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Lot Essay
Released in 1991, the present double-faced world-time single-button chronograph, known as the Janus, was consigned by the family of the original owner, reflecting a longstanding passion for finely crafted complicated wristwatches and stands as one of the most important creations of Franck Muller’s early independent career. The model was heavily influenced by world-time chronographs from the mid-20th century and was produced in an incredibly small limited edition of 15 examples in pink gold and just 5 in platinum. The movements were based on early 20th-century calibres discovered by Muller, which he extensively reworked by adding a world-time mechanism based on the Cottier system, as well as a second chronograph display on the reverse side.
The world-time and chronograph indications are displayed on the front dial, which is notably signed simply 'Franck', indicating Muller's discreet artisanal period. On the other hand, the reverse side is fully signed Franck Muller and has a large central chronograph hand with a pulsometer scale and a 30-minute counter, signifying the imminent launch of his own brand. The case, signed by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, whose initials are stamped inside the lugs, adds even more desirability. Hagmann worked with almost all of the most significant high-end manufacturers of the 20th century and is widely considered to be one of the best case makers in the history of horology.
The watch takes its name from Janus, the two-faced Roman god of transitions, beginnings, and endings, a highly fitting reference not only to its dual-dial construction, but also to its symbolic role in Muller’s career. The Janus is both the pinnacle of his time as a self-employed artisanal watchmaker and the beginning of one of the most significant and well-known watch brands of the 1990s.
Franck Muller
Few watchmakers have had such a meteoric rise as Franck Muller. He founded his own workshop in 1983 after graduating from Geneva's watchmaking school in the late 1970s, and he quickly gained notoriety for repairing complicated antique timepieces and making unique creations for wealthy collectors. The present 1991 double-sided world-time single-button chronograph, a significant milestone that unites independent craftsmanship and modern watchmaking legend, is the culmination of a series of world premieres introduced by his early works that revolutionized contemporary horology.
The world-time and chronograph indications are displayed on the front dial, which is notably signed simply 'Franck', indicating Muller's discreet artisanal period. On the other hand, the reverse side is fully signed Franck Muller and has a large central chronograph hand with a pulsometer scale and a 30-minute counter, signifying the imminent launch of his own brand. The case, signed by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, whose initials are stamped inside the lugs, adds even more desirability. Hagmann worked with almost all of the most significant high-end manufacturers of the 20th century and is widely considered to be one of the best case makers in the history of horology.
The watch takes its name from Janus, the two-faced Roman god of transitions, beginnings, and endings, a highly fitting reference not only to its dual-dial construction, but also to its symbolic role in Muller’s career. The Janus is both the pinnacle of his time as a self-employed artisanal watchmaker and the beginning of one of the most significant and well-known watch brands of the 1990s.
Franck Muller
Few watchmakers have had such a meteoric rise as Franck Muller. He founded his own workshop in 1983 after graduating from Geneva's watchmaking school in the late 1970s, and he quickly gained notoriety for repairing complicated antique timepieces and making unique creations for wealthy collectors. The present 1991 double-sided world-time single-button chronograph, a significant milestone that unites independent craftsmanship and modern watchmaking legend, is the culmination of a series of world premieres introduced by his early works that revolutionized contemporary horology.