Franck Muller unravels the legend of the Wood Dragon for its special-edition Lunar New Year series
Much like other Maisons around the world, Franck Muller joins the Lunar New Year festivities with its own reinterpretation of the revered Wood Dragon. Through its varied skeletonisation techniques, the Master of Complications managed to come up with a dazzling collection that mirrors the complexities of Chinese tradition. Hence, the arrival of the new Vanguard Dragon Slim Skeleton Limited Edition and the Cintrée Curvex Ryoko Kaneta Dragon Limited Edition.
For the latest Vanguard Dragon Slim Skeleton Limited Edition, the timepiece’s signature holographic pedigree shines through. Seen here are the open-worked movement and sleek proportions, elevated by a robust case and those pave-set diamonds. The svelte profile of the Vanguard Slim, after all, has always been an exercise in contrasts.
Among the pieces, the Vanguard Dragon Slim Skeleton Rouge and Vanguard Dragon Slim Skeleton Vert stand out because of those red and green accents. Complementing this are pops of colour from their tinted sapphire case backs. The Vanguard Dragon Slim Skeleton Color Dreams, on the other hand, separates itself from the group with the bright hues in the indices. Each piece references the Wood Dragon with the custom rotor engravings, which has the creature coiling around and protecting the movement.
On the cheekier, more whimsical side of the Year of the Dragon is the Cintrée Curvex Ryoko Kaneta Dragon Limited Edition. Franck Muller collaborated with Japanese artist Ryoko Kaneta to portray the creature as a regal mythical symbol. The piece introduces itself with the dragon anthropomorphised as a series of doll-like girls, a Kaneta staple.
Boasting a neoclassical case marked by curvilinear elements, it has Kaneta’s imprints all over. Each component in the watch is rendered in what’s called a ‘chibi’ style that echoes Japanese ‘kawaii’ culture. The artist was said to have drawn from East Asian aesthetic principles. This is evidenced by the turquoise dial, the matching palette in lacquer, and the textured guilloché pattern. Hints of aqua blue and the turquoise strap serve as visual links of sorts.
Only 10 pieces of each of the Vanguard Dragon Slim Skeleton Limited Edition’s reference will be available at Franck Muller boutiques in the Asia. Meanwhile, The Cintrée Curvex Ryoko Kaneta Dragon Limited Edition is available in a limited run of just 500 pieces priced at AU$ 21,100.
Visit Franck Muller Asia Pacific for more information.
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