If there is one element that would define Franck Muller watches apart from their tonneau-shaped case, it would be the Cintrée Curvex™ shape of their watches. This curved profile allows the watch to hug the circumference of the wrist resulting in an extremely comfortable wear. With their latest launch, Franck Muller takes this feeling of comfort to the next level by totally redesigning the Vanguard case with remarkably balanced proportions and a gracefully thinner profile. Introducing the Vanguard Slim Skeleton.

This new addition trades in the oversized nature of the Vanguard collection for a more proportional watch relative to the average size of Asian wrists. At only 9.1mm thick, the case also comes with a new size for Franck Muller – 37mm – making it wearable regardless of gender. For those with larger wrists, there is also a 41mm option which doesn’t compromise in terms of thickness.

To achieve this new silhouette, the designers at Franck Muller had to come up with a thinner movement, and thus, the calibre MVT FM 708-SQ was born. This in-house movement was redesigned specifically for the Vanguard Slim Skeleton resulting in a thinner movement, 4.15mm for the 37mm version and a mere 3.83mm for the 41mm version.

Additionally, the movement has also been open-worked with care so that its internal architecture is highly visible. During this process, the movement’s designers also ensured that the remaining parts of the skeletonised bridges synchronised with the signature oversized numerals. In doing this, there is a feeling of airiness within the case of the watch where light can freely travel from one sapphire crystal in the front to the other in the back if it is not blocked by the numerals.

Adding on to this idea of the interplay of light, the entire watch is also paved with 144 brilliant-cut diamonds on the dial and a further 422 diamonds adorning the case, totalling nearly 3.6 carats for the 37mm version. The strap of the watch seamlessly integrates into the case, extending the curved nature of the Vanguard Slim Skeleton. These hand-sewn alligator straps with a rubber underside will be available in either black or blue to accompany the 18-carat white or rose gold case.