Cameron Wong
A shy, sheepish, shrinking violet is not how I would describe this particular version of Franck Muller's Cintree Curvex Grande Date. But then again, it's not a piece that was designed to sit quietly in a corner. Instead, it's a showcase of all that defines Franck Muller's most iconic collection, from its wonderfully proportioned case curves to whimsical numeral designs and complicated movements.It's actually best if we don't leave all the describing to mere words, either. The old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words is no truer than right here, where it's multiplied tenfold by the elegantly rounded curves of the Cintree Curvex case and its dazzling array of diamonds.Measuring 39.5mm across by 55.3mm from top to bottom, the sweeping lines of the manufacturer's most recognisable case form can also be had sans diamonds (for those more reserved folk) in stainless-steel, and 18k rose or white gold. And a seamlessly integrated sapphire crystal continues the case's contours and domes over the top of a semi-openworked dial, with a window that cuts through to the collection's more technical side.Peeking through the familiar sunray guilloche-patterned white dial, with its instantly recognisable Arabic numerals, is a wholly in-house manufactured 46-hour automatic movement, combining both a chronograph, with minute counter at 3 o'clock and small seconds at 9 o'clock, and a big date. No small feat in the realm of watchmaking after all, Franck Muller aren't known as the Master of Complications for nothing. It's not just the movement's complex combination of functions that impresses either, with each component featuring hand-bevelled edges, and finished with a brilliantly textured brushing, circular graining, or decorative Geneve stripes.Available on a choice of crocodile, calf or rubber straps, with so much to delight the eyes, it'd be rude not to stare at this not-so-wallflower.Franck Muller Cintree Curvex Grande Date Australian pricingFranck Muller Cintree Curvex Grande Date, diamond set, $114,900
12.12.18