This rareFranck Muller chronograph is one of the earlier pieces created by the skilful watchmaker after establishing his own brand in 1991, following his time working as one of the worlds leading watch restorers. Undoubtedly inspired by his time restoring pieces from the private collection, the design of the chronograph is refined and elegant, reminiscent of classics such asPatek Philippe's.With a steel case, two-tone dial, applied Breguet numerals and Lemania bauche, it combines some of the most desirable features one would hope to find in a chronograph from any period.

The brand

Raised in La Chaux de Fonds in Switzerland, Franck Muller enrolled himself in the Watchmaking School of Geneva at the age of fifteen. Following graduation, he began his watchmaking career restoring watches for collectors and auction houses, gradually building a reputation for his skill in restoring complicated timepieces. Becoming one of the most sought-after restorers, he worked on the maintenance and restoration of watches in the Patek Philippe collection, many of which sit in the Patek Philippe Museum today.

In 1984, Muller designed his first tourbillon wristwatch, at a time when the complication was scarce. The tourbillon in wristwatch form only really came into being in the following years, with Muller claiming the first-ever exposed, dial-side tourbillon with this piece. A few years later, in 1991, he would form his eponymous brand, with the title"Master of Complications",looking to offer distinctive pieces to collectors.

The design

Limited to 50 pieces, this Special Limited Edition Chronograph is classical in its execution. The design is that of a two-register chronograph,with atwo-tone silver dial and applied Breguet numerals. The brushed, silver subsidiary dials and tachymeter track form an appealing contrast against the darker, central portionof the dial. Based on the angle and intensity of the light, it displays a range of different shades, due to the variance in finishing, colour and texture.

The applied Breguet numerals at 12 and 6 oclock, a desirable characteristicfound on some vintage chronographs,offer furtherthree-dimensionality to the design. The dial also features an Individual Chronometer Officially Certified signature, indicating the chronometer certification of the watch, and is signed N. 5, referring to its position in the runof 50 pieces. The feuille hands are blued steel, matching the hands used for the subsidiary dials.

The case is very distinct with its polished, stepped concave bezel and contrasting brushed lugs. The three-piececonstruction gives the watch a bold presence on the wrist, measuring 36mm in diameter. Cased in stainless steel, it is reminiscent of the sought afterPatek Philippe chronographs of times past.

The movement

ThisFranck Mullerchronograph is powered by a manual-winding movement, based on aLemania 1874bauche.The cam switching chronographruns at 21,600 A/h, integrates 17 jewels, and has a 40 hour power reserve.The movement is subtlyfinished, with chamfering on some of the angles, as well as polishing and decoration, in the form of Geneva striping.

The 17-jewel movement is chronometer-certified, as confirmed by the COSC (Contrle Officiel Suisse des Chronomtres) certificate which accompanies the watch, with the movement having passed COSC certification in February 1994.

The Set

This Franck MullerChronograph Special Limited Edition comes with its original box, outer box, Certificate of Origin (which confirms it as N.5 of 50), COSC Certificate and leather pouch.

It comes on one of our lightly grained grey calfskin straps, and is also accompanied by its originalFranck Mullernavy alligator strap and stainless steel buckle.

This watch was by Revolution Magazine.

Closer look