Vanguard Casablanca, a new creation by Franck Muller
The Franck Muller Vanguard Casablanca is a limited edition with a stainless steel case and a choice of black, brown or salmon dials.
Often forward-thinking and eccentric, Franck Muller’s creations bring a touch of wild energy to the space, which can sometimes feel a little sober as all the old code is properly maintained with deep dedication.
Franck Muller is so because of his extraordinary ability to navigate the edge of tradition while maintaining the authenticity of watchmaking. Crazy Hours are tricky, Aeternitas Mega is crazy. Because of his technical prowess, no one would seriously confuse the showy and frivolous in Franck Muller’s creations.
However, despite his avant-garde style and watchmaking philosophy, Frank Muller designed one of his most iconic watches, inspired by the 1942 Casablanca movie he watched as a young man. The piece in question is the Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex Casablanca, launched in 1998.
“Casablanca” is a romantic drama set in Morocco during World War II. The costumes for the film stand out for their contemporary luxury and glamour representing the “Old Hollywood” era.
For this reason, the 1998 Cintrée Curvex Casablanca is full of classic elegance, yet a little exotic to suit its surroundings. The tonneau-shaped case is refined, and the oversized hour numerals in Art Deco lettering add to Franck Muller’s signature style.
In 2022, the Cintrée Curvex Casablanca has been updated with a 21st century overhaul in appearance and shape. The new Vanguard Casablanca is available in four cinematic-inspired colorways: black, brown and salmon, as well as a special edition with a black dial with blue accents and contrasting stitching on the hands. The printed hour numerals are large and striking, extending radially in a Franck Muller style, this time more geometric, combining presence and glamour with skeletonized hands that look stronger than the original watch from 1998. Despite these visuals, the dial remains remarkably clear, with the five-minute markers clearly outlined to guide the eye. Franck Muller luxury watch
But the most dramatic shift has to come from the use of Vanguard boxes. Curved, rounded, and polished, the effect is simply enchanting; it’s modern, almost organic, and visually muscular. With the Vanguard case, Casablanca abandons the quiet elegance of the original model in favor of more glamour and confidence. It’s no longer a fancy indulgence, but a power accessory designed to show ambition.
In addition to the time and date version, Vanguard Casablanca also offers a chronograph. Both versions are available in either the V41 variant (41mm case width) or the V43 variant (42.5mm case width) in stainless steel.
Franck Muller Vanguard Casablanca Brown Dial. Franck Muller Vanguard Casablanca, black dial. Franck Muller Vanguard Casablanca with a salmon-colored dial. The Franck Muller Vanguard Casablanca features a black dial with blue details.
My take on the new Franck Muller Vanguard Casablanca
While the corporate space now preaches sustainability, love of the land, and casual attire (at least on Friday), one thing that hasn’t changed is power as the currency of human interaction. perfect watches
Some watches can convey one’s worldly sophistication, cultural sophistication or rugged spirit, but not many remain independent and maverick while conveying strength and ambition. Franck Muller Vanguard Casablanca exudes all these qualities.
Technical Specifications
Franck Muller Vanguard Casablanca Limited Edition
Refs: V 43 SC DT CASA (exclusive to Southeast Asia); V41 SC DT house
Movement: MVT FM 800-DT Automatic winding; 42-hour power reserve.
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds and date.
Housing: 42.5mm x 52.7mm x 12.6mm or 41mm x 49.95mm x 12.2mm; stainless steel; submersible to 30 m.
Dial: Black, brown or salmon; black with blue accents; luminous Arabic numerals.
Strap: Hand-stitched alligator leather, hand-polished stainless steel buckle
