First introduced in the 90’s, the Franck Muller Chronographs were made in two configurations. There was a silver dial, two-counter version with applied Breguet “12” and “6” and applied dot markers. This watch was 36 mm in diameter.
And then there was a black dial version with three counters with an applied Breguet “12” and applied dot markers as well, and this watch was 37 mm in diameter.
The Franck Muller Chronographs were created to be worn by people that like auto racing, or similar activities - a really sporting type of gentlemen’s chronograph. It was meant to be much more of a daily wearer and something that was more sporty.
At this time, both the bi-compax and tri-compax watches featured the use of the Lemania 1874, a shuttle cam-operated, laterally coupled chronograph movement introduced to the Speedmaster back in 1968.
Franck Muller 30th Anniversary Bi-Compax and Tri-Compax Chronographs
Staying extremely faithful to the case of the original watches, Franck Muller has decided to make the watches 39 mm in diameter and make it as thin as possible so that it can sit elegantly on the wrist.
Subtle changes to the details - as enlarging the size of the applied Breguet numerals and applied indexes and enhancing the sense of contrast from one section of the dial to the next - make the design a real dynamic feeling.
When discussing the minor changes, came the question of the movement. It is very well-known throughout the watch industry that Swatch Group had stopped selling its ébauches, so Lemania movements were a no-go. But out of nowhere, it happened that Franck Muller saved a small quantity of new old-stock Lemania movements from the ’90s.
To make a real tribute to this early period of the House, one of these vintage movements are housed in each of the “Tribute” Chronographs timepieces.
“It’s very important for us that collectors understand that here at Franck Muller, when we do something, we do it with real integrity and authenticity. If we are going to make these ‘Tribute’ watches, then let’s do a real tribute by making every one of these watches something truly special.” said Nicholas Rudaz, CEO of Franck Muller.
Franck Muller 30th Anniversary Double Sided Rattrapante Chronograph
The rarest, most original and most visually stunning of the double sided rattrapantes is one where time on the front dial is shifted to the subdial at six o’clock.
For Franck Muller, this has always been a particularly beautiful design as it is a nod to the Master Banker which featured two time displays like this at 12 and six o’clock. But in the Double Sided Rattrapante Chronograph, it frees up the dial so that it is the chronograph and split seconds hands that basically occupy the maximum space, as they are the only hands mounted on the center cannon pinion.
These three chronographs were made with great sensitivity and respect to the past and Franck Muller hopes they will be a bridge between its history and a new generation of collectors.
The Lemania bi-compax with silver dial and the Lemania tri-compax with black dial in 39mm steel case will each be made in 50 examples as for the double-faced rattrapante with a steel 39mm case will be made in just 30 pieces.
Watches 1 to 10 of each timepiece will be sold together in box sets of three watches, while watches numbered 11 to 30 of the Double Sided Chronograph and 11 to 50 of the two Lemania-based Franck Muller Chronographs will be sold as individual pieces.
This collection will be available exclusively on GrailWatch.com on 18 November 2022, 10pm SGT / 9am EST.
