The watch industry is an ancient one, dominated by centuries-old brands, steeped in traditionalism, and typically shy of controversy. Yet Franck Muller has always been a name that bucked these trends, not only as one of Switzerlandโs youngest and most innovative watchmakers, but also one of its most provocative, and its #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach Limited Edition collaboration with #FR2 is a testament to this bold spirit.
This isnโt the first time Franck Muller has linked up with the famed Japanese streetwear label, with the two agitators of their respective industries having previously launched the monochromatic #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard. Just like that debut project, the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach Limited Edition will also be exclusively available as a limited edition for Southeast Asia and Australia, but it arrives as a three-piece capsule collection thatโs inspired by long summer days at the beach.
What youโll immediately notice are the three bright colourways comprising the collection: Heatwave Red, Surf Blue, and Tropical Green. The colourful cases of all three watches feature Franck Mullerโs classic tonneau-shaped Vanguard profile, measure 41mm wide and 12.2mm thick, and are made from glass fibre composite.
This material is unusual in watchmaking and is constructed by heating glass to 1,500ยฐC, pulling it into fine threads that form sheets when cooled, and then infusing it with colour via special baths. Once the desired colour has been achieved, the material is then compressed into fibreglass composite blocks and milled into the tonneau shape of the case.
The crisp white dials are a high-contrast canvas against the glass fibre composite cases, emblazoned with #FR2โs provocative Fxxking Rabbits motif in three different beach-themed scenes and featuring a sun-inspired date window that shines down from its 2 oโclock position on the dial. As a hidden detail that only comes out at night, both the rabbit motifs and hands glow in the dark thanks to a healthy coat of Super-Luminova.
Beneath the dial of the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach Limited Editions, youโll find the automatic winding MVT 2536-SCDT2H movement, which comprises 191 components and delivers 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The movement has also been nicely decorated with a range of different finishes, including Cรดtes de Genรจve on bridges and the rotor plate, perlage on the mainplate, beveling on the rotor board, and even diamond polishing on the sinks and bridge bevels.
As a final summery touch, all three of the watches arrive on a leather-backed white nylon strap with coloured printing that matches their respective case colours, which is secured via a Velcro closure. The 30m of water resistance might not be enough for scuba diving, but itโs more than enough to safely enjoy a week of living it up at a beach club.
โFranck Muller and #FR2 are both unapologetic and daring in their respective industries, and they embody the same audacity and non-conformist attitude that make them such kindred spirits,โ said Sharon Lim, CEO of Franck Muller APAC, about the collection.
โThese shared values have given rise to a partnership thatโs made waves across both the streetwear and luxury watch industries, beginning with 2023โs #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard. We are pleased to follow up on its success with the new #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach, which explores a different set of possibilities when street fashion meets haute horlogerie.โ
Itโs a fiercely fun collaboration between Franck Muller and #FR2 that doesnโt take itself too seriously, blending bright colours, eye-catching iconography, and the fine finishing that Franck Muller is known for. All three references within the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach Limited Edition collection will be produced in just 300 pieces each and are currently available from Franck Muller boutiques across Asia Pacific.
This article is presented in partnership with Franck Muller. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
