The sporty Vanguard collection was unveiled to the world in 2013, and even though it is younger than flagship lines Cintrée Curvex™ and Long Island, it has quickly risen to create a niche of its own. Available in materials as diverse as carbon, bronze, and titanium, the latest additions to the line are two India limited edition watches that commemorate the brand's retailer partner Kapoor Watch Company completing 55 years in the industry and also India’s 75th year of independence.
Unveiled by brand ambassador Ranveer Singh in New Delhi last week, the two limited edition watches include a steel and gold Vanguard that's limited to 100 pieces, and a rose gold, limited to 50. In true Vanguard style, the watches are 45mm tonneau-cased pieces, with green dials, and feature oversized applique hour markers. The cases are polished, and the casebacks of both editions are etched with the map of India. A date window rests at 6 o’clock, with the digits in black resting against white. The watches are flanked by crocodile leather straps in green, with a rubber inlay. Beating inside is the FM 800-DT self-winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve and a 4 Hz frequency.
Talking about this special collection launch, Erol Baliyan, Regional Director Middle East and Asia, Franck Muller, Watchland SA said, "Vanguard is probably one of the most successful models of Franck Muller in India and it is the extension of our trademark Cintrée Curvex. This model is more masculine and sporty, and that is what the market wants, so we decided to go with this [for the India collection]. So, after years of success for Franck Muller in India and our partner Kapoor Watch Company, we decided that this was the right time to introduce India’s first limited edition Franck Muller timepiece. Along with this, it was the 55th year of Kapoor Watch Company and the 75th year of India’s Independence. All this combined was a perfect time for us to announce this beautiful limited timepiece."
Baliyan tells us that, given that there were so many India-centric attributes to represent, it was decided that a map be engraved on the caseback of the watches. To make it even more special, these watches will only be available in India, exclusively at Kapoor Watch Company stores.
"Partnership, research, and development started two years ago, along with discussions on designs, size, and aesthetics," explains Raunaq Kapoor, Director, Kapoor Watch Company, about the partnership with Franck Muller. "Also, getting approval from the government for the map of India began around the same time, as these projects take a while to come into play."
Since 2019, the brand has had a celebrity partner in Ranveer Singh, and it is an association that has been fruitful for Franck Muller; it was the actor who unveiled the watch last Friday in New Delhi. "With Ranveer Singh, we have had a very fruitful partnership for the last three years," says Baliyan. "Three years ago, we started this partnership, and it has affected our sales in a very positive way and rapidly. This partnership has been extended for another three years. This gentleman has a style that caters to different setups; he is very fashionable. The Indian consumer relates to it, and this is what they want. "
"Baliyan says that Singh has visited the Franck Muller headquarters in Switzerland and is a fan of the maison’s complications. "To keep this partnership stronger, Franck Muller has plans to involve the ace actor in the design process, and one never knows, the next limited edition might be around Ranveer Singh," adds Baliyan.
The India limited edition watches are priced at Rs 11,70,000 for the steel and gold version, and Rs 18,72,000 for the rose gold version, and come in a specially designed box.
Images: Courtesy Kapoor Watch Company
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