done, Franck Muller timepieces are distinctive and polarising, and the new Vanguard™ Line Cut should be appreciated by the lovers of their design language
How does it do: Rugged and imposing. It ‘cuts’ through the competition due to the presence of:
- An extra-flat automatic movement that has been made to reduce the size of the case while preserving the elegant character of the VANGUARD™ collection
- There is a fair amount of surface and depth play that lends to the timepiece a more nuanced appearance
- The incorporation of a micro-blasted grade 5 titanium bracelet and buckle with the case of the same material is appreciated. I am not someone who is an exceptional fan of bracelets on watches, but I am willing to make an exception here. The inclusion of the sea material bracelet brings about a futuristic, under the radar, icy-cool look to the watch
- Besides the bracelet, the case, dial and crown are all made of micro-blasted titanium, providing the timepiece with a sense of coherency and uniformity
- The main charm of the new Franck Muller Vanguard™ Line Cut is when seen from the sides – the thickness or other the lack of it, the highly curved case side profile and the detailing around the crown is highly impressive. From the front its just another Vanguard™ watch case but from the side the thin movement assists in providing a svelte aesthetic that is both welcome and sexy
Missing: It’s a bit reminiscent of a cement wall. Monochrome grey doesn’t always speak of energy, and I personally like my timepieces to have a bit of extra flair to them. One of the reasons why I like the Crazy Hours collection by Franck Muller is the use of vivid colours. I reckon the new Franck Muller Vanguard™ Line Cut could benefit with a hint of colour strategically placed. Perhaps as a ring in the middle of the dial? Also in the press pictures it also looks too much like a 3D printed watch and I think that takes away from the ‘luxurious’ appeal. In person it could be a different story but we haven’t had the opportunity to go hands-on with this. Also, the fine sandpaper look of the titanium case may not be everyone’s cup of tea
Basic Specs: The new Franck Muller Vanguard™ Line Cut ref. V 41 S AT REL LINE CUT features the in-house calibre FM 708. This 28.90mm diameter and 3.84mm thick automatic movement beats at the frequency of 3Hz (21’600 vph), offers a basic 42-hours power reserve and features decent decorations in the form of Côtes de Genève, circular graining and rhodium plating. The movement is encased inside a 41.00mm wide, 50mm long and 9.10mm thick micro-blasted grade 5 titanium case with a water-resistance of only 30m. The bold, highly legible dial shows the functions of hours and minutes only.
To find out more about the new Franck Muller Vanguard™ Line Cut and their other offerings, please head to their website here. All images unless otherwise stated are courtesy ©2020 Franck Muller Genève. All rights reserved.
