Franck Muller Vanguard Tourbillon Minute Repeater
In naming the best watches of 2018 we couldn’t have discounted Franck Muller’s Vanguard Tourbillon Minute Repeater, which, we have to say, is the exact representation of what the brand is about.
With a reputation as a master of complications, the combination of a tourbillon and minute repeater requires a master in order to be crafted. And knowing that, the brand decided to forgo a dial and just display the 389 parts of the mechanisms in all its splendour, for all to see. Next, the entire movement is housed in the very signature tonneau shape of Franck Muller’s Vanguard case measuring a massive 46mm x 56mm. Not only is this a unique shape for a minute repeater, but because it is so large, the propagation of sound waves is proportionally better resulting in a splendid collector’s piece.
The proprietary FM-3300 VRS calibre, designed and produced entirely in-house, beats at a reduced frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour but, with this reduced frequency, comes more longevity and better shock resistance to the chiming system. Not to mention an ample 60 hours of power reserve.
