Franck Muller Celebrates the Year of the Rabbit with Tokyo-based streetwear label #FR2.
To usher in the Year of the Rabbit, Franck Muller marks their first collaboration between two brands that speak the same design language. The edgy, fashion-forward timepiece in monochrome features the #FR2’s iconic rabbit motif placed amid the signature numerals and tonneau case of Franck Muller.
A unique collaboration
The #FR2NCKMULLER Vanguard bridges Swiss luxury watchmaking and Japanese street fashion. Melding the elements from each universe, complete with its creators’ signature touches. This is immediately apparent on the dial. Where Franck Muller’s timeless yet avant-garde aesthetic has taken on street-style sensibilities. A matte white dial base starts things off by establishing a high-key aesthetic. Upon which black hands, markings, and appliqué indices lie.
The high contrast monochromatic look comes complete with a delightful quirk at seven o’clock. Franck Muller placed #FR2’s provocative Fxxking Rabbits motif in lieu of hour markers. With one rabbit’s red eye providing the sole spot of colour on the dial.
Glow in the dark
In the dark, the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard also offers an idiosyncratic twist. Super-Luminova has been selectively applied such that the skeletonised obelisk hands, indices and graphical motif leap out from the dial in the absence of light.
The stark, bold design extends to the rest of the watch. This includes Franck Muller’s tonneau- shaped Vanguard case. It has been rendered in a new carbon and glass fibre composite. A first for the brand, and one that will be reserved for Southeast Asia-exclusive models only.
The final touch here is the white nylon strap. Which has been emblazoned with black text in a typographic style familiar to street fashion aficionados.
Franck Muller’s work with #FR2 is a rare example of the Swiss watchmaker’s collaboration with external brands.
“#FR2’s founder Ryo Ishikawa isn’t just an iconic figure in Tokyo’s streetwear scene,” shares Sharon Lim, CEO of Franck Muller SEA. “As the creative force behind Fxxking Rabbits, he has adopted a multi-disciplinary approach to his label’s creations while maintaining a fiercely independent spirit. These are values that we believe in and identify with at Franck Muller, which makes this Southeast Asia Exclusive a natural collaboration. Of course, the product that we have come up with speaks to that.”
The #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard is a limited edition of 800 pieces. The timepieces will be available across Southeast Asia and Australia from 6 January 2023.
More of from The Peak Timepieces.
