Centre of Attention

Franck Muller pulls out all the stops with this stunning Grand Central Tourbillon.

WHAT IT IS

Every watch enthusiast knows about Franck Muller’s distinctive Cintree Curvex case, which has been a mainstay for close to three decades. But the tonneau shape can be restrictive for watchmakers looking to flex their mechanical prowess. For example, even while experimenting with tourbillons, watchmakers had to place them in the typical 6 o’clock position. Well, not anymore. Franck Muller blows that constraint out of the water with the Grand Central Tourbillon. After more than a year of research and development, it became the first-ever watchmaker to place the tourbillon cage at the centre of the tonneau-shaped case. A single bridge suspends this engineering marvel. Besides showing the seconds, it also houses a selfwinding movement offering a whopping four days of power reserve.

HOW IT LOOKS

If you can tear your eyes away from the large, flying tourbillon, you’ll notice the gorgeous guilloche dial inspired by the Clous de Paris pattern. Cast your eye towards the centre, and you’ll see the spiral that starts from the tourbillon and rotates outwards to the edges of the case. For greater visibility of the dial and tourbillon, Franck Muller has tweaked the sapphire crystal, extending it to the lugs. The bezel is also separate from the case, allowing the watchmaker to create a two-tone treatment that highlights the curve of the Cintree Curvex case.

HOW IT WEARS

The Franck Muller Grand Central Tourbillon will not go unnoticed. Its case can easily be spotted from quite a distance away while a closer inspection of the tourbillon will elicit more than a little envy. It’s a big timepiece but the curved lugs have the watch fitting snugly around your wrist, making it wear smaller than you would think. As with any tourbillon, we recommend not engaging in any highenergy activity when wearing it. The best thing to do? Pour yourself a glass of wine or whisky, sit back and enjoy its presence.