It may come as a surprise to some that the Franck Muller Long Island was the brand’s second case shape after the Curvex—which is what many of us know Franck Muller for, its Tonneau-shaped watch. When Long Island was first released, the elegant diamonds and Colour Dream numerals attracted the attention of many women. The rectangular design pays tribute to the Art Deco movement with a new vision of the Novecento style (the ‘Italian 1900s’ artistic movement).
This year, the Long Island gets revived in a sportier style, without leaving behind the Art-Deco-inspired rectangular, original case shape. Exclusive to the Asia Pacific region, the collection, aptly named the Long Island Evolution Series, comprises three unique models: 7 Days Power Reserve, Master Jumper, and Giga Tourbillon. The three watches are encased in black PVD-coasted brushed titanium, while the aluminium inner case is anodised in a pine green colour.
The Long Island Evolution Master Jumper is technically highly impressive. Why? Mechanical watches with a digital display have roots dating back to the early 19th century but isn’t as common today. The Master Jumper, a result of four years of research and development, breaks new bounds by introducing an in-line digital display for hours, minutes, and date—a triple-jumping complication. There are five visible discs and a supporting bridge that powers through a double barrel system, ensuring consistent torque. The watch houses Calibre FM3100.
The Long Island Evolution Giga Tourbillon houses a 20mm tourbillon cage and is supported by a three-pointed bridge—the brand’s signature aesthetic. With four mainsprings to sustain a four-day power reserve and Super-LumiNova hands that illuminate the dial. The eye-catching tourbillon is a seconds counter.
On to the next piece, the Long Island Evolution 7-Days Power Reserve is a simpler watch. Simpler only because of its design, yet it holds a seven-day power reserve. The manual watch houses the FM 1745 calibre in a fully skeletonised design. At the six o’clock position, the small seconds counterbalance the dial layout within the Long Island case. Look out for the surprise in the dark as the Arabic hour numeral glows then.
As the Long Island Evolution series is exclusive to the Asia Pacific region, each model is limited, further making them a coveted collector’s item.