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Your watch impressed me so much...
that I started looking back at old Franck Muller Cintrees to see if I could get that same magic at sub-Patek prices.
I'm afraid the answer is 'no.'
A visit to Franck Muller
During my stay in Geneva last February , I visited the Franck Muller boutique . Unfortunately, it was a disappointing visit for two main reasons : First, the printed dials lack the charm of a guilloché dial. I was wearing my Chronometro Gondolo, and the d...
F M
It appears that the greatness has disappeared from this great watch of bygone days. I always wanted a crazy hours but just never got there. I am sorry your visit was less than fulfilling and thank you for you frank review. I am sure you will have better v...
Thank you, Patrick.
As far as I can tell from this experience, FM today is clearly a brand which has lost its way, unfortunately… Best, Emmanuel
No, there’s no clear information available
and I didn’t want to spend some time digging and searching. I tend to think that the calibers used are pretty basic. Best, Emmanuel
Early FM is the way to go.
As he lost his way and his brand, FM never recovered. Early models are awesome. I loved my 6850 triple calendar. The dial was quite stunning. I’d certainly look again, but only early ones.
I think you’re completely right:
early is the only way to go. The watches I have been able to try on felt really “cheaply made”. I’m very sorry to have to say such a thing. Best, Emmanuel
Thanks very much for these insights!
Very disappointing, indeed! The website is a joke! It seems to reflect the whole experience. I was never a big fan of Frank Muller, but at least the crazy hour model I found inspiring. Movements, as far as I know from earlier days, is nothing fascinating:...
Yes, unfortunately,
everything I’ve experienced during this visit felt “cheaply made” (I’m truly sorry to have to say such a thing). The difference between FM and other famous brands whose boutiques are located nearby in Geneva is really important, even shocking I must say… ...
Did you consider contacting him and saying WTF Franck?
I realize that would be confrontational and out of order for you and WPS generally but while I'm being facetious it WOULD be interesting to know what his philosophy is and why collectors appreciate his earlier work more than the current offerings. Of cour...
Yes, a little rant would be justified,
but I don't think I will ever meet the man and I assume his choices are deliberate. Best, Emmanuel
I used to love his watches, but now they seem kind of dated to me. I guess due to the oversized cases and in your face numbers.
Not sure how never people in the hobby feel.
The design is more than 100 years old, so definitely old,
but I like it. What I don't like is the very low quality... Best, Emmanuel
Your watch impressed me so much...
that I started looking back at old Franck Muller Cintrees to see if I could get that same magic at sub-Patek prices. I'm afraid the answer is 'no.'
Franck Mueller watches are fun
but unfortunately they never speak to me. By the way, I remember having read somewhere, that Franck has sold his franchise and the brand is no longer his. Is my memory correct?
I don't know, unfortunately...
AI says: "No — Franck Muller is no longer the owner of his brand. Control of the Franck Muller Group rests with Vartan Sirmakes, the co‑founder and longtime business partner. Franck Muller himself has not controlled the company for years." Best, Emmanuel ...
A common pattern, unfortunately
Brand builds out thanks to original design, quickly gains market share and adds enthusiasts, money starts flowing in and slowly management becomes lazy and the brand start losing its idendity and long-time supporters. I've seen that playbook unfold so man...
I'm afraid you're completely right about how some brands evolve.
And I completely agree with what your say concerning the CX or full custom order. Best, Emmanuel