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Franck Muller Vanguard, Titanium, ref. 45 V SC DT TT NR BR NR, 2021 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Franck Muller Vanguard, Titanium, ref. 45 V SC DT TT NR BR NR, 2021

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Franck Muller (maker)
Date
2021
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
titanium
Dimensions
Case 44 mm
Stock no.
vws3881cs
Credit line
Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3881cs)
Catalogue title (original)
Franck Muller Vanguard - Titanium - Model ref: 45 V SC DT TT NR BR NR - Box and Papers - 2021 (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3881cs), this is a wristwatch by Franck Muller, made in Switzerland, dated 2021. The Atlas places it in the Contemporary Horology period (2010 – Present) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: titanium. Recorded dimensions: Case 44 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A very striking Franck Muller Vanguard Ref: 45 V SC DT TT NR BR NR in titanium, issued in 2021 and sold with with original box and papers – a beautifully bold design with serious wrist presence Franck Muller is known for bold, contemporary designs that stand out from the crowd, and the Vanguard collection is no exception. With its sculpted tonneau case and oversized numerals, the Vanguard perfectly blends technical Swiss watchmaking with daring aesthetics. These watches are made for those who appreciate a statement piece with unmistakable presence. What's on Offer We are delighted to bring you this striking Franck Muller Vanguard, dating from 2021 and offered for sale in excellent condition with its original box and papers. Crafted from lightweight titanium, the brushed black tonneau-shaped case gives the watch a sleek and modern feel while offering exceptional wearability for its size. The striking black and gold colour-way is a real head-turner, with bold oversized Arabic numerals – a design detail synonymous with Franck Muller watches – that curve gracefully around the dial’s contours. This unique layout has become a hallmark of the brand, often imitated but never matched. Surrounding the dial is a compass-style outer track, and there is a subtle date wheel at 6 o'clock. The chunky flat ended Dauphine style hands are luminous and offer visibility in low light. At 44mm wide and with its sculpted case profile, this is a substantial watch with real wrist presence – not one for the shrinking violet. Fitted to its original black leather strap with a brushed black clasp, it wears as confidently as it looks. For those seeking a contemporary statement piece with plenty of character, the Franck Muller Vanguard delivers in style - we love it!

Historical context

Contemporary Horology (2010 – Present)

Silicon components, connected watches, optical-lattice research clocks and a thriving independent scene.

Smartwatches became the world's best-selling watches, while mechanical watchmaking focuses on craft, innovation (silicon components, new escapements) and independent makers.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Mechanical Renaissance

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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