Less is More with Franck Muller's Latest Vanguard Slim Skeleton

Franck Muller’s sporty Vanguard is best known for its brawny physique and dynamic style, but over the years its robust personality has been steadily refined, first with the flatter and sleeker Vanguard Slim, then with the ornate openwork of the Vanguard Slim Skeleton. The latter receives the bling treatment in 2023, and more importantly, debuts a new 37mm case size for the brand.

At 9.1mm thin, the Vanguard Slim Skeleton retains the spirited disposition of the classic Vanguard through its remarkably balanced proportions at both 41mm and 37mm sizings. There’s a three-dimensional feel to its form in the hand and on the wrist, with the 37mm in particular departing from the usual wide-but-thin (essentially flat) dimensions to wrap more elegantly around slimmer wrists. The side insert highlights the contours of the curved case, a detail that recalls the original’s athletic design.

While skeleton movements on the full-bodied Vanguard are usually bold architectural constructions, they are far more decorative on the Vanguard Slim. To accommodate the extreme case thinness, components of the in-house FM 708 automatic movement are finely carved, open-worked and hand-polished to create a composition based around soft curves. Even the distinctive Franck Muller numerals have been carefully cut out for transparency. Most impressively, the skeleton is curved to follow the signature Cintrée Curvex profile, a feat of watchmaking that enhances the stunning visual impact of the pared-down look.

As if that wasn’t enough, the case in rose or white gold as well as the numerals are fully encrusted in diamonds — a scintillating play of light in ethereal space. An integrated alligator leather strap flows seamlessly from the case to complete the curved profile of the watch.

Discover the new Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Skeleton online now.