Founded in 1992 by Franck Muller and Vartan Sirmakes and known as the "Master of Complications," Franck Muller, the brand, has grown to become synonymous with complex microengineering, original whacky designs, and incredible attention to detail. While tonneau-shaped cases and colorful dials dominate Franck Muller's modern aesthetic, their earlier watches were more traditional round timepieces that featured somewhat classic design motifs, much like this ref. 2801 from Franck Muller’s “The Complications” collection from the early years of the indie watchmaker. Measuring 35mm in diameter, and featuring a rather discreet silver dial to match its understated white gold case, the ref. 2801 is a beautiful watch indeed. While stylistically restrained across the majority of its design, the ref. 2801 features one funky piece of design that broke from the rest of the ref. 2801’s classic aesthetic – its curved sub-seconds hand. Contrasting its Feuille hands for the hours and minutes, this small hand accidentally forms the foundation of the ref. 2801’s link to Franck Muller’s modern design philosophy and passion for the weird, wacky and wonderful.

A tastefully understated piece of design, the Franck Muller ref. 2801 blends its entirely polished white gold case with its radially-brushed dial to create a wonderful contrast between textures that has to be seen in the metal to be appreciated fully.