The timepiece comes with a limitation of only 108 pieces and contains the essence of luxury watchmaking along with the design of Ram Lalla. Franck Muller has introduced its Ram Lalla-themed Vanguard watch to India, thereby adding a spiritual and artistic angle to the luxury watchmaking scene. When the Swiss luxury watchmaking industry intersects with Indian culture, time is not just about hours and minutes anymore.
With only 108 pieces available to own, this watch is for those collectors who prefer watches with stories. As per Baliyan’s words, it took 2 years to develop the timepiece. The timepiece utilizes a sculptural case that is made of an 8-karat slab of rose gold. On the other hand, it is this very balance that makes the timepiece so intriguing, as one can easily see that the inspiration comes from spiritual motives; however, one cannot say that the shape and characteristics of the watch belong to the Vanguard collection from Franck Muller. (Image Credits: Instagram) The number 108 wasn’t an arbitrary choice for attaining exclusivity. It has a spiritual significance in Hinduism, which is connected to the 108-bead prayer mala used in spiritual practices. Thus, the limited edition of 108 individually numbered watches is linked to the cultural significance of the number.
The dimensions of the case are 41 x 49.95 mm. (Image Credits: Instagram) As a result of integrating several different materials, the innovative strap combines rubber and grape-stem vegan leather. Developed in collaboration with the luxury watch seller Kapoor Watch Company, this timepiece was designed exclusively for the Indian market and represents not only masterful making but also a very important story behind it. The watch was unveiled for the first time at Hours & Icons, the first exhibition organised by Kapoor Watch Company. The launch event was attended by sitarist and composer Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, as well as Erol Baliyan, CEO of Franck Muller Middle East, Africa, and India. (Image Credits: Instagram) The first aspect that attracts one’s attention is its black coloured dial, where an impressive three-dimensional representation of Ram Lalla can be seen. But instead of making use of a mere print of the image, Franck Muller has opted for an original appliqué technique in order to provide a certain volume to the image. All processes are used for the final look: laser technology, electroplating, engraving, and other detailed work. However, reaching this perfection was rather time-consuming. A lot of attempts had to be made in order to get a perfect depiction of Ram Lalla. In the course of the whole process, all details were carefully examined, starting from face features and ending with hands and fingers. Besides, considering the sacred significance of the figure, the design had to be approved by the Indian retailers of Franck Muller. (Image Credits: Instagram) But the skills involved do not end there. The numbers are handmade and hand-painted by craftsmen, making the clock collection even more complex. What does the result convey? It is a watch that still possesses the style of Franck Muller but gives real emphasis to its religious inspirations. Logically, there are many exciting things to witness apart from the clock dial. Along with this, Franck Muller’s patented curved shape gives it the much-desired 3D effect. The two hidden screws secure the strap to the casing instead of the traditional spring bars, while appropriately matched-coloured leather inserts and stitching details complete the watch. For Baliyan, this project is also a reflection of an overall approach to making watches intended for Indian customers. In designing the Ram Lalla edition, Baliyan draws from experience gained in previous India-orientated projects, such as the watch created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. (Image Credits: Instagram)
