Franck Muller Double Sided Chronographs Guide

quattro · 2025-03-25T17:07:28Z

Explore Franck Muller's Chronograph Double Face models, from early simple chronos to perpetual calendar and rattrapante. An in-depth collector's guide.

quattro

WPS member · Independents forum

12 replies2079 views46 photos

Emmanuel, known as 'quattro' on WatchProSite, presents a compelling exploration of Franck Muller's Chronograph Double Face models. This deep dive into five distinct references, ranging from simple chronographs to perpetual calendar and rattrapante variations, offers invaluable insights for collectors interested in the brand's early independent horology and unique complications. Emmanuel's detailed analysis, complete with historical context and personal observations, serves as an essential guide to these fascinating double-sided timepieces.

The Chronograph Double Face (double sided in French) has a second dial at the back of the watch with a single seconds hand moving above three scales: pulsometer, telemeter & tachymeter.

The case has an officer-style aesthetic, but the screws on the lugs are fake (a detail I'm not fond of, personally), the strap being fixed by ordinary spring bars.

I've decided to include three types: two simple chronographs, one perpetual calendar chronograph & two rattrapante (split seconds) chronographs.

Best,

Emmanuel

A/ TWO DOUBLE SIDED CHRONOGRAPHS

39 mm case & calibre 7000, based on Valjoux 7750

1/ Ref. 7000 CC DF in platinum (circa 1992)

credit: Sjx

2/ Ref. 7000 DF in rose gold with salmon guilloché dial (circa 1990)

credit: mr watchley

B/ ONE DOUBLE SIDED PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH Ref. 7000 QPL DF in rose gold (circa 1990)

39 x 14 mm case & cal. FM7000 QP

credit: @horologically_unique (1-4) & @kusanagi_aoi (5-6)

C/ TWO DOUBLE SIDED RATTRAPANTE (split seconds) CHRONOGRAPHS

Self-winding caliber MVT FM 7000-CCRDF - Case: 39 × 13.45 mm in stainless steel

1/ Ref. 7000 CC R DF - Grail Watch 2 - Limited edition of 30 pcs made for the 30th Anniversary of watch magazine Revolution (2022)

Other gorgeous photos have been posted here by Champthekid

credit: loupe this

2/ Ref. 7000 CC R DF ARB - Grail Watch 2.1 'Arabian Panda' - Limited edition of 20 pcs made to celebrate Revolution's office in Dubai (2024)

NB: as Dubai and the Middle East really come alive at night time, Wei Koh decided to make the second dial on the back case fully luminous, so that owners can use their chronographs even in the dark.

credit: wristcheck & revolution (last photo)

About the De Bethune DB25 Ref. DB25

De Bethune DB25 Reference DB25

The DB25 represents De Bethune's entry in the 44.5mm manual-wind category, distinguished by its silver dial configuration within the DB25 series. This reference launched in 2006 and continues the brand's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie complications.

The 44.5mm case is crafted from 18k white gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. Water resistance extends to 30 meters. The manual-winding caliber DB2105 movement provides a substantial 120-hour power reserve. The watch features a leather strap attachment.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking De Bethune's technical approach to timekeeping in a precious metal case. The extended power reserve and manual-wind operation position it for enthusiasts who appreciate hands-on interaction with their timepieces. The 44.5mm sizing places it in contemporary proportions within the independent watchmaking segment.

Specifications

Caliber: DB2105

Case: 18k White Gold

Diameter: 44.5 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Franck Muller Chronograph Double Face, particularly the 2022 Revolution limited edition, continues to captivate collectors, despite some reservations about the brand's overall trajectory or specific watch knowledge.
A critical point of discussion revolves around the movement, with some asserting that the 7000 references utilize a Valjoux 7750 base, which, despite modifications like a platinum rotor, lacks the haute horlogerie finishing expected by some collectors.
The original author, quattro, notes that the double-sided design cleverly conceals the Valjoux movement, and personally finds the fake lug screws a more significant aesthetic drawback than the movement's origin.
Beyond the double-sided models, Franck Muller's single-sided chronographs also garner appreciation for their distinctive design and appeal.
The aesthetic appeal of these early Franck Muller pieces, especially the rose gold with salmon guilloché dial, is consistently highlighted as a reason for their enduring desirability among enthusiasts.

The Discussion

Bruno.M1

Mar 25, 2025

If I’m not mistaken all these 7000 references have a cheap unfinished valjoux 7750 inside And replacing the rotor with a platinum rotor does not make them haute horlogerie They totally lack finishing

MichaelC

Mar 25, 2025

Even with a solid back and just the front side chrono

quattro

Mar 25, 2025

And these double sided models have the good taste of hiding it! I personally mind the fake lug screws more than the Valjoux... Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Mar 25, 2025

Thanks for chiming in. Best, Emmanuel

Mar 25, 2025

I've always been fascinated by Muller's 2-sided chronograph but never felt confident enough in the brand or in my knowledge of the watch to pull the trigger. I'm with you on that 2022 LE of 30 for Revolution. It's superb. Thanks for posting. M4

Credor

Mar 26, 2025

I agree FM is not haute horology but they are about complications which they do well

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Franck Muller Double Sided Chronographs Guide

About the De Bethune DB25 Ref. DB25

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

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