March 29, 2024

Havana 1Posted by Robert-Jan Broer on

Yesterday I was at Gerard’s watchshop in The Hague and he was showing me the new watches he had for sale. One of them was presented in a large cigar-shaped box, including a large cigar band.

Inside the box sat a Franck Muller Havana chronograph, with an impressive size and weight. I don’t think I handled a Franck Muller before, so this was new to me. Inside ticks a modified Piguet 1185 chronograph movement, used in many other high-end watches. Although I would bring my 25.000 Euro (listprice I think) somewhere else, the watch remains impressive. Let’s say I can imagine the fuzz about Franck Muller watches, but this is really for the rich ones amongst us. The strap and clasp were done very niceley as well.

And maybe the thing I liked best of this watch (call me silly), and about most gold watches in general, was the brushed solid caseback. I love displaybacks on mechanical watches if the movement is worth showing, but if a watch is made out of 18kt gold, nothing beats a solid caseback. It gives the watch this massive look and feel which no stainless steel watch can give you.

Oh well, I left Gerard’s shop with a smile on my face without even having bought a watch. I was wearing my Rolex Sea-Dweller and I wouldn’t trade it for a Franck Muller if they would be equally priced. So I am a happy camper.