FRANCK MULLER CINTRÉE CURVEX

The history of this Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex

In 1991, Franck Muller and Vartan Sirmakes founded their watchmaking workshop in Genthod, near Geneva, with the ambition of specialising in horological complications. As early as 1992, the Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex established the young Maison’s signature silhouette. Its tonneau-shaped case is curved lengthways, domed across the width and curved in profile – a three-dimensional design that very few watchmakers were able to produce at the time, in an era dominated by round and rectangular shapes. The dial bears the brand’s other signature feature: large Arabic numerals with elongated thick and thin strokes that follow the curve of the case, making the watch instantly recognisable. The reference 7880 SC DT denotes the medium-sized Cintrée Curvex, featuring a central seconds hand and date, whilst its case back, engraved with ‘Master of Complications’, recalls the mission the Maison has set itself since its foundation.

Case, movement and strap of this Cintrée Curvex

The mirror-polished steel case measures 36 mm wide by 50 mm long, beneath a domed sapphire crystal that follows the curve of the case. The fluted crown, stamped with the FM logo, is positioned at 3 o’clock, and the brushed caseback is secured by four screws. The black dial, featuring a concentric guilloché pattern, displays raised white Arabic numerals, a round date window encircled at 6 o’clock and the inscription ‘Platinum Rotor’. This refers to the platinum oscillating weight of the automatic movement. Being denser than gold, platinum gives the weight greater inertia and makes winding more efficient with every movement of the wrist. The movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of 42 hours. The sword-shaped hands with white inserts and the slender silver central seconds hand stand out clearly against the black dial. The steel bracelet features five rows of offset, polished links, assembled with screws, and fastens with a brushed folding clasp whose push-button bears the FM logo.

Why this Franck Muller watch

Most Cintrée Curvex models of this size are worn on leather or alligator straps. This model combines a black dial with a steel link bracelet – a more understated look on the wrist and a simpler option to wear, with no need to change the strap with the changing seasons. The curvature of the case follows the contour of the wrist along its entire length, so that the 50 mm case width feels much more compact on the wrist. Purchased second-hand, this Franck Muller watch offers the design that has made the Genthod-based manufacturer’s reputation, in polished steel suitable for everyday wear.

Contents and condition

The watch is supplied in its Franck Muller case made of varnished burl wood, edged in black, with a black leather interior bearing the brand’s signature and brass fittings. It was repolished prior to being put up for sale. The case has regained its mirror-like finish and the bracelet its contrast between polished links and a satin-finished interior, with no marks visible to the naked eye. The buyer receives a pre-owned watch, ready to be worn again without any further work required.

Warranty and delivery

The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.