This Franck Muller Sport Chronograph is a rare example of the watchmaker’s early work and is limited to only 50 pieces. With a classical design reminiscent of vintage watches from the ‘40s and ‘50s, the watch is a restrained affair that invokes the memory of earlier designs from Patek Philippe.

Raised in La Chaux de Fonds in Switzerland, Franck Muller enrolled himself in the Watchmaking School of Geneva at the age of fifteen. Following graduation, he began his watchmaking career restoring watches for collectors and auction houses, gradually building a reputation for his skill in restoring complicated timepieces. Becoming one of the most sought-after restorers, he worked on the maintenance and restoration of watches in the Patek Philippe collection, many of which sit in the Patek Philippe Museum today.

While the work of Franck Muller is usually associated with more outlandish pieces, this chronograph is surprisingly restrained and goes down a more classic route. This watch was created in the mid-1990s as part of a limited-edition release of 50 pieces.

Extremely classical in its execution, the design of this Sport Chronograph is that of a three-register chronograph, with a glossy black dial and silver printed hour indexes and Breguet numeral at 12 o’clock. Reminiscent of an early Roger Dubuis chronograph, as well as vintage Patek Philippe pieces – such as the reference 130 and the reference 1463 – this Sport Chronograph boasts a monochromatic, traditional dial, replete with a single Breguet numeral at 12 o’clock.

The watch houses a modified Lemania calibre 1874 that boasts anti-magnetic properties, in keeping with its vintage roots. The movement is subtly finished, with chamfering on some of the angles, as well as polishing and decoration, in the form of Geneva striping.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this Franck Muller Sport Limited Edition Chronograph will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This Franck Muller Chronograph is in very good condition overall, with a few superficial marks throughout consistent with minimal wear. More noticeable grazing can be seen on the bezel, at the 5, 7 and 12 o'clock positions, in addition to a mark on one of the twelve caseback corners (as seen in the product photography). The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.