A Twist to the Tale: Franck Muller’s Curvex CX

An unequivocally charismatic creation, the Cintrée Curvex—which translates to “arched in a curve”— broke new ground in the field of case and dial design at its launch. Franck Muller essentially reimagined the tonneau-shaped watch—a shape that had existed since the early 20^th century—by endowing it with sculptural finesse.

By prioritising three-dimensionality, Franck Muller crafted the traditional tonneau case and sapphire crystal in a way that made the curvilinear profile visible from all angles. The look felt both nostalgic and fresh all at once, and one that quickly became a Franck Muller signature.

When a watch design becomes iconic, the temptation is to leave it untouched. However, Franck Muller proves time and again that fearless reinvention is its best calling card.

This is no minor cosmetic tweak, either. The reimagined crystal and slimmer recessed bezel represent a technical shift. By minimising the amount of visible case material, Franck Muller brings the dial to the forefront—literally and visually. The result is a watch that feels more sculptural and more luxurious on the wrist, with integrated lugs that flow organically into the strap for a snug, ergonomic fit.

For the Curvex CX, Franck Muller developed a new take on the classic Clous de Paris guilloché pattern. A series of three-dimensional, pyramidal motifs radiate outward in a spiral, growing subtly larger as they approach the periphery of the dial. Providing the perfect backdrop to Franck Muller’s signature Art Deco-style hour numerals, the pattern catches the light in all the right ways, offering both depth and movement.