Introducing Grail Watch 2: Franck Muller 30th Anniversary ‘Tribute’ Chronographs

Then came the very big question of the movement. Seated together at the big round table at Franck Muller Watchland, we began to discuss this. I immediately knew that using a thicker automatic movement to me wouldn’t work as it would change the proportions of the case too much. At the same time, it is very well known throughout the watch industry that Swatch Group had stopped selling its ébauches, so Lemania movements were a no-go. Then out of nowhere, something truly incredible happened. “Jean-Loup has a surprise for you,” said Nicholas Rudaz with a cheeky grin. With that, the door opened and Glénat walked in and carefully set down a tray in front of me. I peered into it as my mind struggled to fully comprehend what I was perusing. There laid out in front of me were Lemania 1874 movements, all beautifully finished with Côtes de Genève and bearing the Franck Muller signature on their bridges.

Said Glénat, “We searched our archives and we found a small quantity of new old stock Lemania movements from the ’90s. We’ve tested them and they are functioning very well. If we are going to make a real tribute to this early period of Franck Muller, why don’t we put a piece of our history into each of these watches and house one of these vintage movements in every one of them?”

It was at this moment that my brain literally exploded. Said Rudaz, “It’s very important for us that collectors understand that here at Franck Muller, when we do something, we do it with real integrity and authenticity. If we are going to make these ‘Tribute’ watches, then let’s do a real tribute by making every one of these watches something truly special.”