Franck Muller

There is certainly more than meets the eye about this particular watch. Upon first glance one perhaps notices that it is a perpetual calendar, a second might uncover the slide to the case band denoting it is minute repeating. Upon closer inspection however one will see the dial is signed 'Franck, Geneve' and a look at the case back will reveal the watch is numbered 1. As such it becomes clear that this is very early and very complicated pre-brand wristwatch by Franck Muller, a unique example in fact, the only one of its kind assembled in 1992.

What is more, inside, once the snap-on case back is prised off, one will find a stamp ‘JHP’. To many this will be recognised as a simple case makers stamp but to the discerning it has a far greater meaning. It is the mark in fact of Jean-Pierre Hagmann, casemaker to the greatest brands and their most prized pieces such as Patek Philippe’s Star Calibre 2000. 

It is a watch full of intrigue and historical importance that, while not immediately obvious, lends the watch a charm, the extent of which is rarely found.

We would like to thank Monsieur Hagmann for his assistance in the research of this piece.