Point of Disappearance

Risa Merl
Jul 14
2 min read

Franck Muller remains inconspicuous and discreetly positioned beneath the cuff with the 9mm thick Vanguard Sfumato Slim.

While watchmaking appears to be advancing towards ever extravagant manifestations of individuality, certain timepieces, like as the Franck Muller Vanguard Sfumato Slim, underscore the significance of moderation. Indeed, although it may appear unconventional, we have chosen to emphasize the singular Franck Muller that moderates its bold design. In this edition, we have chosen the Vanguard Royal Bauxite to exemplify the efficacy of aluminum in watchmaking, making this an appropriate moment for brevity. In the Sfumato Slim, Franck Muller has eliminated the characteristic numerals, choosing instead the most minimalist hour markers. It is entirely an homage to the sfumato technique, a method employed in Renaissance art. Franck Muller alludes to this in its own announcement.

This extract from the release is notably poetic: “In that quiet moment when the sun descends beneath the Atlantic and the sky merges with the sea, colors soften, shadows elongate, and time appears to be suspended.” The Vanguard Sfumato Slim draws its inspiration from this ephemeral transition, existing between day and night. This collection embodies the elegance of tranquility in movement, inspired by twilight poetry and the legacy of Italian seaside allure. Examining the timepiece without of complications, Franck Muller effectively conveys the feeling, despite potential criticisms of the analogies employed.

The dial, showcasing the renowned vanishing point, is at the forefront of this sfumato effect. The four variants of the Sfumato Slim are distinguished by their brushed sunray decoration and multiple layers of varnish, which contribute to the contemplative nature of the dials. The model is available in steel and rose gold cases, including green, anthracite, blue, and brown dials, resulting in eight distinct varieties. The leather straps coordinate with the dial colors, as does the case center (typical for the Vanguard case), enhancing the prominence of the green dial variety. The movements are identical and observable via the exhibition casebacks.