This rare 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, glossy black dial, silver printed indicationsand 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 three-register chronograph,with a glossy black dial and silver printed hour indexes andBreguet numeral. The brushed subsidiary dials and surroundingsilver rings form an appealing contrast against the even, central portionof the dial. Depending on the angle and intensity of the light, they almost appear to emerge from the rest of the dial.

The silverprintedBreguet numeral at 12 oclock, a desirable characteristicfound on some vintage chronographs,offers further detail to the design. The dial also features an Antimagnetic signature, indicating the antimagnetic properties of the movement, and is signed N.05, referring to its position in the runof 50 pieces. The thickness of the printing used, be it on the hour markers, seconds track or tachymeter, add anappealing amount of depth and texture to the dial.The feuille hands are silver in tone, matching therest of the monochromatic design.

The case is very distinct with its polished, stepped concave bezel and contrasting brushed outer portion. 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 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 Editionis believed to be limited to 50 pieces. Indeed, the paperwork fromfrom the same period appears to indicate that these editions were limited to 50 pieces.

It comes on a custom-made version of our grained taupecalfskin straps and is also accompanied by its originalFranck Muller brown alligator strap and matchingstainless steel buckle.

Another early Franck Muller chronograph we had for sale, similar to this one, was by Revolution Magazine.

Closer look