In the world of haute horlogerie, where time is not just measured but celebrated, Franck Muller stands as an overlooked luminary.

Established in 1991, the brand's vision was clear –– to create timepieces that transcend the mundane, leaning on expressions of individuality and above all, elevating timekeeping to an art form. 

Muller the man and Muller the brand have brought a lot to the world of modern horology, and his colorful, mid-1990s/early-2000s tonneau-shaped dress watch collection perfectly exhibits a design language that walks a fine line between classical and whimsical.

This particular Franck Muller Reference 7851 SC DT VIN dates to the 2000s, and is housed in a 35mm x 48mm 18k, white gold tonneau case featuring a curved sapphire crystal, a signed crown and an engraved, numbered caseback. 

For a Franck Muller, the dial feels more restrained, but that doesn’t take anything away from it –– it’s perfectly executed. The enamel dial features a ‘Breguet’ numerals as opposed to the traditional ‘crazy-hour’ configuration, a charming ‘railroad’ minute track at the dial’s periphery, and a circular date aperture at 6 o’clock paired with a matching ‘spade’ handset

This piece features an FM Calibre automatic winding movement and is accompanied on a signed black alligator strap with a matching white gold pin buckle.

Simple and elegant, this piece is left-of-center from the wildly fun pieces we’re used to seeing from FM, but we’re not complaining one bit –– we’re sure you’re not complaining either.