Franck Muller introduces a dive Replica luxury watches with its signature curved tonneau case. Derived from the French scaphandre ("diving suit"), the new Skafander may be the first diver's watch to feature this unusual but iconic case.
It's been a while since we've seen a new watch from Franck Muller. Their Cintree Curvex over the past few years seems to have been filled with all sorts of intricate variations that are interesting but not new to the brand. Just like Master Banker and Crazy Hours, the color of the dial is endless. Perhaps the only thing new since 2016 is the Vanguard collection, which is their entry point and sporty take on their classic Cintree Curvex.
And now this. The new Skafander case is also a sporty version of the Curvex, sort of like a Vanguard dive watch. Skafander is a new collection comprising two lines - the classic, with hours, minutes and seconds indication, and the chronograph with additional stopwatch timing.Replica watches for sale
The use of the name Skafander is interesting as it was first used by the Soviet Union in 1959 to refer to their standard diving or space suit. The design was largely based on the work of Yevgeny Yefimovich Chertovsky in Leningrad in 1931 - called CH -1, which was a simple compression tights with a helmet without any seams. It takes a lot of force to move the arms and legs when pressurized. Chertovsky called his suit a skafander, from the French scaphandre (itself a derivative of the Greek skaphe (boat) and andros (person), meaning "diving suit").
Case, Dial and Hands The case is a development of the robust Vanguard case, itself a sporty version of the elegant Cintree Curvex case that has become a signature of Franck Muller watches. In the review sample, it's a black PVD-treated titanium base that's water-resistant to 100 meters. And with a red theme, Ref. SKF 46 DV SC DT TT NR BR TT NR ER.Replica Franck Muller watches
Skafander's case keeps the same basic shape. Strongly elongated rhomboid shape with curved sides, with curved sapphire glass and curved back. The curved case allows it to wrap easily around the wrist and highlights the genius of Franck's Curvex case shape. Like other Curvex watches, it fits comfortably on almost any wrist. Despite the size of the case is quite large, measuring 45.8mm x L: 57mm x D: 15.6mm.
A special feature was needed to replace the traditional unidirectional rotating bezel on standard round dive watches. This is implemented in the Skafander as an internal rotating bezel, operated by push buttons on the case side, at the 8 and 10 o'clock positions. Two buttons advance the inner ring at 1-minute or 5-minute intervals. For example, if the inner ring is in the default position, to align the minute scale on the inner ring with the minute hand, say the 17 minute position, simply press the button at 10 o'clock 3 times and the button at 8 o'clock 2 times. Once aligned, accidental button presses are prevented by activating the safety lock at 9 o'clock.replica Richard Mille Tourbillon Split-Seconds
The dial itself is almost skeletal, with an open dial, and the dial itself is sapphire glass. The marker is the big bang bar index. The rotating inner bezel is a donut-shaped device that moves and locks in place with the aforementioned system. The hands are large – the hour hand is a stick with a point at the end, and the minute hand is also a stick with an arrow at the end. The seconds hand is a rather slender numeral with a triangular hand tip. The pointer is filled with a thick lumen to ensure visibility in the dark.
The second and minute hands have colored borders for easy identification. This color is the model code and is repeated on the clasp, inner bezel and rubber strap for the first 21 minutes. In the review example, this is red. Other colors are available.
Overall, the Skafander feels thick and solid in the hand. The way it wraps around the wrist needs multiple mentions, as it's especially comfortable for such a large luxury fake watches.
Movement: FM 2800-SK The movement inside the case is the FM 2800-SK self-winding movement with bi-directional rotor system. The movement is essentially an automatic ETA 2892-A2 movement, a powerful workhorse movement suitable for diving duties. The movement is quite small, diameter: Ø 31.5 mm, thickness: 5.69 mm. It beats at a standard 28,800 bph and has a power reserve of 42 hours.
The bottom cover is fixed with 4 screws, the movement cannot be seen. Based on previous experience with basic Franck Muller watches, we would not have expected any lavish touches on the movement.
The Hublot Spirit of the Big Bang Meca 10 could be a possible competitor, perhaps the best fit, and perhaps another noteworthy entry. Its dimensions are very similar in the tonneau-shaped case at 45 x 14.45mm. It is powered by an in-house manufactured Caliber HUB1233 movement with a 10-day power reserve. It's a very good movement, and a major Hublot strength, but since the case is only rated for 50 meters and there's no countdown function due to the tonneau-shaped bezel being non-rotating, it quickly regains its edge.replica U-Boat Classico watches
Perhaps this makes Linde Winderlin Oktopus a member of the landscape. Linde's more angular shape is just as attractive, and the latest is a "glow-in-the-dark" version. Linde is manufactured from their own alloy Linde Werdelin – a unique material created for aerospace and Formula 1 but repurposed by them. The case dimensions are also similar at 44mm (W) x 46mm (L) x 15mm (H) and it houses a custom Dubois Dépraz 14580 automatic movement. The Linde is rated for a distance of 300 meters and does not have a rotating bezel.
Let's not forget that the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver might fit this tonneau-shaped diver's watch type. Of course, the iconic shape of the AP Royal Oak is exaggerated in the Offshore redesign, perhaps even more desirable, and much more expensive in comparable case materials, retailing at S$31k. The Offshore Diver is rated to a depth of 300 meters and features an internal AP Caliber 4308, which is visible through the case back and is beautifully finished.
This is the new style of Franck Muller. Given that the name Skafander refers to a pressurized diving suit, 100m is probably a misnomer for a dive watch rated for depth. Less specialized dive watches, as most of these models are rated for depths of 300 meters or deeper. But as a scuba-style skin dive watch, the ratings are good enough. Or as a sporty everyday hitter, it's great on the wrist.
Elements of style, usually the forte of Franck Muller replica watches store, come into play. strong. Dressed in an urban setting, the Skafander fits easily into the persona of a sleek, high-end watch with a dive and sports vibe.
