A look at Franck Muller’s Vanguard Gravity Skeleton timepiece

Among the litany of stalwarts by Franck Muller’s new flagship series, aptly named the Vanguard collection, one particular model shines especially brightly. Although the Franck Muller Vanguard Gravity Skeleton is preceded by numerous openwork models, the skeletonisation of this masterpiece illustrates the new creative direction of Franck Muller as championed by the Vanguard range — an updated art deco style infused with industrial and sci-fi influences.

Modernity is expressed by the rounded edges of its bridges, from which a ribcage-like tourbillon cage is suspended, with sleek blackened diagonals reminiscent of architectural details popular during the early 20th century.

An attention-grabbing creation that marks this pivotal juncture in the history of Franck Muller in more ways than one, the Gravity Skeleton also conveys futurism through its neon accents that draw focus to the inner workings of the masterpiece. The bridges of this 45mmx53.7mmx15.1mm timepiece are milled from a single piece of aluminium block — a feat that will garner respect from any watch connoisseur. Other cutting-edge techniques that went into the Gravity Skeleton include precision laser cutting, which was used to hew its tiny components at Watchland, Franck Muller’s extravagant watch factory in Geneva.

Like the Swiss brand’s other coveted timepieces, the manually wound Gravity Skeleton was designed and crafted entirely in-house at this vertically integrated production facility in Genthod, in the neighbouring countryside of Geneva.

Its anodised aluminium components can be personalised in colours such as blue, fuchsia, green, orange and yellow, while its unmistakable tonneau-shaped Franck Muller comes in stainless steel, titanium, or 18k pink or white gold. Armed with a five-day power reserve and water-resistant to a pressure of 3ATM, the Franck Muller Vanguard Gravity Skeleton is secured to the wrist by a rubber strap finished in alligator leather or nylon.

This article is brought to you by Franck Muller.