Russell Sheldrake
Enjoying the world of watches can come in all shapes and sizes, but I think we can all agree that there is a little more to be needed. There have already been plenty of summer watches this year, but the #FR2NCK Muller Vanguard Beach Limited Edition offers a shot of disrespectfulness covered in the summer vibe. In fact, this is the second time Frank Muller and the streetwear brand #FR2 have joined forces, with a very black and white shoot in 2023, with this new limited edition piece adding a splash of colours with three new cases and dial combinations.
Dial
It is impossible to ignore the two rabbits that feature on all three of these dials. They each do a variety of summer activities: surfing, tanning and shade under palm trees. He also participates in much more arousing activities at the same time. These bunnies and their various activities occupies the bottom left of the dial across the rest of the matte white dial, but with a larger Roman number replaced by a date window that mimics the sun in relation to the streetwear brand name.
As mentioned above, there are three versions of this limited run, each with a different dial and case color. Surf Blue is a pair of bunnies catching blue waves, and heat wave reds are shaded under beach umbrellas. Tropical green shows two rabbits in a lush, tropical scene with palm trees and leaves. The skeletonized case-matching obelisk hands and distinctive rabbits are covered in Super Luminova, giving those long summer nights a satisfying glow.
case
The colors of the three cases are those chosen by Franck Muller, a fiberglass composite material, for this Vanguard line. The process of producing these cases requires the glass to be heated up to 1,500ºC. This is converted into fibers and compressed and colored into the rich marble tints you see here. The marble effect created by this material adds to the summer atmosphere of these watches, giving the feeling of waves to the sunny beach. This material makes this watch extremely lightweight and durable, making it a fun alternative to ceramic or carbon fiber composites.
It stays true to the Vanguard line and maintains the shape of the tonneau with a laggless design that allows the strap to be integrated directly into the case itself. It is 41mm long and 49.95mm long, but the lack of lug means it fits perfectly on your wrist. On the back of the case is a brushed solid stainless steel plate, which again features these cheeky rabbit sculptures, along with the names of both collaborative brands.
Movement
The outside of this watch doesn’t take itself too seriously, but the movement certainly does. The automatic caliber MVT 2536-SCDT2H has a bidirectional winding rotor with a 42-hour power reserve. For this collaboration, the movement had to be changed for this collaboration in order to place the date window at 2am. This movement appears to be derived from another in-house movement widely used by Frank Muller, and has become the mainstay of the brand.
strap
The streetwear vibe continues with the straps of this watch. The graphics flows the watch case and activity over a white nylon fabric. It is secured with Velcro and has titanium and resin loops that hold everything in place. This style of strap certainly helps to give the watch a sporty and casual feel, just as it deserves this fashion and style of watch. Can you imagine this with a high-shined black crocodile strap? That would be completely wrong.
verdict
This watch is not an apology at all, whether it’s a bright, bold choice of colours or the lustful rabbit on either side of the watch. There’s nothing whispering about this watch. This is a watch that reminds you not to take yourself too seriously, and is a reminder in an industry that is often criticized for being packed with it. That certainly isn’t for everyone, but as Jamie discussed in an interview with Frank Muller CEO Nicholas Ludas earlier this month, FM was not a brand that does something safe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6zl2oujwz0
I’m definitely getting more beach clubs from this watch than private member clubs and ready to spend a long day sipping colorful cocktails on the beach. However, grabbing one is not that easy. Only 300 are made in each case colour and can only be purchased in the Asia Pacific region.
Franck Muller #FR2NCK Muller Vanguard Beach Limited Edition Pricing and Availability
#FR2NCK Muller Vanguard Beach Limited Edition is limited to 300 colors and is available only in the Asia Pacific region. Price: $22,000, $18,800
Brand Franck Muller Model 2536-SCDT2H, In-house, Automatic Power Reserve 42 Hours Function Time, Minutes, Seconds, Date Availability Limited to 300 in each color, Asia Pacific Exclusive Price A $22,000
SG $18,800
