FVF Genève’s second model after the FVF1 skeleton tourbillon, the FVF2 Intrepido Time & Day is a more concise and accessible watch. It’s essentially a familiar formula – time (plus day) and a hand-finished manual wind movement – the FVF2 nonetheless manages to stand out thanks to brand founder Franc Vila’s eye for design.

Pictured here with a black mother of pearl dial, part of a five-piece edition, the FVF2 has a pleasing asymmetry. The movement is composed of intriguing geometric forms and quirky details like the square winding click, while also being traditionally decorated with generous bevelling and black polishing.

The case is an unusual “unibody” construction where the base plate and case middle are one and the same

Initial thoughts

The FVF2 might seem like yet another time-only watch with a fancily decorated movement, and it is just that, but not quite. Its creator, Franc Vila, is an industry veteran rather than a newcomer, and is now making a comeback after rising and falling with his original brand some two decades ago.

Unlike many recent calibres that try to do more with more, the FVF2 movement is more minimalist but has a recognisable style and artful details. The calibre is characterised by geometric forms that encompass finer elements like the winding click, while also retaining a clear classical bent with the prominent going train and finishing.

The treatment for the titanium base plate requires superheated gases to create an oxide layer on the titanium, resulting in the “rainbow” finish

And the FVF2 is also notable for its construction, which is unusual and allows for customisation. The “unibody” approach unites the case middle and base plate, theoretically resulting in a more rigid structure that would be useful in a sports watch, perhaps less so here but novel nonetheless.

The unusual approach continues with the aesthetics that are quirky and reflect Mr Vila’s varied approach to watch design. Many of the elements of the design are peculiar in themselves, like the left-handed crown and off-centre time display, but cumulative they work well.

At CHF85,000 the FVF2 is priced comparably to other watches in the category, though most such watches come from newcomers rather than old hands like Mr Vila. While that doesn’t tangibly affect the physical creation, there is perhaps more maturity in Mr Vila’s vision.

The dial accommodates a small seconds and retrograde date pointer

Multi-materials

The FVF2 is customisable in several ways, thanks to the “unibody” construction of the case and movement where the base plate and case middle are one and the same. The lugs, case inserts, bezel and case back all screw onto the base plate, which is also the case band.

While most of the watch components are produced by specialist suppliers, mostly in the Geneva area, the FVF2 is largely finished and then entirely assembled and regulated in Mr Vila’s workshop in the Old Town of Geneva.

As a consequence of the construction, the FVF2 is customisable in multiple respects. This particular version has a titanium case, black-lacquered mother of pearl dial, and a movement base plate with a “rainbow” finish achieved via anodisation. It was a limited edition of five made for collectors in a project spearheaded initiated by an American collector-dealer and a friend of Mr Vila.

An exploded view of the construction

The FVF2 was conceived to be a left-handed watch as standard, with the crown on the left side of the case. Visually, this serves to balance the subsidiary seconds at four o’clock. The lugs, on the other hand, are more traditional, with an elongated, slightly flared outline.

The quirky character continues on the dial, which is actually off-centre. Hours and minutes are indicated on a large sub-dial positioned towards 12 o’clock, while the seconds is off to the side at four. The off-centre time display leaves space for a retrograde day-of-the-week indicator on the lower left quadrant.

The distinctive aesthetic extends to the back, which reveals a movement dominated by geometric shapes. Though clearly a modern calibre with its block bridges, the movement is evidently inspired by historical pocket watch calibres with its exposed going train, free-sprung balance, and decorative winding click, not to mention the finger bridges for the escape wheel and pallet lever.

Exemplifying juxtaposition of old and new is the movement: the “unibody” base plate is multi-coloured anodised titanium while the bridges are traditional in material and finish — German silver with frosted tops and polished, bevelled edges.

It’s challenging to pull off such a blended movement design successfully but Mr Vila succeeded here. The FVF2 movement has strong visual appeal, which is compounded by the high level of finishing. The finger bridges, square winding click, and balance cock cap, for instance, are all black polished steel.

Key facts and price

FVF Genève FVF2 Intrepido Time & Day

Diameter: 39.5 mm
Height: 9.75 mm
Material: Titanium, or 18k gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: FVF2
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and retrograde day indicator
Winding: Hand wind
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 80 hours

Strap: Leather with pin buckle

Limited edition: No
Availability: Direct from Franc Vila
Price: Starting from CHF85,000 before taxes in titanium

For more, visit fvfgeneve.com.