The Krypton™ collection is gets a new model i- the Franck Muller Krypton Vanguard Racing Skeleton Grande Date. The collection is known for its stylish engine-turned skeletonized dial, is the base for the novelty which is fitted with two complications, a chronograph and a large date.
Review: Franck Muller Krypton™ Racing Skeleton Grande Date
The Case and Dial
While the original Vanguard Krypton had a forged carbon case with waves of LumiNova® material, the new Vanguard Racing Krypton watches use a new process that creates points of luminous material within the carbon case, appearing like clusters of stars on a deep black sky. The carbon case measures 44mm (W) x 53.70mm (L) x 15.10mm (T) and is shaped in the signature Cintree Curvex design.
The Racing Krypton models are bold with large applied skeletonised Arabic numerals and indexes, and come in two dial colours: green and blue, with military green or blue inserts on the sides of the case, respectively. The brushed case with broad curves, harmonious contours and balanced proportions, are a sporty take on the classic Vanguard case. In our review sample, the pop of the brilliant blue is certainly very eye catching.
The Racing Krypton collection features two models, a three-hand model and our review sample – the Grande Date chronograph with a large date display. The Vanguard Racing Krypton Grande Date has a skeletonised dial and counters, revealing the FM 7002 movement under the display. The large date features a double wheel date display.
The watch has a modern design with a relatively stealthy look even with the pop of color. The case material and construction conveys a sporty automotive styling with a certain tool watch vibe to it. It comes with a hand sewn alligator strap with brushed black PVD-coated folding buckle.
The Movement
The watch uses an automatic MVD FM 7002-V1GGDTC3 movement. It appears to be build on a Valjoux Ebauche with a cam and lever actuation. The movement has a 46-hour power reserve with 217 components and 33 jewels. Balance wheel frequency is set at 28,800 vibrations per hour.
For finishing, we see Côtes de Genève and sunray brushing on the bridges and the rotor. A cut through rotor reveals more of the plate with circular graining on the two sides of the main plate. Chamfered bridges with 24k gold bath and rhodium-plated components is accompanied by circular brushing of the rotor ball bearing. It also comes with sunray brushing on the barrel with 45° anglage and sunray brushing of the ratchet.
Concluding thoughts
The watch is a sporty tool watch with an attractive case design and unique materials. While the movement is not fully in-house, the addition of a large date module does add some intrigue on the dial side. The color variations are colorfully in line with Franck Muller’s palette options. Ultimately, the watch looks good for what it is and is a good choice for those seeking non-steel sports watches.
