An absolute masterpiece from Franck Muller

[donny007]

Hey Guys,
I just came across a watch that has been released few days ago by Franck Muller. It is called “Skenderbeu” who apparently is an Albanian commando ( and is considered by historians as one of the 4 best generals and strategists of the world after Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Napoleon Bonaparte ).
The clock has the red and black colors of the Albanian national flag, while the bust of Skenderbeu is engraved in gold on its field.
Muller's announcement states that this is a limited edition and currently 25 pieces in stainless steel and 50 pieces in black titanium have been produced.
The price of the watch for titanium is $24,190 and for stainless steel is: $20,990



Also I found a video on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRgeTbfE/
This is one of my favorite dials that I’ve ever seen so far.

 

[Rx4Time]

I don't know.... Not feeling the design aesthetic. Franck Muller is known for complications, it's disappointing that they didn't incorporate that flair into this piece. As it sits it seems heavily overpriced.

 

[kavorca1]

Seems to gimmicky at that price.

 

[donny007]

I don't know.... Not feeling the design aesthetic. Franck Muller is known for complications, it's disappointing that they didn't incorporate that flair into this piece. As it sits it seems heavily overpriced.

Seems to gimmicky at that price.

That’s what I thought first but after reading the features, it says that the bust of “skenderbeu” it’s made with gold, so that’s why the price is that high.

 

[Procurator]

Its not why the price is that high.
The gold used is worth at best 2 grand.

It is that high, because FM watches are an overpriced garbage, that has no respect among serious collectors and / or watch enthusiasts.

Now Im not saying dont buy it, if you love it, aesthetic and taste is a personal thing, Im saying dont buy it at retail, because its just not worth the pricetag.

 

[Thatwatchguy]

Damn..a poor Man’s RM.

But seriously why just why was this ever made

 

[Procurator]

But seriously why just why was this ever made

You mean Frank Müller as a brand, right?
No idea.

 

[Thatwatchguy]

You mean Frank Müller as a brand, right?
No idea.

Oh yes

 

[TingelTangelTom]

You mean Frank Müller as a brand, right?
No idea.

For humoristic entertainment?

 

[RepPossessed]

This has producer Michaels name all over it

Guys what you seem to be forgetting is there are many millionaires and billionaires with very questionable taste

 

[donny007]

I agree with it being overpriced but the design of dial is really creative, especially the hands with the sword going around it’s beautiful to see.

 

[RDRoss]

Its not why the price is that high.
The gold used is worth at best 2 grand.

It is that high, because FM watches are an overpriced garbage, that has no respect among serious collectors and / or watch enthusiasts.

Now Im not saying dont buy it, if you love it, aesthetic and taste is a personal thing, Im saying dont buy it at retail, because its just not worth the pricetag.

For all the crap people dole out on FM, they have built a couple of rather clever movements for the crazy hour and the “vegas” roulette. While most FM are overpriced and the design is not for everyone (looking at you RM - very cool tech involved I get it but not my bag) they have built some easy to wear classic designs.
i full on agree you should never buy retail / new for msrp. They are just not worth it

 

[daytona4me]

I like it. I'd wear it for sure. I think it's pretty cool.

 

[legend]

Personally for me, Franck Muller pieces incorporate unique artistry, color and design into their watches and these elements have become part of their DNA, particularly in the modern Vanguard series. I like them. The FM Aeternitas Mega is currently the watch with the most complications (36) and Franck Muller is a legit watchmaking brand with good history. If one criticizes the design of their watches, it is a different thing altogether, as design and visual representation are pretty subjective. The FM tonneau case shape has become synonymous with the brand, since 1922, and since the brand started, it has pioneered innovations in the watchmaking world regularly, such as the central tourbillon in a tonneau shaped movement. One does not always need to like the brand or what it stands for, but what the brand has achieved in terms of technical accomplishments, need to be respected.

Yes, some of the designs put forth by the brand has been questionable for me, but the solution is really simple: just ignore it and wait for the next one. Every brand will have its share of "faux pas" watches for different individuals, and more importantly, watches we can relate to and like. Yes, the resale value of an FM watch is not on par with brands like Rolex, Patek Phillippe and AP, but the resale value is but one aspect of watch collection. One simply needs to buy the watch because he likes it. That is good enough reason. And to be able to do so while completely ignoring the resale value, is a "because I like it and I can" decision. I think that FM watches fall into this category, where one buys it primarily for the visual appeal and not how much it is valued at. Worth is a very subjective thing indeed. A painting with a few abstract strokes of color on a canvass and a cryptic title can fetch millions. FM watches have their own niches in the watchmaking world, and their fair share of fans (and critics). I do like the direction the brand has taken with the Vanguard and Vanguard Casablanca product lines. Conformity obviously isn't the name of their game and it is totally fine, there will always be someone to appreciate each release and that is what counts. We can have a room full of 100 people criticizing a watch, but what matters to the brand is that one guy who will buy it.

There will forever be eclectic opinions on a watch like this. And that is to be totally expected. But it will be good to criticize a watch in a more balanced manner instead of trashing the brand because of a watch or even watches. Even upstart brands such as Hublot has its merit where watchmaking goes. It is good to follow the progress of these brands and their evolutions synchronized with the tastes and proclivities of the world.

 

[RDRoss]

Personally for me, Franck Muller pieces incorporate unique artistry, color and design into their watches and these elements have become part of their DNA, particularly in the modern Vanguard series. I like them. The FM Aeternitas Mega is currently the watch with the most complications (36) and Franck Muller is a legit watchmaking brand with good history. If one criticizes the design of their watches, it is a different thing altogether, as design and visual representation are pretty subjective. The FM tonneau case shape has become synonymous with the brand, since 1922, and since the brand started, it has pioneered innovations in the watchmaking world regularly, such as the central tourbillon in a tonneau shaped movement. One does not always need to like the brand or what it stands for, but what the brand has achieved in terms of technical accomplishments, need to be respected.

Yes, some of the designs put forth by the brand has been questionable for me, but the solution is really simple: just ignore it and wait for the next one. Every brand will have its share of "faux pas" watches for different individuals, and more importantly, watches we can relate to and like. Yes, the resale value of an FM watch is not on par with brands like Rolex, Patek Phillippe and AP, but the resale value is but one aspect of watch collection. One simply needs to buy the watch because he likes it. That is good enough reason. And to be able to do so while completely ignoring the resale value, is a "because I like it and I can" decision. I think that FM watches fall into this category, where one buys it primarily for the visual appeal and not how much it is valued at. Worth is a very subjective thing indeed. A painting with a few abstract strokes of color on a canvass and a cryptic title can fetch millions. FM watches have their own niches in the watchmaking world, and their fair share of fans (and critics). I do like the direction the brand has taken with the Vanguard and Vanguard Casablanca product lines. Conformity obviously isn't the name of their game and it is totally fine, there will always be someone to appreciate each release and that is what counts. We can have a room full of 100 people criticizing a watch, but what matters to the brand is that one guy who will buy it.

There will forever be eclectic opinions on a watch like this. And that is to be totally expected. But it will be good to criticize a watch in a more balanced manner instead of trashing the brand because of a watch or even watches. Even upstart brands such as Hublot has its merit where watchmaking goes. It is good to follow the progress of these brands and their evolutions synchronized with the tastes and proclivities of the world.

Very well said Sir.