Franck Muller Chronograph Double Face - Unique Salmon dial

The Watch

It's more than likely that your relationship with Franck Muller differs from the next person. The Casablanca, the Crazy Hours, the Master Banker, or possibly even the early 'Tasti Tondi' Chronographs, there are numerous stylised ways to connect with this innovating brand. Yet one of the most intriguing is the Double Face Chronograph, a bewitching realisation of the chronograph made all the more mesmerising by this possibly unique pink-on-pink configuration. Standing as the only one known to the market, this Double Face Chronograph reference 7000 DF is a notable example of an icon from Franck Muller's creative mind. From its convex rounded bezel and straightforward pump pushers to its elaborately significant scroll-like screw lugs, the 18k pink gold exterior of this 39mm piece marries the two sides of early Franck Muller, hugely expressive yet with bespoke classic touches.

But the two dials of this piece do most of the history-honouring lifting. Delve deep enough into Franck Muller's archive, and it will reveal that the 7000 DF and the monoface 7000 CC were fitted with conventional lightly-grained dials, with the most elaborate being a reverse panda execution. But this is no ordinary 7000 DF, as not only does the dial have a magnificent rouged salmon tone, but it also carries a deep, circular Clous De Paris guilloché. Better yet, the piece also includes concentric circles for the applied Roman numerals chapter ring and the recessed sub-registers before a smooth centre completes this trio of dial techniques. The hour and minute are realised in Breguet style, and the elongated chronograph hand carries a similar hollow round counterbalance. Still looking for more? Well, every applied Roman numeral and hand is heat blued, delivering a fantastic contrast to the romantic pink tones of the case and dial.

While the front of the watch is a clean, elegant dress affair, the back conveys Muller's uncompromising and purpose-considered approach to watchmaking. Dedicated to scales and accurate functionality, the back of the watch reveals a silver snail dial with a tachymeter, telemeter and pulsometer. Both black and red typefaces occupy this details-orientated dial along with a concentric circle guilloché, two thin bands of gold, and yet another heat-blued hand, precisely matching the front-sided chronograph hand.   

Franck Muller pieces have always been about making a statement, and this Double Face Chronograph 7000 is truly no exception. The salmon colour is significant. The guilloché dial is equally noteworthy, yet finding both key elements on a single pink gold watch raises the rarity bar tenfold. 

The Movement

Powering this Franck Muller Double Face is the self-winding Franck Muller calibre 7000. Based on the Valjoux 7750, this rhodium-plated movement is complete with fausses côtes and oeil-de-perdrix finishes throughout. Its construction comprises 25 jewels, blued screws, an Incabloc shock absorber, and a straight-line lever escapement. A monometallic balance has been adjusted to 8 positions, accompanied by a self-compensating flat balance spring, a micrometre regulator, and a platinum rotor. The watch features hacking seconds for precise time setting and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph.

How It Wears

Considering it features two dials and is automatic, the 7000 DF is proportionally fantastic. At 39mm with its large bezel and straight, substantial lug design, it remains the right side of commanding on the wrist, allowing the retro charm of its late 20th-century execution to shine. And how about its pink-on-pink realisation with guilloché? Easily the most charming of colours, the tone of this entire piece is simply glorious, only bettered by its heat-blued furniture and hands, which add yet another dimensionality in the light.

An unmistakable Franck Muller, classically conscious yet appropriately daring.

Condition

This possibly unique Franck Muller Double Face Chronograph 7000 DF is presented in good condition, only showing hairline scratches. The watch is offered with its original box as well as its Franck Muller strap and original pink gold pin buckle. The watch is fitted on a Mr Watchley Brown Madras leather strap.

Origin

Franck Muller's foray into independence started like many other independent trailblazers from the late 20th century. He graduated from watchmaking school at 15 before working on restoring vintage Patek Philippe pieces for private collectors and the brand's museum. This exposure during the 1980s is largely responsible for his fixation on complications, which would later become a pillar of his eponymous brand. During this time, Muller formed his brand's vision and began working on uniquely extravagant takes on complications. In 1991, Franck Muller launched and, for the following couple of decades, stood at the zenith of innovative and daringly styled true creations. Pieces fused audacious and exciting styling while drawing on Muller's time working on classic 20th-century Patek's in a way that hadn't been seen before. Models such as the Crazy Hours and boldly stylised Arabic numerals of the Cintree Curvex Casablanca epitomising the former, while the Jump Hour 2852 and the Tasti Tondi esque 36mm bi-compax Chronograph satisfy the latter. This confidence to play with bold, avante-garde concepts was, and still is, the second pillar of Franck Muller, and without it, the third pillar wouldn't have happened: cultural influence.

As the first to truly challenge tradition's long and sacred art, Muller found success from a wide net of clients, simultaneously satisfying the horological connoisseurs and the mainstream. Elton John, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kanye West, Cristiano Ronaldo, Floyd Mayweather – Franck Muller had gone mainstream, forging the pathway to success for future brands while contributing hugely to the creativity early 21st-century watchmaking enjoyed. But Franck Muller wasn't all show no substance, and the chronograph was the complication closest to Muller's heart. 

The Double Face represents the brand's most distinguished chronograph expression. A fusion of two dials with functionality that works effectively on both sides due to an extended pinion, the concept is to preserve the sophisticated elegance delivered by dress chronographs while also providing the information-rich function of various scales. With a rattrapante, split seconds, and a full spectrum of configurations, the Double Face became well-known and regarded. After growing in popularity again, 2022 saw Grail Watch suggest and work with Franck Muller to return the model for a 30th-anniversary celebration.

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium

No stock kept on site