Introducing the Grand Central Tourbillon Flash CX 36

Without exaggeration, the new Franck Muller Grand Central Tourbillon Flash CX 36 is a truly off-kilter watch that just might set a new trend for spirited high-end timepieces.

When the name of Franck Muller is evoked, it conjures up images of large numerals, precious metals and extravagant diamond setting. The Grand Central Tourbillon Flash CX 36 — also referred to as “the Flash” — possess none of the aforementioned features, which is why it stands out so distinctly from among Franck Muller’s 2023 WPHH (World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie) novelties.

Nonetheless, the Flash truly encapsulates Franck Muller’s charisma and bold personality. Known by many names, such as the ‘Master of Complications’ and the ‘Maverick’ of Swiss watchmaking, the living legend Franck Muller is best known as the greatest watchmaker of his generation. Besides having confidently and competently built, and combined, every complication known to mechanical watchmaking, Muller was also the revolutionary who transformed the tourbillon from a hidden utilitarian mechanism that negates gravitational forces, to a captivating conversation starter that embodies the sophistication of haute horlogerie.

On the understatedly elegant visage of the Flash, trademark Franck Muller-style numerals have been swapped out for neon indices that are arranged in a radial pattern and direct your attention to its namesake Grand Central Tourbillon, which has been relocated from the six o’clock position to the center of the dial beneath the central hour and minute hands. When the Grand Central Tourbillon was first debuted, it was the first tonneau-shaped watch with central tourbillon. This relocation of the tourbillon necessitated more than a year of research and development. Inspired by futuristic automobiles, the Flash has colorful indices that are extra bright, even in darkness, because they are made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a material used in the automotive industry to make car lights.

In the middle of a microblasted black matte dial, the Grand Central Tourbillon rises up, whirling within a blackened titanium bezel. The Flash is enthroned in the brand’s instantly recognizable Cintrée Curvex CX case that was debuted in 2021, this time fashioned in carbon. Another subtle edit that heightens the visual experience of this timepiece is its larger sapphire crystal, which is fitted at the 12 o’clock and six o’clock positions using a special technique, so that a wide, unhindered view is achieved that stretches from one pair of lugs to the other. This has also resulted in the Flash having a more curved profile than other Franck Muller timepieces. The neon strap too is integrated into the case’s design, and is made of nylon with a calf leather underside.

“We’re very excited by the new design of the Grand Central Tourbillon Flash CX in 36mm carbon case,” says Franck Muller CEO Nicholas Rudaz. “The idea was to create something much more funky than the classic Grand Central Tourbillon that we’ve been presenting since 2021. We’ve also downsized it to 36mm — much more wearable, much more comfortable. The idea was to do something different and fashionable.”

Inspired by futuristic automobiles, fun and exuberance after nightfall, the luminous Flash is available in blazing orange, neon green and electric blue.

Franck Muller Grand Central Tourbillon Flash CX 36

Movement: Self-winding caliber MVT FM CX 36T-CTR; four-day power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds and tourbillon
Case: 36.50mm x 52.65mm x 12.30mm; carbon; Blackened titanium inner bezel; water resistant to 30m
Dial: Microblasted matte black brass; PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) indices
Strap: Nylon with calf leather underside; brushed stainless steel buckle with black PVD coating