Introduction
The Master Banker is one of Franck Muller's most characteristic complications, taking the familiar travel watch and approaching it in a distinctly unconventional way. Rather than relying on a conventional GMT hand, the watch presents three separate time displays: central hands for local time and two subsidiary dials for additional time zones. Crucially, the subsidiary displays allow both the hours and minutes to be adjusted, making the system useful for locations with half-hour and other non-standard offsets. All three displays are controlled through the crown, preserving the clean profile of Franck Muller's signature Cintrée Curvex case.
Dating to circa 2000, this ref. 5850 MB HV is the distinctive Havana version of the Master Banker, combining an 18K white gold case and matching five-link bracelet with a warm tobacco-beige and silvered dial. Luminous oversized numerals and hour plots add an unexpected sporting element to the otherwise elaborate design, while the two subsidiary time displays create the characteristic symmetry of the Master Banker. Measuring approximately 45 x 31mm, the curved case retains substantial wrist presence without the larger proportions associated with many later Franck Muller watches. This example is individually numbered 28.
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Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Franck Muller
Dimensions
45 x 31mm
Model
Master Banker Havana
Movement
Automatic Franck Muller calibre FM 2800
Reference
5850 MB HV
Bracelet
18K white gold five-link bracelet
Year
Circa 2000
Condition
Excellent
Material
18K White Gold
Included
Box
Dial Color
Tobacco beige and silvered
THE DIAL
The Havana dial combines warm tobacco-beige with contrasting silvered details and blued hands. Oversized luminous Arabic numerals at 12, nine and six are complemented by lume plots around the outer railroad track. Two subsidiary dials display the additional time zones, with the Havana signature incorporated into the lower register and a date aperture at three.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 18K white gold Cintrée Curvex case measures approximately 45mm in length by 31mm across, its curved tonneau architecture designed to follow the wrist. This example is paired with a matching five-link 18K white gold bracelet and folding clasp, giving it a considerably different character from the more commonly encountered leather-strap configuration. The case is individually numbered 28.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The 18K white gold case shows scratches and marks across its polished surfaces. The case back retains crisp engravings and shows wear to the screw heads. The original Franck Muller winding crown is in excellent condition. The dial is in excellent condition, with a small chip near the luminous 9 o’clock hour marker. The hands remain clean. The 18K white gold bracelet shows surface scratches. The bracelet is fitted with 22 links, 6 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 7¾” wrist. Comes with a box which we believe is incorrect for this watch.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
The Master Banker captures much of what made Franck Muller so interesting around the turn of the millennium: traditional watchmaking presented with genuine technical ingenuity and unmistakable design. Its ability to display three independently adjustable time zones is genuinely useful, while the unusual Havana dial and full 18K white gold bracelet make this particular example an especially distinctive execution of one of the brand's signature complications.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
