Franck Muller joins forces with #FR2 for another cheeky collab

Russell Sheldrake

Having fun in the watch world can come in all shapes and sizes, but I think we can all agree that we need a bit more of it. While we have had a glut of summer watches this year already, the #Fr2nck Muller Vanguard Beach Limited Edition gives us a shot of irreverence covered in summery vibes. This is actually the second time Franck Muller and streetwear brand #FR2 have joined forces, with the original collaboration coming back in 2023 with a very monochrome take on things, while this new set of limited edition pieces adds splashes of colour in three new case and dial combinations.

The dial

It’s impossible to ignore the two rabbits that feature on all three of these dials, and while they are doing different summer activities on each – surfing, sun tanning, and taking shade under a palm tree – they are also partaking in a far more amorous activity at the same time, such is the signature of the Japanese streetwear brand #FR2. While these bunnies and their various activities take up the bottom left of the dial across the rest of the matte white dials, we have oversized Roman numerals with the two being replaced by the date window that mimics the sun in reference to the streetwear brand’s name.

As mentioned above, there are three versions of this limited run, and each one comes with a different dial and case colour. The Surf Blue shows the two bunnies catching a blue wave, the Heatwave Red has them taking shade under a beach umbrella, and the Tropical Green shows the two rabbits in a lush, tropical scene with palm trees and foliage around them. The skeletonised, case-matching obelisk hands and the characterful rabbits are covered in Super-LumiNova to give a satisfying glow on those long summer nights.

The case

The three case colours come from the glass fibre composite material Franck Muller has opted for in this Vanguard line. The process to produce these cases requires heating glass up to 1,500ºC in order for it to turn into the fibres that are then compressed and coloured into the rich, marbled shades we see here. The marble-effect created by this material adds to the summer vibes of these watches, giving a sense of waves falling onto a sunny beach. This material makes this watch extremely lightweight and durable as well as a fun alternative to ceramic or carbon fibre composite.

Staying true to the Vanguard line, they maintain the tonneau shape with its lugless design that allows the strap to integrate straight into the case itself. While it measures 41mm across and 49.95mm in length, the lack of lugs means it fits snugly to the wrist. The back of the case features a solid stainless steel plate that has been brushed and features an engraving of those cheeky rabbits again, along with the names of both collaborating brands.

The movement

While the outside of this watch doesn’t take itself too seriously, the movement certainly does. The automatic calibre MVT 2536-SCDT2H has a bi-directional winding rotor with a power reserve of 42 hours. The movement had to be modified for this collaboration in order for the date window to be placed at 2 o’clock. This movement appears to be derived from another in-house movement Franck Muller uses widely and has become something of a workhorse for the brand.

The strap

The streetwear vibes continue on the strap of this watch, with graphics that match the case and activity of the watch flow over the white nylon fabric. It secures with Velcro and has a titanium and resin loop to hold it all in place. This style of strap certainly helps give the watch a sporty, more casual feel, as is befitting this fashion and style of watch. Could you imagine this on a high-shine, black croc strap? That would be completely wrong.

The verdict

This watch is entirely unapologetic, whether it is in the bright, bold colour choices, or the amorous rabbits on both sides of the watch, there is nothing about this watch that whispers, and so I can see the potential clients for this will not be the shy types. This is the kind of watch that reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously, and in an industry that is often criticised for its stuffiness. It will certainly not be for everyone, but as Jamie discussed in his interview with Franck Muller CEO Nicholas Rudaz earlier this month, FM has never been a brand to play things safe, and this is just another example of that.

I definitely get more beach club than private members club from this watch, as it was built, ready to take on long days sipping colourful cocktails on the beach. Getting hold of one won’t be that easy, though. Only 300 are being made of each case colour, and they are only available to buy in the Asia-Pacific.

Franck Muller #Fr2nck Muller Vanguard Beach Limited Edition pricing and availability

The #Fr2nck Muller Vanguard Beach Limited Edition is limited to 300 pieces in each colour and is only available in the Asia-Pacific. Price: A$22,000, SG$18,800

Brand	Franck Muller
Model	#Fr2nk Muller Vanguard Beach Limited Edition
Case Dimensions	41mm (D) x 12.2mm (T) x 49.95 (LTL)
Case Material	Glass fibre composite
Water Resistance	30 meters
Crystal(s)	Sapphire crystal
Dial	White with case matching rabbit decoration in lume
Lug Width	N/A
Strap	White nylon with leather underside, velcro fastener
Movement	MVT 2536-SCDT2H, in-house, automatic
Power Reserve	42 hours
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Availability	Limited to 300 in each colour, Asia-Pacific exclusive
Price	A$22,000 SG$18,800