Since its release in 1992, the Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex has become the iconic shape of the Geneva-based manufacture, with its exquisitely curved case and unique contours. The silhouette continues to express the brand’s unique identity and expertise in case manufacturing. As the trend of sports watches took off in the past decade, Franck Muller kept pace with the release of the Vanguard collection and most recently, the Franck Muller Vanguard Crazy Hours Asia Edition.

Inspired by the curves of the Cintrée Curvex, the Vanguard Crazy Hours Asia Edition takes a step towards a sporty direction in whimsical fashion. Earlier this year at Franck Muller’s WPHH watchmaking fair, the Crazy Hours complication was presented in a Vanguard case for the first time ever, albeit in stainless steel.

The Vanguard Crazy Hours Asia Edition however comes cased in a sportier lightweight black carbon case, in line with what most luxury watchmakers are doing with high-tech case materials. The predominantly black watch features flashy pops of colour with red, yellow or orange applied indexes in Franck Muller’s inimitable typeface. Echoing the flashy numerals are inserts found on the side of the watch case, an emblazoned crown and the stitches of the alligator strap.

Within the case lies one of Franck Muller’s best-known complications, the Crazy Hours, which is a jumping hour module. To those unfamiliar with the complication, the placement of the hour indexes is deliberate, not random. The hour hand jumps to the next proper hour index as time advances. After every 60 minutes, the hour hand would jump to the next correct number, wherever it happens to be, hence the Crazy Hour moniker. Meanwhile, the minute and second hand operate in a traditional 60-minute cycle.

Powering the mechanism is the patented automatic in-house FM 2800 movement with 42-hour power reserve. A close inspection reveals the ingenious trick behind the Crazy Hours. F

. For every hour jump, the hour hand jumps five positions ahead, moving along in continuous fashion. The movement is decorated with Côtes de Genève and sunray brushing on the bridges and oscillating weight, circular graining on both sides of the bottom plate, diamond polishing on the bridges and 24k gold finish on the engravings.

The exclusive Franck Muller Vanguard Crazy Hours Asia Edition faithfully reflects Franck Muller’s audacity and flamboyance.

Franck Muller Vanguard Crazy Hours Asia Edition Specs and Price

Movement Automatic Calibre FM 2800 movement; 42-hour power reserve

Case 44mm in black carbon; water-resistant to 30m

Strap Alligator strap

Price $26,087