Franck Muller, a staple in the Sincere Fine Watches catalog for more than 32 years, releases a new Vanguard in damascus steel for the Sincere Platinum Jubilee.
Press Release with commentary in italics.
New: Franck Muller Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition
The Franck Muller Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition Ref. V 43 S6 SQT DAMAS SINCERE 70TH (5N( retails for SGD 71,100. Price is inclusive of GST and the watch is a limited edition of 28 pieces.
Commentary
The novelty is based on the Franck Muller Vanguard Damascus Steel Skeleton collection with two main differences. The case for the novelty is smaller at 43mm width vs 45mm in the regular collection, and the Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition has a dial flange, hands and crown in 18k rose gold. This two tone finish completely changes the visual of the watch, making the dial pop.
The seconds sub-dial is also made of a sapphire glass donut shaped disc instead of metal in the regular editions.
The striations on the case of the bimetal used for the damascus steel process can be felt as one runs one’s fingers across the case band. These bands are the signature of damascus steel, which uses two stainless steel alloys (316L and 304L) layered one over the other, and the case machined from the block of stacked sheets. Damascus steel has a reputation for toughness and resistance to shattering. The steel is also manufactured in a more artisanal way than traditional stainless steel which is usually made in huge industrial foundry.
The use of this material is made more impressive as the bridges of the movement is also made from the same damascus steel, with the signature striations also visible and embraced as part of the design.
The movement remains the highly skeletonised MVT FM 1740-VS2, also constructed in with damascus steel bridges. With the skeletonised dial, the movement is visible from the dial side as well as from the case back.
Franck Muller Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition Release details
Commemorating Sincere Fine Watches’ 70th Anniversary, Franck Muller proudly presents the Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition. Limited to 28 pieces, this special edition showcases the brand’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship.
Franck Muller has long been an embodiment of contemporary haute horlogerie, known for its fiercely independent spirit and expertise in pushing boundaries with novel materials and designs. The Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition is a testament to this legacy, marking a significant advancement in the fine craft of metallurgy.
As its name suggests, this Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition utilises Damascus Steel, a unique material that combines different alloys of steel together. Originating from the city of Damascus in Syria, this outstanding material is renowned for its incredible strength and distinctive layered patterns. Over the years, Damascus steel has spread throughout the world, celebrated for its durability and striking appearance.
The Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition is crafted from a high-quality alloy of two austenitic stainless steels (316L and 304L), created through powder metallurgy, offering unparalleled strength and corrosion resistance. This innovative material combines two types of stacked steels, a process protected by an international patent which ensures high resistance to shocks and eliminates impurities, allowing the movement to function unhindered.
The use of Damascus Steel in the Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition was a deliberate choice, symbolising the enduring bond between Sincere Fine Watches and Franck Muller. The intricate layering of the two alloys forms the case of this timepiece and represents the unique relationship between the two entities. When Franck Muller was established in 1991, Sincere immediately recognised the brand’s potential, becoming one of the first retailers to integrate the marque into its portfolio, before eventually becoming their exclusive distributor in Southeast Asia in 1992. Since then, both parties have developed a strong partnership, collaborating closely and achieving significant milestones together.
The case, entire skeletonised movement, crown and buckle of the Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition are meticulously cut by in-house CNC machines from single blocks of Damascus steel. Each timepiece boasts a unique striated pattern, revealed through a precise acid bath process, mastered in-house by Franck Muller. Immersing the skeletonised movement in the acid bath is a carefully timed process lasting only a few minutes to avoid any deformation or shrinkage of the material. With its spectacular case, skeletonised movement, crown and buckle all fully made of Damascus steel, the technological know-how that goes into each piece of the Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition is on full display. Unlike conventional steel, Damascus steel requires a careful polishing process to maintain its distinctive design, ensuring an impeccable finish that showcases Franck Muller’s commitment to excellence.
Tantalisingly openworked, the calibre MVT FM 1740-VS2 found in the Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition has been skeletonised to a refined depth, revealing its intricate architecture of Damascus steel bridges. Its elaborate inner workings are perfectly framed by a rose gold flange, which is complemented seamlessly by the hour, minute and second hands, side inserts and crown cap, all also flawlessly crafted from rose gold. A white sapphire seconds counter ring positioned at 6 o’clock is also adorned with seconds markers made of rose gold.
Operating at 2.5Hz and boasting a 7-day power reserve, the skeletonised calibre MVT FM 1740-VS2 is a testament to Franck Muller’s impeccable craftsmanship, highlighted through a variety of meticulously executed finishing techniques. The regulator assembly is adorned with mirror polishing, while the mainplate, bridges, and regulator assembly feature precise beveling. Flank drawing enhances the mainplate and bridges, adding depth to the intricate skeletonised design. The sinks are finished with diamond polishing, and the wheels are circular satin brushed, emphasising the movement’s refined details. Satin brushing on the mainplate and bridges further complements the movement’s sophisticated aesthetic, resulting in a visually stunning and technically impressive timepiece.
Enhancing the striking design of the Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition is a sleek black alligator leather strap, accented by rose gold-coloured stitching. Every design detail has been thoughtfully considered, including that of the buckle, crafted from Damascus steel, featuring a rose gold FM emblem. This attention to detail underscores the brand’s dedication to creating timepieces that are not only technically superior but also visually stunning.
The Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition embodies Franck Muller’s spirit of innovation, pushing the boundaries of materials and design. This exceptional timepiece is a testament to the brand’s mastery of complex machining techniques, executed entirely in-house. By exploring the possibilities of different and unique materials, Franck Muller continues to offer unparalleled collections that blend tradition with modernity.
Franck Muller Vanguard Damascus Steel Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition Specifications
Movement
| Movement | MVT FM 1740-VS2 |
| Power Reserve | 7 days |
| Frequency | 18,000 oscillations per hour (2.5 Hertz) |
| Width | 35.75mm |
| Length | 37.6mm |
| Thickness | 6mm |
| Components | 175 |
| Jewels | 21 |
| Diameter | 33.5mm |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds at 6 o’clock |
| Finesses | Double barrel power reserve with skeletonised manual wound movement |
| Movement Decoration | Mirror polishing on the regulator assembly Beveling on the mainplate, bridges and regulator assembly Flank drawing on the mainplate and bridges Diamond polishing on the sinks Circular satin brushing on the wheels Satin brushing on the mainplate and bridges |
Case
| Shape | Vanguard case |
| Material | Damascus steel |
| Width | 42.5mm |
| Length | 52.7mm |
| Thickness | 12.6mm |
| Crown | 18ct rose gold |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Caseback | Sapphire crystal Caseback is decorated with Sincere Platinum Jubilee 70th Anniversary Logo |
| Water Resistance | 3 Bar |
| Limited Edition | 28 pieces |
Dial
| Finishing | Skeleton dial Damascus steel |
| Hands | 18ct rose gold hour, minute and second hands |
| Flange | 18ct rose gold |
Strap
| Strap | Handsewn black alligator leather strap with bronze stitching |
| Buckle | Damascus steel buckle, 18k rose gold Franck Muller emblem |
