BY DHANANJAY PATHAK
We are now just a few days away from bidding adieu to what has possibly been one of the darkest and most turbulent years in the past century. And while we sit and wait anxiously for 2021 to arrive, we at Wristreview would like to make this time worthwhile by keeping you entertained with the latest news from the world of horology. So, on that note, here it is for your reading pleasure, one of the final new releases from 2020, the Vanguard Line Cut. A monochromatic time-only watch from the house of Franck Muller.
Franck Muller is one of those brands whose watches exhibit a distinctive design DNA that makes them stand out from the crowd. The combination of a curved Tonneau case and a bold face culminates into an aesthetic that cannot be mistaken for anything else. For the Line cut, Franck Muller has gone for a monochromatic look, which has been made possible by making extensive use of Titanium throughout the watch that includes the case, the bracelet, the dial, and the crown. The use of Titanium not only adds visual interest but also makes the watch extremely lightweight and resistant to corrosion and erosion.
The face of the watch is characterized by applied oversized Arabic numerals that have been outlined in black to offer some contrast to the textured silver background. On the inside of the hour index is a small circular section that comprises the broad skeletonized hands and this area has been slightly recessed to add depth and dimension. On the outer periphery, the flange is marked with double-digit numerals to aid legibility.
The case like the rest of the watch has been crafted from grade 5 titanium and given a micro-blasted finish. It features a lug-less Tonneau shape synonymous with Franck Muller watches and offers both presence and wearing comfort. As far as the proportions are concerned, what we have here is a case that is 41mm wide and has a lug to lug distance of 50mm. However, what makes the case profile on the Line Cut special is its 9.1mm thickness, which has been achieved with the help of a new extra-flat movement that drives this watch.
Speaking of the movement, the calibre FM 708 is a self-winding unit that is 28.4mm wide and just 3.84mm thick. It operates at a frequency of 3 Hz and offers a power reserve of around 42 hours. The movement is rhodium plated and has been nicely decorated using Côtes de Genève and circular graining.
The Franck Muller Vanguard Line Cut comes mated to an integrated titanium bracelet that lends the watch a cohesive look. This watch has been released exclusively for the French market. The price is yet to be announced.
Visit Franck Muller here.
