Circa 1980's Early Franck Rattrapante Chronograph no. 12
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Early, rare and outrageously beautiful. An OG independent who took the watchmaking world by storm in the 80s. This model is from a very interesting period of his career, after restoring watches for Patek Philippe, specializing in rare and antique models, he opened his own workshop circa 83. Here he crafted bespoke pieces for clients, intricately handmade/finished, often in collaboration with other famous names such as Jean-Pierre Hagmann… such was this watch. The dial is signed ‘Franck’ only, as were the early pieces, created before the launch of the brand and just 2 examples of this model are known to me right now.
The case, crafted by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, is in exceptional condition, preserved perfectly with the hallmarks and elusive JHP engraving at 12 crisp and defined. The coin edge screams ‘classique’, with the lug style starting to shape the future of his later models. The display back showcases the heavily hand engraved Venus 179 Rattrapante Chronograph movement, the other known example features different finishing, each piece appearing unique.
The dial is everything I love, intricate engine turned ‘guilloche’ patterns galore with a golden and creamy hue. The brushed outer edge and sub dials contrast perfectly with the inner pattern work, bold FRANCK logo at 12. The dial is signed 12 and shows only very light aging.
Overall this is a serious slice of independent watchmaking history, with the boom of modern independents it can be fun to look back at some of the originals which now carry a relatively interesting value proposition vs modern offerings. I cant wait to see where this watch ends up, thanks for reading!
Buy With Confidence — Learn More
—
Early, rare and outrageously beautiful. An OG independent who took the watchmaking world by storm in the 80s. This model is from a very interesting period of his career, after restoring watches for Patek Philippe, specializing in rare and antique models, he opened his own workshop circa 83. Here he crafted bespoke pieces for clients, intricately handmade/finished, often in collaboration with other famous names such as Jean-Pierre Hagmann… such was this watch. The dial is signed ‘Franck’ only, as were the early pieces, created before the launch of the brand and just 2 examples of this model are known to me right now.
The case, crafted by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, is in exceptional condition, preserved perfectly with the hallmarks and elusive JHP engraving at 12 crisp and defined. The coin edge screams ‘classique’, with the lug style starting to shape the future of his later models. The display back showcases the heavily hand engraved Venus 179 Rattrapante Chronograph movement, the other known example features different finishing, each piece appearing unique.
The dial is everything I love, intricate engine turned ‘guilloche’ patterns galore with a golden and creamy hue. The brushed outer edge and sub dials contrast perfectly with the inner pattern work, bold FRANCK logo at 12. The dial is signed 12 and shows only very light aging.
Overall this is a serious slice of independent watchmaking history, with the boom of modern independents it can be fun to look back at some of the originals which now carry a relatively interesting value proposition vs modern offerings. I cant wait to see where this watch ends up, thanks for reading!
Buy With Confidence — Learn More
—
Early, rare and outrageously beautiful. An OG independent who took the watchmaking world by storm in the 80s. This model is from a very interesting period of his career, after restoring watches for Patek Philippe, specializing in rare and antique models, he opened his own workshop circa 83. Here he crafted bespoke pieces for clients, intricately handmade/finished, often in collaboration with other famous names such as Jean-Pierre Hagmann… such was this watch. The dial is signed ‘Franck’ only, as were the early pieces, created before the launch of the brand and just 2 examples of this model are known to me right now.
The case, crafted by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, is in exceptional condition, preserved perfectly with the hallmarks and elusive JHP engraving at 12 crisp and defined. The coin edge screams ‘classique’, with the lug style starting to shape the future of his later models. The display back showcases the heavily hand engraved Venus 179 Rattrapante Chronograph movement, the other known example features different finishing, each piece appearing unique.
The dial is everything I love, intricate engine turned ‘guilloche’ patterns galore with a golden and creamy hue. The brushed outer edge and sub dials contrast perfectly with the inner pattern work, bold FRANCK logo at 12. The dial is signed 12 and shows only very light aging.
Overall this is a serious slice of independent watchmaking history, with the boom of modern independents it can be fun to look back at some of the originals which now carry a relatively interesting value proposition vs modern offerings. I cant wait to see where this watch ends up, thanks for reading!
