Franck Muller: the journey of a master

A watchmaking genius and the reinvention of tradition in Cvstos

30 Jan 2025

By Irina Perova

The name Franck Muller is synonymous with the pinnacle of haute horology, where bold innovation meets masterful craftsmanship. Since founding his own manufacture in 1991, Muller has quickly risen to become one of the most revolutionary figures in contemporary watchmaking. His unique style merges classical traditions with audacious design, forever altering the perception of high watchmaking.

Photo: INSTAGRAM/FRANCKMULLER_GENEVE

Born in 1958, Franck Muller displayed a fascination for mechanisms from a young age. His journey began at the prestigious Geneva School of Watchmaking, where he quickly stood out as one of its most gifted students. Even in his early years, he was already restoring antique timepieces, developing complex movements, and mastering the historic art of watch complications. After completing his studies, Muller began receiving exclusive orders from elite collectors, who entrusted him with some of the rarest and most valuable timepieces in the world. This experience not only deepened his knowledge of horological craftsmanship but also inspired him to push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.

The birth of the Franck Muller manufacture

In 1991, Franck Muller joined forces with his business partner, Vartan Sirmakes, to establish a watchmaking Maison that would later become known as Watchland. From its very first collections, the brand positioned itself as a true pioneer in haute horology, introducing complications that were once reserved for an elite circle of collectors.

Franck Muller’s watches became known for their groundbreaking complications, including:

Crazy Hours – A revolutionary display where numerals appear in a non-sequential order, and the hour hand jumps unpredictably to the correct time, creating an illusion of time in motion;
Master Banker – Designed for business travelers, this model features three independent time zones, allowing the wearer to track multiple locations simultaneously;
Aeternitas Mega 4 – One of the most complex wristwatches ever created, boasting 36 complications and an astonishing 1,483 components in its movement.

Photo: INSTAGRAM/FRANCKMULLER_GENEVE

The spirit of innovation that thrives within Watchland led to the creation of a new player in haute horology in 2005 – Cvstos. With a name derived from Latin, meaning “Guardian”, Cvstos inherited the pioneering essence of Franck Muller but adapted it for a dynamic, 21st-century aesthetic.

What sets Cvstos apart from Franck Muller classics?

Aerodynamic forms & transparent cases: Cvstos emphasizes aerodynamic aesthetics, favoring skeletonized dials, futuristic materials, and lightweight structures such as titanium and carbon fiber.

High-tech movements: The Challenge collection features tourbillons and skeletonized calibers, showcasing the mesmerizing mechanics of watchmaking.

Daring color palettes: Unlike the sophisticated elegance of Franck Muller, Cvstos plays with bold contrasts, often incorporating ceramic, rose gold, and vibrant accents.

Collaborations with motorsport & aviation: Cvstos partners with race car drivers and pilots, developing limited-edition models that withstand extreme conditions.

Photo: INSTAGRAM/cvstos_official

One of the most celebrated Cvstos models is the Challenge Chrono II – an automatic chronograph featuring a large case and ergonomic design, perfect for those with an active lifestyle.

While Franck Muller and Cvstos operate as distinct brands, they are united by the same mission: redefining watchmaking. If Franck Muller represents the balance between tradition and avant-garde, then Cvstos embodies the new era of luxury sports watches. Together, these brands continue to inspire watch enthusiasts worldwide, proving that bold innovation and uncompromising craftsmanship are timeless virtues in haute horology.