Who the hell is Franck Muller and why the hell are his watches so damn expensive!?

ask for the money to help with our wedding expenses or ask for something more practical that well both of us could use. Why would anyone want to pay $2000 for a watch when a $20 would serve the same purpose, he asked tersely. His reaction was much like Chris Pirillo and his rant about Franck Muller Watches

For my 10th anniversary with my firm my partners bought me a Rolex. I’d never buy one for myself. Most of the time a wear an 18 year old Casio G-Shock that cost $99.

Seiko alone makes more watches in a year than the entire Swiss watch industry. But the Swiss still make more money than anyone else. It’s like diamonds: the demand is created, not natural

(My wife won the watch I’m wearing now at a bingo game three years ago. It’s probably worth about $80, and I like it.)

so i’ve had cheap watches and watches that cost a bit more, but never anything that cost more than a car. of course, people wearing the likes of franck muller or piaget or my current ostentatious, obnoxious, favorite–jacob and co., would never consider owning a nissan versa. and you could get 3 versas, fully loaded, for less than a jacob and co. watch. sick.

beautiful design. You of all people should apprecite that. Perfect marketing on the high end.

did sell mine (2) after the bubble at a loss though :)

gave money to the kids

The aqdvertising must be REALLY effective.

All the Time & Newsweeks that make it over here are loaded with huge-money watches.

And I guess they don’t have to sell too many to people who have more money than they know what to do with to make a profit – and pay for that expensive advertising.

[...] Who the hell is Franck Muller and why the hell are his watches so damn expensive!? article details » chris.pirillo.com Posted 13 days ago by Chris feed details » [...]

Hey Chris,

Before you go off making ignorant comments and asking equally stupid questions, you should do a little research. You obviously make under 100k a year, am i right? You probably have no sense of style, and I am pretty sure judging from your photo, that you must still be a virgin. None of those things i just mentioned really matter, I was just forming an opinion of you.

The watches are expensive for many reasons:

1 Exclusivity
2 Quality
3 Design
4 Demand
5 Not meant for people like you

Franck Muller just won the award for being the most prestigious brand in the US. They beat out Patek, Rolex, AP, Cartier, and yes even your favorite TIMEX. The company is only 15 years old, and has really transcended the watch industry. Maybe if you’re real lucky someday someone might let you look at their fine FM Timepiece.

I HAVE A FARNK MULLR WATCH FOR SELL WHATS THE BAEST WAY PLASE ADVICE.

The Watch Enthusiast post just reiterates what was said in the blog. Buying something because its “exclusive” is almost the definition of snobbery.

I know many people buy high end watches not for the casing, but the movement. The movement in some of these watches is very complicated and may take months for a person to make.

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/05/watches/image/crazyhours.jpg

For example, on that watch, the hour hands actually follow the “crazy” pattern of hours laid out on his Crazy Hours watch. So the hands will jump halfway across the face of the watch from 10:59 to 11:00. I don’t really appreciate it, I’m sure you don’t either, but some people are just interested in that stuff and owning one is like a baseball fan owning a ball autographed by Babe Ruth or an art fanatic owning a Picasso. Its all relative.

First of all, I would like to thank “Watch Enthusiast” for actually sparing time and explaining to people like you what a quality watch really represents. I mean, i was just briefly reading through this page and I came to the conclusion that, ” wow, there’s alot of stupid people around who, without even knowing what something really represents go ahead and start judging it.”
First of all, how many of you have actually even seen a Franck Muller masterpiece in real life (let’s start at that). Nooooo, but since you have a TIMEX wrapped around your hand, for some darn reason that gives you the right to go ahead and discredit one of the worlds best ever-known watchmaker.
Secondly, people like you shouldn’t even be allowed to KNOW about delicate masterpieces. Watching pictures of M3’s or WRX STI’s is probably a better field for you TIMEX people.
“NKP” and “Watch Enthusiast”, don’t even spend your time explaining these people the art of watchmaking, because after they read it, they’re still gona go on blabering and watching pictures of their dreamcars.

yes i am sure there is too many of you people out there share the same feelings of chris a Franck Muller watch is a masterpiece of art as Tourbillon III says how many of you had seen one not to say own one so please be real. stop comparing your masterpiece TIMEX with FM or any other fine creations just because you cannot afford it

Franck Muller … is something that stupid yanks do not deserve to own or even to look at.

I have a Franck Muller Crazy Hours watch and it’s great!
No I don’t wear it all the time (most of the time I simply use my cell phone to check the time), but when I do wear it, people (that is, people with taste) notice it. They ask about it. It’s a conversation starter! (now you can say something real clever like “ooh he needs a watch in order to start a conversation; I’ll bet he has no personality” but that’s inaccurate and misses the point entirely…. jerk)
So should anyone spend 10k or more just for something that’s a conversation starter?

Yes, yes they should.

Interesting rant…
You can buy a Chevy Aveo for under $10,000, a $50,000 Mercedes, or a $100,000+ Bentley. Each of the cars gets you from Chicago to Milwaukee in about the same amount of time (assuming, of course, that you’re willing to risk losing your license for months by driving more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit). So why pay for the Bentley when the Chevy will perform the same function (that is, transporting your @$$ from one place to another)??

Yes, certainly, high-end watches are premium, and much of that is built from marketing and branding, not from necessity, but there IS value to quality (when it exists) and design (both outside and inside… realize that “automatic” watches are made with microscopic parts, often handmade, and take months to construct… just like very fine automobiles.. so the “guts” inside your timex and those inside a Muller aren’t the same either).

Men don’t wear very many superfluous items of clothing or jewelry like women do. Thus, to the extent men want to wear nice “jewelry,” it is usually wound up in something practical, like a watch. Women can wear 10,000+ diamond necklaces, HUGE rings, earrings, brooches, etc. Guys just get this one thing.

hello people,

You guys need to stop putting each other down. Yes, Franck Muller watches seem extremely expensive and frivolous when you compare it to a price of a moderately priced automobile. But you have to understand that everyone is at different places in life and you can’t put each other down for what they feel is acceptable and not acceptable.

You Timex lovers seem to sound like you are all good and almighty for only spending $20 to 50 or whatever it costs to buy one is sooooo much more reasonable and smarter. But someone in cambodia or africa sees that as EXTREMELY EXTRAVAGANT SPENDING when that money probably could feed a whole family for a month. So you too are frivolous spenders in some other peoples eyes too!

Then the ones that are educated in there name brands shouldn’t say that the Timex defenders do nott deserve to ever even see or be told of what makes a Franck Muller as special as it is. That just makes people who do purchase F.M. watches look snobby. Just don’t explain anything becuase how you live your life and spend money does not have to be explained to anyone. Unless your shopping is causing you to go bankrupt which then we the tax payers have to pay for your stupid habits which then you need to STOP but if your actions are not harming anyone directly, then who cares what they think.

Okey now i am just rambling so I will stop… but I just want to just say everyone has different levels of spending ability for lifes luxuries and someone is always going to have more or less money than you have. That is why when you walk into the great malls of America we have such wide range of expensive and inexpensive merchandise to choose from.

So don’t slam what you don’t understand… thank you.

P.s.
I also have a theory that people who but cheap things to say how practical they are are also jsut doing it to be snobby about it. So they can feel superior about how great they are becuase they don’t spend 20k on a watch. It always seems to be the ones with less calling out negative remarks of the ones with more. The people with more just want to mind there business and tend to actually donate more to people in need monetarily. Also, the people who BRAGG about how great they are becuase they have the $20 watch are probable Prius drivers too. Becuase they want PEOPLE TO KNOOWW how GREEEEENNN they are and how they are better people. But if they are so concerned why don’t they do more homework and realize that there SPECIAL HYBRID car actually has to have a special BATTERY that actualy has to be assembled in 4 different countries and transported be LARGE CARGO OIL USING BOATS to assemble. So while they might be helping a little bit of the air pollution they are cuasing major waste and pollution of the ocean.

And another QUESTION: IF these do gooders are jsut doing it to save the environment and nothing wlse why is it the UGLIEST HYBRID DESIGNED CAR the PRIUS is the #1 selling brand

ANSWER: Becuase Prius are the only one with just a GLANCE you know immediately it is a Hybrid car. WHile the other brands like the honda hybrids only have a small LEAF symbol on the back of the car so you really can’t tell unless you look reallly close. SO IT IS ALL ABOUT BEING ON A HIGH HORSE AND I am sooooo much better than you ATTITUDE. They want to SHOW OFF HOW BETTER THEY ARE. So another example fruitty frugal, practical, nature lovers are ACTUALLY THE SNOBBY ONES.

But hey, let’s just get along.
:O)

Inform yourself using the net rather then flapping your gums with bullshit!
A Find Swiss watch is for the discerned not the snobs of society. Those who show off their new fine swiss wrist watch are wanabees and those who are happy with a Kmart special…..well good on you.
As for Franck Muller……..please read and be informed.

Born in 1958
Born in Switzerland on July 11th 1958, of an Italian mother and a Swiss father, Franck Muller was raised in a multicultural environment. From a very early age, he develops a growing interest for all mechanical devices. It does not take long before the young Franck starts to disassemble all the machines in the house to study their “hearts”. During his teens, he collects antique astrological instruments that he buys at the flea market. Mechanics and time, an equation reveals itself naturally: it is Time to which he is going to devote himself.

School of Watch Making
He enters the famous Geneva School of Watch making in 1981. After 4 years of remarkable studies, he receives the highest distinction and prizes. Faithful to his independence of state and mind, he chooses the most difficult path: to create his own workshop instead of joining a brand or a group of watchmakers. It does not take long before his reputation is made: gifted by exception technical talent, auction houses and collectors from all over the world send him their treasures for restoration.

Creating the Start
After a few years in this field, he starts the creation of unique timepieces under his own name. Throughout his studies and first years as a watch restorer, Franck Muller comes to a conclusion regarding the horology world: since XIXth century, few technical inventions have been developed and applied to wristwatches. Willing to change this situation, he decides to devote his work to the realization of unique timepieces, wristwatches to be specific, which offer the same level of technical feats as those presented in pocket watches. This prerogative becomes a goal that the young entrepreneur will always hold at hearth.

The First Wristwatches
In 1983, after months of research and micro-mechanical tests, Franck Muller is proud to present his first wristwatches. They all present a complicated movement that has been entirely created by him.

World Premiere Once a Year
As of 1983, Franck Muller unveils a World Premiere once a year: the gifted watchmaker reveals his invention, may it be a Tourbillon (1983), a Tourbillon with jumping hours (1986), a Tourbillon with Minute Repeater (1987), an inverted Tourbillon with Minute Repeater and Perpetual Calendar (1989), etc…

The Watch Making Genius
In 1992, the man that is now called by his peers the “watchmaking genius” has the privilege to see one of his models granted the exclusive title of “most complicated wristwatch in the world”. This unique timepiece is forever in the history of Fine Watchmaking for never before has such a complicated wristwatch been made: Grande and Petite Sonnerie, Minute Repeater for the hours, quarters and minutes, a Perpetual Calendar programmed to the year 2100 with date, day of the week, month and monthly retrograde equation, leap-year cycle, 24-hour moon phase indicator, indicator of the internal temperature of the mechanism.

Franck Muller Genenve
1992 is also a milestone since it is then that the talented entrepreneur establishes his own company, namely Franck Muller Geneve. Nestled in a village called Genthod, in the neighbouring countryside of Geneva, he finds, in this enchanting and poetic environment, the inspiration that will promote his creations. The extreme serenity and peacefulness of these surroundings reflect the quest of harmony and perfection to which the creator aspires.

The Important Step
1995 symbolizes an important step in the history of Franck Muller: a new institutional and production site is inaugurated. Remaining faithful to his wish to evolve in a preserved environment, it is established in the very same village where he started his activity in 1983, namely Genthod. Only this time, it is a turn of the XIX century mansion that is restored to become, in just a few months, the marvelous headquarters of this promising brand.

The Wildest Dream
In 1998, Franck Muller once again surpasses collector’s wildest dream: he adds to the 1992 and 1995 World Premieres a Chronograph with a 60-minutes counter and power reserve indicators to the striking-mechanism and movement. This exceptional piece is immediately recognized as the most complicated wristwatch of the world. 1998 is also the year that marks the beginning of the vast architectural expansion of the company. Watchland, an extraordinary concept, will enable to concentrate on the same property all the various stages of the making of a watch: conception, design, creation, prototype, research and development, stamping, assembling, etc… Watchland, a one of a kind site will be devoted to the world of watches. Not only will it allow to perpetuate the craftsmanship and tradition of watchmaking, it will also enable the public to discover this remarkable field since it will be entirely open to everyone.

The First World Presentation
1998 is furthermore a milestone year since it is then that the first World Presentation of Haute Horology is organized. This exhibition, held on the Watchland site, is dedicated to the very best of this industry, namely the craft of the finest timepieces. The WHPP, greeted with success form its very first edition (2,800 visitors in 1998), has had an international reach ever since.

The First Stones
In 1999, the first stones of the two new Franck Muller Watchland buildings are laid. The constructions should be completed by the beginning of the year 2001. 1999 also represents the year of continuity and reinforcement. Just like at the very beginning, one of the main priorities of the brand is to remain independent. Independence of creation, of innovation, of strategy, the brand is proud to use all means to respond to one unique criterion: the creation of exceptional timepieces. Between the 21st and the 28th of April 1999, the 2nd edition of the WPHH is held on the production site in Genthod and is visited by more than 3500 people. In 2000, the improvement of the institutional and production departments has assured the constant expansion of the brand. Although the two new buildings aren’t completed, a project for 2 additional buildings is already under study, in order to follow the developments and success of the brand.

The Office Inauguration
2001 is symbolized by the official inauguration of the Franck Muller Watchland. This one-of-a-kind concept unites on the same site all the steps of production of a watch: design, creation, engineering, study and development, prototypes, movements, stamping, watchmaking, casing, after sales department, etc… Located on a superb private park of 38,000 square meters in the outskirts of Geneva (village of Genthod), the Franck Muller Watchland is unforgettable. Its breathtaking view of the Lemon Lake and of the Mont-Blanc, its turn-of-the-XIXth century architectural style, its luxuriant vegetation, all these elements and many more make of this place one that is absolutely unique. Open to the public by appointment, visitors from all over the world come to visit it. Furthermore, at the Franck Muller Watchland, the visitors have the liberty of visiting all the steps involved in the process of the making of a watch: the mystery of watchmaking is unfolded in front of them. So far, it is the first time ever that one is allowed to enter so intimately the secret world of this secular art.

The Public Opening
On March 31st 2001, amongst the representatives of the state of Geneva, of celebrities from all over the world, of the Swiss and International Press, of clients and friends, the Franck Muller Watchland is officially inaugurated. On such an occasion, a memorable day and evening was organized: formal inauguration by the “Vieux-Grenadiers” (typical Geneva Protocol) who fire their rifles, thus symbolically “opening” the site to the public; cocktail and exclusive dinner gala; fashion show; private concert with world famous singer Charles Aznavour; followed by a dance party until the end of the night with the hippest Paris DJ’s.

The First Jewellery Collections
2001 is also the year of the creation of the first jewellery collections by Franck Muller. This is a project that Franck Muller held at heart for a couple of years already. After many months of studies and creation, Franck Muller presents two jewellery collections that respect in all points the criteria that he has always applied when manufacturing his watches: quality, originality, unique design.

Two New Brands
In 2001, two new brands are launched at the WPHH to complement the range of high quality watches already produced:

PIERRE KUNZ: a brand carried forward by a watchmaker who has been developing highly complicated pieces for Franck Muller for a couple of years and to whom the founder of the company has given the liberty to realize watches under his name.
ECW: a brand of sporty, trendy, high quality watches with an innovative and resolutely outstanding design.
The Stylish Celebration
2002: Tenth Anniversary of the company Franck Muller Geneve. Evidently, the prestigious House had to celebrate this year with style. Throughout the world, various events took place to mark this very special date. In April, the 5th edition of the W.P.H.H. is held on the premises of the Frank Muller Watchland. Again, an extraordinary Dinner Gala is offered to the local authorities, internation VIP’s, clients and friends. Paul Anka himself will host the evening and all guests agreed that this was the best party ever. To mark this anniversary, Frank Muller reveals an outstanding wristwatch: The Tourbillon Revolution. This amazing time piece is the result of many years of research and development. Its mechanical conception is simply unique. Once again, Franck Muller is granted the title of all time “Master of complication”.

First Prize is Granted
In October 2002, Franck Muller Geneve is granted the first prize, men’s category, of the Geneve Watch Making Grand Prix. This exclusive prize confirms the watchmaker’s exceptional talent.

Trevor has copied a chunk from Franck Muller’s website to illustrate why Trevor thinks FM can get away with mucho dinero for each and every one of his watches.

Well, unlike Trevor, I actually own a Franck Muller Casablanca in rose gold. I’m not fantastically wealthy but I can afford to spend my hard-earned on what I want, and appreciate.

Just hold a real FM watch – even better, wear it. Better still own one!

I don’t wear mine all the time, just when I choose – and yes the 1st guy was right, people do notice my watch and ask about it. It makes me feel good just to own it, not flash or pompous.

Most successful people wear a nice watch because they appreciate better things in life and are willing and able to pay for them.

No I don’t drive a Prius – they’ve always looked dreadful to me; I drive a Citroen DS 21, another classic away from the hum drum of mainsteam production cars.

I have a Citizen Eco-Drive 180 watch that I got for 40% off for around $145CAN. The main reason why I bought it is that I NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BATTERIES AGAIN. Oh, and that the case is entirely made of stainless steel because my body chemistry eats up the “metal” from regular watches. ;-)

Some magazines I subscribe to (such as Boston Magazine) have many ads for watches that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, even one that was a million dollars. People who are wealthy can afford and choose to buy $500,000+ automobiles, live in $50M+ homes, have $300M+ yachts, and even their own Airbus 380 ($300M+$100M for the interior). They can afford to eat that $45K chocolate sundae that was on TV a couple weeks ago, and that $10K hamburger from a couple months ago.

I have got a Muller tourbillon imperial lol i recive it as a gift 2 years ago
it is worth 25 .000 euro but i still use it everyday as any other watch i got some other watch of this kind but taht on is the most valuable

Cheers and respect fort hose who know what a Franck muller whatch

I have recently began to collect watches(2 years). I have a ROGER DUBUIS EASYDIVER and a FRANCK MULLER KING CONQUISTADOR.It’s a wonderful feeling to own a luxury watch.People notice them and look at you in a different way.Watches are very fun to collect and research.I might get another MULLER once i pay this one off.I’m also interested in ULYSSE NARDIN brand as my next time piece.Other possible choices are JAEGER, AND CORUM

Okey, I just want to clarify something to Trevor. I am not sure if you read my insert correctly. I am a person who wanted to open peoples’ eyes on both sides of the spectrum. But I am very informed in regards to luxury timepieces and I did not need you to plagerize the FM website in order to try to look more informed than I. (All you had to say was hey look at the www. and so on… that would of saved you some time) I just wanted to point out to people that there are always two sides to the story. That was all.
Also, just to let you know I love timepieces and a proud owner of a Franck Muller. :O)

@Hondo

I used to wear watches, but if I still did.. Can’t go wrong with a $40 dollar water-proof Casio watch. I love Casio for there watches.

Why would someone pay $20k plus for a watch? For many and others like me, we have been fortunate enough to be able to earn some of the better things in life. Perhaps more than anything else, we appreciate excellent craftsmanship and quality. It is sad to say, the average American knows very little about fine timepieces. In Europe, successful people often dress down, but wear a truly fine watch. Not many successful people in Europe drive flashy, expensive cars like they do here in the States. Many well-to-do people use the city trolley, Underground, regional train or simply walk. Things are a little more subtle and certainly more elegant. Overall, people communicate their success with class and taste, not bling like in NY or LA.

For the most part, no successful person in Switzerland or France would consider doing business with a person who wears a cheap watch. Why? It is a reflection on their taste in life, their motivation to success and more than anything else, their desire for quality! Europeans tend to focus more on quality than Americans. That is why Germans make fine cars, the Swiss fine watches (and most everything else) and the French make fine perfumes, jewelry, handbags and clothing. Yes, you get what you pay for.

I’m not a snob by any measure. As an entrepreneur and a former board level executive with an international airline, I could not sit down with a representative from Boeing (or Airbus), negotiating a multi-million dollar deal wearing a $ 20 watch, $ 10 blouse and $ 10 shoes. No one worth his salt would take me seriously.

As a woman, I learned very early on that women in particular know quality brands. Yes, I carry a $2K near new Vuitton handbag, that I bought on Ebay for $ 600. Women instantly recognize these things. I wear a 20k Piaget watch, (20 years old now) that I bought new for $ 15k. These things help successful people attain more success by the very reason that successful people desire to enjoy and own the finer things in life. They like to do business with people similar to themselves. Equally important, I take care of the fine things I own because I respect the craftsmanship and the dedication to quality that the person who created it put into making it. You can see the pride of workmanship in exquisite goods. Another thing, expensive watches are typically made of 18k gold or platinum, not stainless steel, unless they are diver’s watches and they are not worn to the office.

Fine luxury goods have their place in certain circles and everyone is entitled to purchase what they desire and can afford. Why not?

Cars – Over the years, I’ve owned 3 Mercedes-Benz, several Cadillacs (including a new factory limousine for clients). Not any more. I drive used Chevy minivans as they do not bring attention in public, are utilitarian and are reasonable to drive. Of paramount importance, my cars are kept immaculately clean and in good mechanical shape. I’m waiting for my current car to hit 200k miles before buying another new-used Chevy for under $ 14k. Driving an expensive car where I must drive is an unnecessary risk due to crime and the possibility of theft.

So decide what you want in life and go for it! Why not? Otherwise, what is the point of working your tail off to acheive something worthwhile?

hahahaha you broke retards talking shit about Muler, how about you gargle on my nuts losers. I have a King Conquistador all iced out, with a diamond band. hahahah and im actualy on my iphone driving my brand new f430 hahahaha so for all you idiots go back to working your super fantastic jobs and live your wonderful lives. oh yeah i got an AP Royal Oak iced out of course hahah so thats about 200 thousand all together for my shits

Frank Muller watches are pieces of artwork. Its so much better than cheap auto watches you see. They’re expensive becuase they have added value in there. Not like 10 dollar piece of crap you can pick up from walmart or target.

i have to say if you put an effort more in searching those FM watches. you can get them for only $30-$60. And YES with every single dial working

I knew nothing about FM,I still know very little….I simply love wearing my FM watch every day,it reminds me of the person who gave it to me.It feels so good.Price here is not the issue,I did not pay for it,I am not going to sell it.It is the emotional,call it romantic side ,the uniqueness,complication,represent well the relationship,timeless.Therefore,my FM watch is priceless.