In his book Richistan Robert Frank describes how the super-rich don't buy BMWs or Rolex, they are more selective and go for Maybachs and Franck Muller Watches.

A History of Franck Muller Watches

Franck Muller was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland in July 1958 to a Swiss father and Italian mother, he is known for creating complicated, unique and revolutionary timepieces. His watches carry the title, "Master of Complications".

His obsessively complicated watches which are greatly appreciated by watch connoisseurs and also other manufacturers are worn by a number of celebrities, including Demi Moore, Robin Williams, Elton John.

Franck Muller timepieces are famous for their fusion of understated style and traditional Swiss watch manufacturing excellence. The president of the company personally designs the mechanism of every watch.

Early in his career Franck Muller restored mechanical timepieces for collectors, museums and auction houses and quickly gained a reputation as a master restorer of antique timepieces.

With his growing expertise, Franck Muller began to create his own designs.

By 1992, he had amassed four patents and twenty-one world premieres. He is renowned for his unique combinations of highly sophisticated features and the outstanding accuracy of his functions. Today he continues to challenge and expand the definitions of what a watch can be, creating ever more revolutionary and unique timepieces.

The House of Franck Muller was established in 1992 and his extremely complicated timepieces achieved an instant reputation throughout Europe and the United States. Today Franck Muller produces a limited number of watches for private clients, his collections include timepieces of various designs and different price ranges.

Aware that the design of a watch is the first thing to catch the eye he created a well-known Curvex Tonneau case, which is instantly recognizable on any wrist. Current collections include: Chronograph, Color Dreams, Tourbillon and Conquistador.

Franck Muller is also known for "World Premiers". Each year he launches at least one new line of timepieces containing something exclusive, an innovation in the watchmaking industry.

Notable timepieces include Revolution2, the Endurance, and the Curvex Minute Repeater Tourbillon,whose production is limited to 25 pieces.

Franck Muller has a very well-designed website to showcase all his products and describe the manufacturing process.

KING CONQUISTADOR CORTEZ 10000 K SC
18K RED GOLD -- SPECIAL "RELIEF" LIMITED EDITION

"The House of Franck Muller is known throughout the world as the Master of Complications. From the stunning to the sublime, their complicated timepiece creations continue to dazzle and delight the world of Haute Horlogerie, creating eager anticipation for collectors and enthusiasts alike."

"The "flying tourbillon" is a special creation. By pushing the button on the left-hand side of the case, the tourbillon carriage rises up to the level of the sapphire glass and stays there until the push-button is released. Simultaneously to this manoeuvering, the hour and minute hands sweep to 12 o'clock. Upon release of the push-button, they fly back to the exact time. This complication is protected by several patents."

The site is a work of art in itself, Franck Muller Collection