1990s Franck Muller Cintree Curvex "World Wide" 18K YG (Ref. 5850WW) Guilloché & Cloisonné Asia Dial W/ Box

As polarizing as the brand may be today, it is difficult not to admire the early work of Franck Muller, the celebrated independent watchmaker often referred to as the "Master of Complications." After enrolling in the Geneva Watchmaking School at just 15 years old, Muller established himself as one of the foremost restorers of complicated timepieces, performing meticulous restoration work for the Patek Philippe Museum, prominent collectors, and leading auction houses. This unparalleled exposure to some of history's greatest watches laid the foundation for his own creations, culminating in the launch of the Franck Muller brand in 1991. While the modern brand has evolved considerably, these early pieces remain highly regarded for their exceptional craftsmanship, classical proportions, and imaginative complications. The most recognizable of these designs is the Cintrée Curvex, whose gracefully curved tonneau-shaped case has become synonymous with the Franck Muller name.

The most recognizable silhouette from Franck Muller is undoubtedly the Cintree Curvex, an elegant, oblong, and curved case style that was initially offered in 7 sizes. 

Among the most artistic interpretations of the Cintrée Curvex is the exceedingly uncommon World Wide Collection, a series created as a tribute to the romance of travel and inspired by the beautifully illustrated geographic atlases of centuries past. Produced as a set of five distinct watches, each representing one of the world's inhabited continents, Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas, the collection paired traditional Swiss watchmaking with decorative métiers d'art. The present Ref. 5850WW showcases the Asia dial, featuring a breathtaking hand-executed cloisonné enamel map framed by an intricate guilloché background, created using traditional Chinese-inspired cloisonné techniques and finished entirely by hand by master Swiss artisans. Beneath its artistic exterior lies the automatic Franck Muller Cal. 2800, equipped with a platinum rotor and a practical second time-zone indication displayed by a centrally mounted serpentine 24-hour hand that can be adjusted independently via the winding crown. 

Beautifully blending fine art, world travel, and haute horology, the World Wide Collection stands among the most distinctive and technically impressive creations from Franck Muller's celebrated early years