Four dial variations in silver, blue, anthracite, and tan are presented
under a domed sapphire crystal with a nicely balanced two-register display on the
Race chronograph. Each of the four colorways features a vertical linear pattern
on the dial made with 25 layers of clear lacquer applied over the base color.
Once cured, the familiar Franck Muller numerals are hand painted onto the dial
adding that extra touch of palpable quality.
The proportions of the case have been well thought out and are perfect for this type of retro sport timepiece. The Race Chronograph is not huge with a 42mm diameter yet remains easy to read thanks to the wide aperture for the dial. Doing away with excess markings, scales, tachymetric and tachometric functions on the dial and bezel creates a less is more approach and establishes the Race as a dress chronograph that leans towards purity and clean design rather than a frenzy of clutter and calculation scales of the prototypical “instrument” chronograph.
Inside the case beats a customized automatic winding
chronograph Cal 7003 composed of 283 individual components decorated,
assembled, and regulated by Franck Muller’s in-house team of talented
watchmakers & technicians. Visible through the see-through back (pictures
coming soon), this movement beats at 28,800bph (8 beats per second), is
anti-magnetic, shock resistant, and will accurately track time for 46 hours
when fully wound.
Franck Muller’s Round Race Chronograph is a timeless take on
the instrument watch and offers an understated elegance in a classic bi-compax
layout designed and built to Franck Muller’s own high horological
standards.