In a departure from its usual exuberant, Technicolor style, Franck Müller’s latest creation is slim, pared back, and monochromatic. An exclusive for its stores in France, the Vanguard Line Cut is a thin time-only watch entirely in sandblasted titanium, giving it a sleek, clean look. And priced a little under €10,000, it is also affordable as such things go.

Initial thoughts

While most of the Vanguard models feel derivative, or a bit much, the Line Cut seems just right in size, style, and price. It’s 41 mm wide, smallish by Franck Muller standards, and under 10 mm high, giving it the wide-but-thin proportions of many popular luxury-sports watches.

And the pared-back look also extends to its colours and textures – the liberal use of sandblasted titanium is clean and suits the style, resulting in an aesthetic that’s both cohesive and attractive. But its water resistance is only 30 m, which is a bit less than typical for a sports watch.

Not much was provided on the FM 708 movement inside, although the Franck Muller says it was developed specifically for this watch.

Cintree Curvex

Descended from Franck Muller’s signature Cintree Curvex tonneau-shaped watch, the Vanguard is a sports watch that does bear some resemblance to Richard Mille’s familiar case style. But the slimness of the Line Cut brings to mind instead the earliest watches of Franck Muller, which were mostly smaller and thinner than today’s models.

The titanium case measures 41 mm by 50 mm, with a height of just 9.1 mm. It’s all titanium – albeit with a black rubber insert on the case sides – as is the bracelet, while the dial has been treated with a grey coating that echoes the finish of the titanium case.

Inside is the FM 708, an automatic movement that’s relatively large at 28.9 mm in diameter and 3.84 mm high, which makes it slightly wider and thicker than an ETA 2892-A2.

Key Facts and Price

Franck Muller Vanguard Line Cut
Ref. V 41 S AT REL LINE CUT

Diameter: 41 mm by 50 mm
Height: 9.1 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: FM 708
Features: Hours, and minutes
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3.5 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 42 hours

Strap: Titanium bracelet

Availability: Franck Muller boutiques and retailers in France
Price: €9,800 including VAT of 20%

For more, visit franckmuller.com