Franck Muller - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Franck Muller
    Year: Circa 1999
    Reference No: 7000 CC MC 36
    Movement No: 4’495’823
    Case No: 07
    Model Name: Master Calendar Chronograph
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1870, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Franck Muller pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Franck Muller certificate stamped Sincere Watch Ltd, Singapore dated 3 June 1999.

  • Catalogue Essay

    At the dawn of his watchmaking career, Franck Muller embraced subtle designs belying the daring, avant-garde pieces that would later define his eponymous brand. His early work restoring some of horology's rarest and most complicated vintage watches informed this restrained aesthetic. Franck Muller was part of a vanguard of young independent watchmakers in the 1990s, alongside disruptive figures like Vianney Halter and Daniel Roth, who struck out on their own. In 1991, Franck Muller founded his manufacture, soon to become renowned for audacious, cutting-edge timepieces.

    This yellow gold triple calendar chronograph from circa 1999 represents Franck Muller's early embrace of classical proportions, at 36mm diameter. The dial distinguishes itself through stunning blue star-set hour markers, evoking the spirit of the celebrated “Jean-Claude Killy” Rolex Datocompax references made from the 1940s-1960s.

    Within beats the manual-wind Franck Muller cal. 1870, based on the legendary Lemania cal. 1872 found across important vintage chronographs. The renowned movement specialist Lemania gained fame for supplying chronograph calibers to the industry's elite, most notably Omega's iconic Speedmasters.

    Preserved in excellent condition with light oxidation lending an alluring aged charm, this rare Master Calendar Chronograph encapsulates Franck Muller's beginnings - a subtle elegance before the bold designs that followed. For collectors, it carries particular significance as a transitional model and a link to Lemania's esteemed chronograph legacy.

  • Artist Biography

    Franck Muller

    Swiss • 1991

    Specializing in top-quality timepieces, Swiss watchmaking company Franck Muller was founded in 1991 in Geneva. The company was named after watchmaker Franck Muller, also known as the "Master of Complications," and Vartan Sirmakes, Co-Founder and CEO of the Franck Muller Group. Shortly after graduating from watchmaking school in the 1980s, Muller was among the first to create his own tourbillon wristwatch, along with world-renowned brands Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

    In addition to Muller's fine craftsmanship and intricate complications, the brand is often recognized for its modern designs and colorful flare. To date, the brand's notable lines are the Curvex, Crazy Hours, Casablanca, Conquistador, Long Island and Aeternitas, as well as Revolution2 and Revolution3.

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928

Ref. 7000 CC MC 36
A highly rare and attractive yellow gold triple calendar chronograph wristwatch with 24-hour indication and certificate

Circa 1999
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$55,000 - 110,000 
€6,600-13,200
$7,100-14,100

Sold for HK$88,900

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024