This 18k rose gold Franck Muller is the first one of just 50 ever made. Rare to ever see #1 of any limited edition!
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Being only fifty ever made, information is limited on this model. But 50 in itself is a clue – limited editions are rarely that limited (For example the Omega James Bond Seamaster was limited to 7,007 watches.) Franck Muller earnt his reputation as a fine watchmaker and restorer for Patek Philippe’s museum, and in 1991 went solo. The first watches came out in 1992, including some highly complex ones such as the double face chronograph which shares a similar style to this watch. We could be wrong, but we believe this was also came out circa 1992. We have reached out to the Franck Muller Museum to see if they can help.
CONDITION
Most manufacturers keep #1 of any limited production run for their own museums – after all it is the most sought after number in any collection (apart from maybe 007 on the James Bond Omega’s!). Even if you found one of the other 49 watches, it will never be number 1. But that is only an added bonus on top of what truly is a beautiful watch. The case is perfectly scaled, and like everything from Franck Muller made to the highest standards. The obvious comparison for this watch is a Patek Philippe Calatrava, but this combines the high end materials and workmanship with more of a vintage look. The dial is wonderful, and the video needs to be seen to show how it reacts in light. The blued leaf hands add to the vintage feel, but sapphire crystal helps the watch stay looking sharp for longer. The movement is a treat, highly polished and was adjusted to six positions. That is powered by the signed FM crown, making this watch a little slimmer than some automatic rivals while still feeling substantial. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred, but retains the rose gold buckle stamped FM inside.
It is hard to establish the value of any watch produced in such limited numbers, but #1 of a series will always be the most desirable. Recently Phillips Auctions sold an 18k rose gold watch with subseconds by Roger Smith. The guide price was $120,000-140,000, but it made $730,800! Was that uplift all due to it being #1, or just some very competitive people who both wanted it and knew they may never get another chance? The Roger Smith watch is an absolute art piece of horology, but you can still order a new one if you are prepared to wait.
(The same Phillips sale also had #1 of 170 of a new Patek Philippe Nautilus, with a guide of in excess of $50,000 but that made $6.5m! But as that sale was also a charity fundraiser it is not fair to compare.)
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 38.4 mm
Width without crown 36.0 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 43.0 mm
Case Thickness 8.3 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
