The Round Triple Mystery
In the heart of Geneva, where tradition meets bold innovation, Franck Muller imagines a timepiece that defies the conventions of watchmaking and time itself. The Round Triple Mystery is the latest evolution of this vision.
It all began with the Mystery. During a business trip, Franck Muller, Co-Founder of the brand, experienced a profound cross-cultural encounter that left a lasting impression. Inspired by the fluid and unbound perception of time in certain cultures – where time is embraced at one’s own pace and on one’s own terms – he sought to capture this essence in a timepiece. This fascination led to the creation of the Mystery watch, an elegant tribute to the freedom and mystique of time itself, where traditional hands were replaced by a single rotating disc displaying only the hour.
Two years later, the Double Mystery was unveiled globally, introducing two rotating discs that seamlessly marked both hours and minutes. Now, with the launch of the Triple Mystery, a third rotating seconds disc that brings even greater depth to the passage of time, pushing horological artistry once more.
At first glance, the dial seems to float in motion, its display untethered by traditional hands. But look closer and you’ll witness an intricate ballet of three rotating discs, each tirelessly marking the passage of hours, minutes and, for the first time, seconds.
Housed in a Rose Gold or White Gold case and measuring 39 mm in diameter, the Round Triple Mystery blends sculptural boldness with mechanical finesse. Its dial is adorned with diamonds, set in a hypnotic spiral that draws the eye to three rotating triangular indicators. Each gemstone traces its own path, transforming the passing of time into a celestial dance. For those seeking an added touch of brilliance, the Round Triple Mystery also comes in a variation where the bezel is set with baguette-cut diamonds.
The construction of the Round Triple Mystery is a technical feat engineered to power three fully independent discs without compromising precision. The integration of the second rotating disc with the Double Mystery presented a significant technical challenge due to its rapid rotation, requiring exceptional lightness to ensure optimal power efficiency and performance.
Adding a third rotating disc for the seconds would significantly increase the energy demand on the movement. Therefore, the central seconds disc is skeletonised to achieve two goals: to create an enchanting design at the heart of the extraordinary timepiece and to ensure the necessary lightness for the smooth functioning of the movement.
One of the greatest technical challenges was developing the seconds disc that remains exceptionally lightweight to maintain the precision of the movement. The entire structure weighs just 0.052g, with the arrow indicator at 0.002g, the diamond at 0.003g, and the skeleton pastille at 0.047g. This delicate balance was meticulously engineered to ensure the seconds disc rotates effortlessly without disrupting the movement’s performance.
After extensive research and numerous testing of various materials, Franck Muller’s engineers chose aluminium as the optimal choice for the seconds disc, offering the ideal balance of lightness and rigidity for crafting the skeletonised central pastille. Machining this delicate component requires the highest level of precision due to its extremely thin design, with each bridge measuring just 0.3 mm in width, an extraordinary achievement in manufacturing.
The central plate, bearing a single diamond nestled within a delicate geometric pattern reminiscent of a spirograph, is designed to underscore the essence of rotation. The intricate geometry of the pattern mirrors the continuous motion of the three rotating discs—hour, minute, and second—that define the watch’s unique way of timekeeping. Each facet of the design further echoes the watch’s diamond-encrusted case, amplifying the interplay between motion and light. The choice of geometry in design not only celebrates the cyclical nature of time but also highlights the Triple Mystery’s craftsmanship, where each turn reveals new angles, reflections, and indeed, time itself.
The seconds disc is also adorned with a triangle-cut diamond functioning as a seconds indicator, standing as a poetic design element and capturing the continuous rhythm of time with captivating elegance.
More than a timekeeper, the Round Triple Mystery is a story of defiance and imagination. It bends the very language of time, transforming the mystery of hours, minutes and seconds into a captivating ballet of light and motion. Every element has been conceived to enhance the mesmerising display of hours, minutes and seconds and elevate the experience of time itself, a tribute to the spirit of invention, and to those who believe mystery is not something to be solved, but something to be savoured.
Discover Franck Muller timepieces online or at Sincere Fine Watches boutiques, located at Takashimaya S.C. (#02-12A) and Suntec City (#01-352).