Franck Muller first introduced the Vanguard Collection just last year at their 2014 World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie (WPHH). It was quite an unexpected move for the brand to produce a collection that clearly took a step towards a more sporty design.

 

Following the interest aroused, this year they’ve produced the Vanguard Gravity Tourbillon to add to the Vanguard Collection. With feet firmly planted in Franck Muller’s DNA, the watch starts off with their iconic Cintrée Curvex case at 44mm x 53.70mm x 15.10mm. Looking through the blue sapphire crystal into the case, the outer edge of the watch face marks seconds in intervals of 5 with the watch maker’s name at the 60th second mark and its own name, Gravity, at the 30th second.

Large applique relief numerals decorate the dial with skeletonized hour and minute hands. The back of the watch, which also has a blue sapphire crystal cover, reveals the in-house manufactured manual-wound calibre CS-03 with 5 day power reserve. The dial itself barely covers 1/3 of the watch face, and only marks the 9th to 3rd hour. But I doubt anyone will be complaining, because in return we’re treated to a dramatic 21.2mm diameter, 60 second tourbillon that takes up the remaining 2/3s.

In keeping with the watch’s aesthetics, the tourbillon cage is elliptic and houses a 14mm balance wheel. Check out the Vanguard Gravity Tourbillon in action in this mini video clip, posted on Franck Muller’s Instagram account. It’s quite something to behold.

The watch will be available in titanium, 18 carat pink gold or white gold. Buyers will also be able to pick between a fabric (with rubber backing) versus a crocodile leather (with rubber backing) strap. But the most curious of options that Franck Muller is presenting with the Gravity Tourbillon is the choice of 6 colors on the tourbillon bridge. To end, the Gravity Tourbillon is a crucial timepiece for Franck Muller. It shows off an ability to contemporize while staying true to their classic design virtues and continuing to offer innovative in-house movements. It’ll be very exciting to see how this new addition plays out with collectors.