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FRANC VILA introduced today a new timepiece in its SuperLigero Concept collection, named FVa61 SuperLigero Automatic.

With the introduction in 2008 of the FVa No 6, a skeleton tourbillon with 5 days of power reserve, Franc Vila inaugurated his well known and successful collection named SuperLigero Concept. The concept consists in the development of different masterpieces with the characteristic of being very light while extremely robust in order to provide to the Haute Horlogerie lovers a collection of contemporary and complicated watches able to withstand exigent sport activities.

The common element in all the timepieces introduced under the SuperLigero concept is the use of Lightnium, an aluminium-lithium based alloy used in state of the art aeronautical engineering. It’s main characteristics are lightness combined with high-tensile strength, allowing structural weight reduction and an increase in the elastic modulus performance. These characteristics allow for the development of very robust movements like the FV No 6 skeleton tourbillon or the FV No Cuatro SuperLigero chronograph tourbillon.

The new timepiece is equipped with the FV61 manufactured automatic calibre, made in Lightnium, and boasts a “big date” with a double window calendar clearly displaying the date, a useful indication, easily readable, that people like to use.

Data sheet
Case
Titanium. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant to 100 meters.

Movement

Manufactured Mechanical Self-Winding movement caliber FV61. 26 jewels. Frequency 28.800 vph. Power reserve of 50 hours.

Functions

Hours, minutes and seconds. Big date.

Dial

Smoked sapphire dial with hours and minutes indications. Big date at 12′. Small seconds sapphire disc at 6′.

Strap

Rubber sport strap with Black DieHard Extreme Steel deployant buckle. Crocodile leather also included.

Limited edition 88 pieces. 

FRANC VILA introduced in Baselworld 2011 its new “Intrepido” collection built in new exclusive nanotechnology materials

FRANC VILA unveiled today in Baselworld a brand new collection named “Intrepido” which introduces the second evolution of its very characteristic watchcase design. The new collection is composed by a tourbillon and a chronograph with complete calendar and their main feature is that they are built in new nanotechnological materials.

[Click here to download press kit] 

New nanotechnology materials

The Geneva brand started its research in nanotechnology with the introduction of the FV Nº Cuatro Chronograph Tourbillon SuperLigero Concept and has been working for more than two years in the search and development of two new materials based on the ones used in the aerospace industry, concept car manufacturing and Formula 1.

One of them is NanoTube Titanium (NTT), a very special titanium internally structured in nanotubes which is 35% less dense that the regular titanium.

The other material is a new high-end performance composite developed by FRANC VILA which is made of carbon-graphene and a relevant percentage of NanoTube Titanium named Deep NanoTube Titanium Carbon-Graphene Composite. With a density almost four times less than steel, more than two times less than regular titanium, and about 70% less dense that NanoTube Titanium, the main characteristics of this material are: outstanding elastic module, ultimate thermal stability with amagnetic properties, and overall impressive resistance while being extremely light.

New watchcase

The “Intrepido” collection introduces the second evolution of the unique FRANC VILA watchcase, respecting the original philosophy of creating extremely resistant watches for modern active lifestyles. The “Intrepido” watchcase benefits of ultimate performance properties of the new nanotechnology materials, by providing even more resistance while being lighter and slimmer.

The new design improves the protection system of inserts in the carrure, as already adopted in the “Cobra” collection, by using mono-block technology. The new watchcase is produced in two versions, according to the two exclusive materials : The NanoTube Titanium and the Deep NanoTube Titanium Carbon-Graphene Composite. The NanoTube Titanium version benefits of the strong nanotube structure resulting more resistant, while the version in Deep NanoTube Titanium Carbon-Graphene Composite is also equipped with two additional innovative protection technologies. First, this advanced composite embeds a relevant percentage of NanoTube Titanium material, which provides internal diffused focal points for energy-absorption, preventing damages in case of shock, thanks to difference in density. Furthermore, the three parts of the watchcase (front, carrure and back) are assembled with NanoTube Titanium screws, which travel through the case, from the back to the bezel, acting as energy absorption columns in case of shock, thanks again to the difference of density between the NanoTube Titanium and the Carbon-Graphene composite.

FVi Nº 7 Tourbillon Intrepido

The FVi Nº 7 Tourbillon Intrepido inherits the philosophy of the renown FRANC VILA SuperLigero Concept of creating contemporary extremely light and ultra-resistant timekeepers thanks to the use of state of the art high-end performance materials in the movement. In the Tourbillon Intrepido, Franc Vila has pushed the boundaries a step beyond by bringing the new materials to the watchcase also, thus updating the SuperLigero Concept to what the brand calls SuperLigero² Concept. In the FVi Nº 7 Tourbillon Intrepido both base plate and bridges of the movement and the watchcase are built for the fist time ever in Deep NanoTube Titanium Carbon-Graphene Composite, while all the screws are made in NanoTube Titanium.

The movement features a tourbillon with day & night three-dimensional indication and 96 hours of power reserve and inherits the innovations already featured in the previous tourbillons of the Brand, such as the “Inertial Moment Control” technology, improving tourbillon accuracy, as well as the fast rotation barrel, which allows a more rapid winding of the movement.

Data Sheet

Case

Whole watchcase in NanoTube Titanium (NTT) or in NanoTube Titanium Carbon-Graphene Composite. Special “Intrepido” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant to 100 meters.

Movement

FV Nº 7 calibre. 24 rubies. 96 hours power reserve. Tourbillon with inertial moment control mechanism and fast rotation barrel. Base plate and bridges manufactured in Deep NanoTube Titanium Carbon-Graphene Composite. Tourbillon diameter: 14,2 mm. Balancier diameter: 10 mm.

Functions

Hours and minutes. 3D day and night indication.

Dial

Indications printed in the crystal. 3D day and night indication at 9′.

Straps

Black rubber sport straps and black crocodile leather straps with deployment buckle.

Ultra-limited edition 8 pieces

FVi9 Chrono Intrepido

Chronograph with complete calendar

The new FVi9 Chrono Intrepido inherits the avant-garde technical solutions from the ultimate state-of-the-art nanotechnology watchcase introduced in the Tourbillon Intrepido. This highly complicated movement is able to measure accurate time intervals, and provides also the simultaneous indication of the date, the day of the week, the month and the moon phases.

Data Sheet

Case

Whole watchcase in NanoTube Titanium (NTT) or in NanoTube Titanium Carbon-Graphene Composite. Special “Intrepido” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Chronographe start/stop pusher at 2’. Chronograph reset pusher at 4’. Corrector buttons at 2‘ (moonphase), at 4’ (day of the week), at 8‘ (date) and at 10’ (month). Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant 100 meters.

Movement

High Grade Mechanical Self-Winding hand finished complicated movement Caliber FV9. FRANC VILA Exclusive “Gold Concept Rotor”. Power reserve of 42 hours.

Functions 

Hours, minutes and seconds. Chronograph. Date, day of the week and month. Moon phases.

Dial

Three layered dial combining brushed and soleil finishing. Chronograph subsidiary dials at 6’ (minutes) and at 9’ (hours). Chronograph seconds indication displayed by central hand.  Calendar indications in subsidiary dials at 12‘ (date), at 6’ (day of the week) and at 9‘ (month). Seconds indication in subsidiary dial at 12’. Moon phases indication at 3’.

Strap

Black rubber sport straps and black crocodile leather straps with deployment buckle.

Limited edition of 88 pieces.

Chronograph with big date

FV EVOS 8 Cobra “Estrella Roja”

Chronograph with big date

FRANC VILA today introduced a special edition of its successful “Cobra” collection to celebrate the first spanish football World Cup win. Christened  “Estrella Roja” (red star), this edition is limited to 88 pieces as is customary in the brand and features the spanish squad colors and a star commemorating its triumph.

In the words of the spanish founder of the Genevan company, “I am extremely happy with the achievement of the spanish football squad in South Africa. This victory has been a dream for a long time in Spain and I am very proud of the football players that have made this dream a reality. I decided to create a special collection commemorating our first football championship with a star in place of the number one, and I hope to add more stars in the future.”

The FRANC VILA “Cobra” collection introduced the first evolution of the characteristic “esprit unique” watchcase. Dedicated to aficionados of extreme sports and built to be water-resistant up to 300 meters, the “Cobra” timepieces are specially conceived for intense water activities. The carbon fiber inserts ensure the protection of the watch for even the most exigent of sports.

FV EVOS 8 “Cobra” is both extremely sporty and impeccably elegant in  everyday life. Its automatic mechanical movement boasts chronograph functions and a “big date” with a double-window calendar clearly displaying the date, a useful indication, easily readable, that people use frequently.

Data Sheet

Case

Bezel in blackened DieHard Extreme Steel and carbon-fiber. Carrure in blackened titanium with carbon-fiber inserts. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Chronographe start/stop pusher at 2’. Chronograph reset pusher at 4’. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Commemorative engraving in back crystal. Water resistant to 300 meters.

Movement

High Grade Mechanical Self-Winding hand finished complicated movement Caliber FV8Ch. FRANC VILA Exclusive “Gold Concept Rotor”. Power reserve of 42 hours.

Functions 

Hours, minutes and seconds. Chronograph. Big date.

Dial

Carbon fiber and guilloché. “Big date” indication in central windows. Chronograph subsidiary dials at 6’ (minutes) and at 9’ (hours). Chronograph seconds indication displayed by central hand. Seconds indication at 3’.

Strap

Black crocodile leather strap with red and yellow stitchings and deployant buckle. Rubber sport strap also included.

Limited edition of 88 pieces.

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FRANC VILA présente aujourd’hui une édition spéciale de sa remarquable collection « Cobra » afin de célébrer la première victoire en coupe du monde de football pour l’Espagne. Baptisée « Estrella Roja » (étoile rouge), cette édition est limitée à 88 pièces comme les autres éditions et présente les couleurs de l’équipe Espagnole et une étoile afin de commémorer leur triomphe.

« Je suis extrêmement heureux du triomphe de l’équipe de football espagnole en Afrique du Sud. Ce succès était depuis longtemps un rêve pour l’Espagne et je suis très fier des joueurs espagnols qui ont permis à ce rêve d’enfin se réaliser. J’ai décidé de créer cette édition spéciale pour commémorer notre première victoire en championnat de football avec une étoile à la place du chiffre « 1 », et j’espère vraiment pouvoir ajouter d’autres étoiles dans le futur » précise le fondateur espagnol de la société genevoise.

La collection « Cobra » de Franc Vila présente la première évolution de la fameuse boîte si caractéristique de l’Esprit Unique de la marque. La nouvelle boîte est dédiée aux amateurs de sports extrêmes. Construit pour résister à 300 mètres de profondeur, le garde-temps « Cobra » est spécialement conçu pour les sports nautiques intenses. L’insert en fibre de carbone assure une protection de la montre lors de la pratique de sports plus exigeants.

FV EVOS 8Ch COBRA est à la fois extrêmement sportif et très élégant pour la vie de tous les jours. Son mouvement mécanique à remontage automatique possède des fonctions chronographes et une grande date avec un double-guichet pour le calendrier affichant clairement la date, une indication utile, facilement lisible, que les personnes aiment utiliser.

Données techniques

Boîte

Lunette en acier noirci « DieHard Extreme »  et fibre de carbone. Carrure en titane de forme spéciale « Esprit Unique » avec lunette elliptique et circulaire. Poussoir marche/arrêt à 2h du chronographe. Poussoir remise à zéro à 4h du chronographe. Glace et fond saphir avec double traitement antireflet. Gravure commémorative sur le fond saphir. Etanche à 300 m

Mouvement

Mécanique de haute qualité à remontage automatique FV8Ch, terminé à la main.  « Concept de rotor en  or », exclusivité de Franc Vila. Réserve de marche de 42 heures.

Fonctions

Heures, minutes et secondes. Chronographe. Grande date.

Cadran

Fibre de carbone et guilloché. Indication de la « Grande date » dans le guichet central. Compteurs du chronographe à 6h (minutes) et à 9h.  Indication des secondes du chronographe par l’aiguille centrale. Indication des secondes à 3h.

Bracelet

Bracelet cuir crocodile noir avec coutures rouges et jaunes et boucle déployante en acier durci « DieHard Extreme ». Bracelet en caoutchouc également inclus.

Edition limitée à 88 exemplaires.

FRANC VILA presenta una edición especial de su exitosa colección “Cobra” para celebrar la primera Copa del Mundo de fútbol española. Bautizada como “Estrella Roja”, esta edición está limitada a 88 piezas como es habitual en la marca. Para conmemorar el triunfo, FRANC VILA ha utilizado los colores de la selección española y ha sustituido en la esfera el uno por una estrella.

En palabras del fundador español de la firma suiza, “estoy muy contento con el triunfo de la selección española de fútbol en Sudáfrica. Este éxito ha sido un sueño desde hace mucho tiempo en España y estoy muy orgulloso de los jugadores que lo han hecho realidad. He decidido crear una edición especial conmemorando nuestro primer campeonato del mundo de fútbol con una estrella en lugar del número uno, y deseo poder añadir más estrellas en el futuro”.

La colección “Cobra” de FRANC VILA introduce la primera evolución de la característica caja “esprit unique”. Dedicada a los aficionados de deportes extremos y construida para resistir profundidades de 300 metros, los relojes FRANC VILA “Cobra” están concebidos especialmente para actividades acuáticas extremas e intensas. Los apliques de fibra de carbono en la caja aseguran la protección del reloj en los deportes más exigentes.

El FV EVOS 8 “Cobra” es extremadamente deportivo y elegante en la vida diaria. Su mecanismo automático le dota de funciones de cronógrafo y calendario con gran fecha en una doble ventana, mostrando claramente la fecha, una útil y fácilmente legible indicación.

Especificaciones

Caja

Bisel en DieHard Extreme Steel negro y fibra de carbono. Carrura en titanio negro con apliques de fibra de carbono. Forma especial “Esprit Unique” con bisel elíptico-circular. Pulsador de activación y parada del cronógrafo a las 2′. Pulsador de reinicio del cronógrafo a las 4′. Cristales frontal y trasero de zafiro con tratamiento anti-reflejos de doble cara. Grabado conmemorativo en el cristal trasero. Estanqueidad hasta 300 metros.

Movimiento

Movimiento automático calibre FV8Ch acabado a mano. Rotor exclusivo “Gold Concept Rotor”. Reserva de marcha de 42 horas.

Funciones

Horas, minutos y segundos. Cronógrafo. Gran fecha.

Esfera

Fibra de carbono con guilloché. Indicación de gran fecha en doble ventana central. Esferas secundarias del cronógrafo a las 6′ (minutos) y a las 9′ (horas). Indicación de los segundos del cronógrafo por medio de la aguja central. Indicación de segundos a las 3′.

Correas 

Correas de piel de cocodrilo negras con pespuntes rojos y amarillos y bucle de seguridad. Correa deportiva de caucho incluida.

Edición limitada a 88 piezas.

FRANC VILA unveiled a new timepiece featuring 5 minutes repetition complication and built to provide a clear sonority thanks to the use of Lightnium combined with titanium. The new watch, named FVa35 SuperSonico 5 Minutes Repeater, is included in the brand’s SuperLigero Concept collection.

With the introduction in 2008 of the FVa Nº 6, a skeleton tourbillon with 5 days of power reserve, Franc Vila inaugurated his well known and successful collection named SuperLigero Concept. The concept consists in the development of different masterpieces with the characteristic of being very light while extremely robust in order to provide to the Haute Horlogerie lovers a collection of contemporary and complicated watches able to withstand exigent sport activities.

The common element in all the timepieces introduced under the SuperLigero concept is the use of Lightnium, an aluminium-lithium based alloy used in state of the art aeronautical engineering. It’s main characteristics are lightness combined with high-tensile strength, allowing structural weight reduction and an increase in the elastic modulus performance. These characteristics allow for the development of very robust movements like the FV Nº 6 skeleton tourbillon or the FV Nº Cuatro SuperLigero chronograph tourbillon. In new FVa35 SuperSonico 5 Minutes Repeater SuperLigero Concept this advanced material brings furthermore a very important virtue regarding the sonority of the minute repetition. The FVa35 is a very sporty repeater in which the use of Lightnium enhance its sound performance.

The rigidity of Lightnium, its low density and elastic modulus are optimal to ensure the best possible sonority. The density parameter is one of the most important for the transmission of the sound through the materials and it is considered a good value when it is lower than 5 g/cm3. For this reason titanium is a good material for the construction of the watchcases for repeaters, with 4.2 g/cm3. The alloy used in Lightnium provides a density of just 2.4 g/cm3, making it perfect for the transmission of sound. Also, the elastic modulus of this material is 79 GPa, far away of the 100 GPa maximum limit considered to be optimal for the transmission of sound. Due to these superb attributes of Lightnium, in the FVa35 the inner part of the watchcase is made in this material, which is in charge of transmitting the sound with the lowest possible loss of energy to the outer part of the watchcase, made in high-grade titanium. This combination of titanium and Lightnium ensures optimal sound qualities for the repetition complication.

The movement has been designed to exhibit a complete view of the sonnerie movement with a skeleton like approach which shows all the movement, with its gongs and hammers, in an impressive three-dimensional deep sight. In order to provide the best view of the mechanism, Franc Vila chose to avoid the use of dial with the intention to show the naked beauty of the movement when the minute repetition is activated on demand with the pusher.

In words of Mr. Franc Vila, the repeater is one of his favorite complications, due to the high complicated mechanism needed to convert time to music. “For this reason I think it is the most poetic complication. In fact, the first FRANC VILA watch, which I made just to satisfy my quest of the perfect watch for me, was a perpetual calendar with minute repeater. I’ve been working  since long time in order to create a collection of repeaters, and the FVa35 SuperSonico is the first timepiece in this collection.

I am sure that the High-End watchmaking passionates of minute repetition will love this contemporary repeater because of its mechanical beauty and the crafted assembly process, including the fine tuning of the sound performed by the watchmakers to all the timepieces one by one with extremely care and dearness.”

The introduction of the FVa35 SuperSonico 5 Minutes Repeater consolidates the SuperLigero Concept collection and proves the skills of Franc Vila when it comes to the use of new materials, thanks to his multi-discipline background. Once again, FRANC VILA achieves the aim of bringing to the high-end watchmaking a classic complication in a contemporary and sporty timepiece.

Data sheet

Case

Blackened titanium with inner part of the carrure in Lighnium. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Repeater pusher at 8′. Water resistant to 100 meters.

Movement

High Grade Mechanical Self-Winding hand finished complicated movement Caliber FV35. FRANC VILA Exclusive “Gold Concept Rotor”. Power reserve of 42 hours.

Functions

Hours, minutes and seconds. 5 minutes repeater.

Strap

Rubber sport strap with Black DieHard Extreme Steel deployment buckle. Double side crocodile leather strap also included (outer part in black with red stitchings and inner part in red).

Limited edition 88 pieces.

[Click thumbnail to download high-res CMYK image]

The FRANC VILA “Cobra” collection introduced the first evolution of the characteristic “esprit unique” watchcase. The new case is dedicated to aficionados of extreme sports. Built to withstand 300 meters deep, the “Cobra” timepieces are specially conceived for hard and intense water activities. The carbon fiber inserts ensure the protection of the watch for the most exigent sports.

FV EVOS 8Ch COBRA is both extremely sporty and impeccably elegant in the everyday life. Its automatic mechanical movement boasts chronograph functions and a “big date” with a double-window calendar clearly displaying the date, a useful indication, easily readable, that people like to use.

Data Sheet

Case

Bezel in blackened DieHard Extreme Steel and carbon-fiber. Carrure in blackened titanium. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Chronographe start/stop pusher at 2’. Chronograph reset pusher at 4’. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant 300 meters.

Movement

High Grade Mechanical Self-Winding hand finished complicated movement Caliber FV8Ch. FRANC VILA Exclusive “Gold Concept Rotor”. Power reserve of 42 hours.

Functions 

Hours, minutes and seconds. Chronograph. Big date.

Dial

Carbon fiber and guilloché. “Big date” indication in central windows. Chronograph subsidiary dials at 6’ (minutes) and at 9’ (hours). Chronograph seconds indication displayed by central hand.  Seconds indication at 3’.

Strap

Black Rubber Strap with DieHard Extreme Steel deployant buckle. Crocodile leather strap with red stitchings also included.

Limited edition of 88 pieces.

[Click thumbnails to download high-res images]

FRANC VILA introduced today a tourbillon timepiece in its “Cobra” collection, which was released in Baselworld 2009 and introduced the first evolution of the “esprit unique” watchcase characteristic of the brand. Its big success has led Franc Vila to bring his classics to the collection as a homage to his beginnings.

In his words, “the Cobra timepieces have been extremely successful since we presented them last year in Basel, and we got a lot of feedback of our customers asking about our plans to bring different complications to the collection. I felt that I had to bring our classic identity elements as a bridge between the beginnings of the brand and its evolution. The tourbillon is a foundational complication for FRANC VILA, because I created the watchcase to house a tourbillon, and the “Cobra” collection deserved to be equipped with our classic tourbillon, the FVa Nº 1.”

The FRANC VILA “Cobra” collection introduces the first evolution of the characteristic “esprit unique” watchcase. The new case is dedicated to aficionados of extreme sports. Built to withstand 300 meters deep, the “Cobra” timepieces are specially conceived for hard and intense water activities. The carbon fiber inserts ensure the protection of the watch for the most exigent sports.

The FV EVOS Nº 1 “Cobra” Tourbillon Planétaire is equipped with the exclusive manufactured calibre FRANC VILA FV Nº 1. This calibre is one of the first hand-made and hand-decorated FRANC VILA’s own movements. Equipped with a flying tourbillon with 5 days of power reserve, this movement made history adopting an aesthetic shape for the first time: the “esprit unique shape”. This movement is equipped with advanced systems and technologies that turn this piece into a very contemporary tourbillon. The “Inertial Moment Control” technology allows a precise adjustment through inertial moment, and the “Wheels Differential System” is a radically new spherical differential system used to wind the power reserve, with wheel arms directly incorporating the planetary gears. This innovative system allow a fast planetary winding function reduces the time to wind this exclusive timepiece by two-thirds.

The FV EVOS Nº 1 “Cobra” Tourbillon Planétaire is limited to 8 pieces in red gold and 8 pieces in titanium and DieHard Extreme Steel.

[Click thumbnails to download high-res images]

This is also the first FRANC VILA timepiece using meteorite in the dial, combined with sapphire glass. While maintaining the characteristic “esprit unique” shape in the watchcase this timepiece stands out due to the asymmetrical column design of the dial, which allows to see the movement beating inside.

The timekeeper is equipped with the FRANC VILA FV15 automatic calibre, which features regulator function indicating hours, minutes and seconds, and the additional indication of date in a window in the dial.

Data Sheet

Case

Bezel in DieHard Extreme Steel. Carrure in titanium. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant to 100 meters.

Movement

High Grade Mechanical Self-Winding hand finished complicated movement Caliber FV15. FRANC VILA Exclusive “Gold Concept Rotor”. Power reserve of 42 hours.

Functions    

Hours, minutes and seconds. Date indication.

Dial

Meteorite, brushed metal, and sapphire glass. Date indication at 3′.

Straps

Rubber sport straps with DieHard Extreme Steel deployant buckle. Crocodile leather straps also included.

Limited edition of 88 pieces.

[Click thumbnail to download high-res image]

FVa Nº 6 SuperLigero in red

FVa Nº 6 SuperLigero in blue

FVa Nº 6 SuperLigero in orange

FRANC VILA unveiled in Baselworld 2009 a new tourbillon watch in which nanotechnology, state of the art engineering and inspiration from nature come together: FVa Nº Cuatro Tourbillon Chronograph SuperLigero Concept. The brand goes a step further with the evolution of their successful FVa Nº Cuatro chronograph tourbillon bringing it into the SuperLigero concept which debuted in 2008 with the introduction of the FVa Nº 6 SuperLigero Concept. The new movement beating inside this watch has also been built  in Lightnium, an aluminium-lithium based alloy used in state of the art aeronautical engineering. Its main characteristics are lightness combined with high-tensile strength, allowing structural weight reduction and an increase in the elastic modulus. These characteristics allow for the development of very robust movements. While light and with low density, it is rigid enough to stand up to the stresses of the gear train, barrel and tourbillon which ensures perfect performance. The lightness of this new material also means that the movement is less affected by inertial forces.

Furthermore, the structure of the bridges of the movement have been inspired by the molecular structure of graphene, a recently discovered material, which being just one atom thick, is six times less dense and can be from 10 to 100 times stronger than the best steel. The hexagonal disposition of the atoms in this material, far stronger that the four links per atom of  diamonds, gives it these characteristics. This atomic structure is so strong that could be used to build a space lift, as it is the only known material able to support its own weight infinitely. In the quest for an extremely light, sporty, shock and stress resistant movement, FRANC VILA has brought the advances of nanotechnology to the new FVa Nº Cuatro Chronograph Tourbillon SuperLigero Concept, translating the hexagonal nano-structure of graphene to the micro-world of Haute Horlogerie.

In words of Mr. Vila, “I was very happy with the FVa Nº 6 SuperLigero, which was made in Lightnium to be strong and light. But at the moment of bringing the SuperLigero concept to the chrono-tourbillon, I wanted it to be stronger because it has a more sporty character. While Lightnium has exceptional characteristics to build very strong and light movements, I wanted to go a step further to create an even more resistant tourbillon. I was looking for a strong structural design and I discovered the exceptional properties of graphene thanks in part to its hexagonal atomic structure. I dreamt with the possibilites of bringing together the lightness and high-tensile strength of Lightnium and the structural strength of graphene and I combined them in the FVa Nº Cuatro SuperLigero.”

The FVa Nº Cuatro Chronograph Tourbillon SuperLigero Concept encompasses all the innovations already present in the FVa Nº Cuatro, such as its column wheel monopusher chronograph directly coupled to the tourbillon cage. The mechanism in charge of the chronograph function in the movement is disposed in the dial side, a highly complicated structure which gives the movement a stunning visual appearance in the front view, where the action of the movement is perfectly visible with every push of the chronograph button. In the back view, the hexagonal structure of the movement is reminiscent of the world of motor-sport and of natural structures which have inspired  architecture for decades . This completes the image of a new SuperLigero timepiece destined to be a milestone in Haute Horlogerie.

Technically, the movement has five days of reserve power. Its regulatory organ is a flying tourbillon equipped with the “Inertial Moment Control” technology, which constantly and precisely regulates the tourbillon. The “Wheels Differential System” allows a fast winding function effectively reducing by two thirds the number of turns of the crown needed to wind the watch.

Once again Franc Vila makes use of his multi-discipline background to place High-End watchmaking on the crossroads of state of the art technology, craftmanship and advanced engineering with the introduction of FVa Nº Cuatro Tourbillon Chronograph SuperLigero Concept.

[Click thumbnails to download high-res image] 

Data Sheet

Case: DieHard Extreme Steel. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Chronograph monopusher at 2.

Movement: FV Nº Cuatro SuperLigero calibre. 262 components. 33 rubies. 5 days power reserve (120 hours). Chronograph monopushing function with dial side column wheel, directly coupled to tourbillon. Flying tourbillon with inertial moment control mechanism and wheel differential system. Mechanism manufactured in the brand’s characteristic “Esprit Unique” shape, hand-made and hand-decorated.

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Chronograph Monopusher and power reserve indication.

Dial: 60 seconds (at 2) and 30 minutes (at 10) chronograph counters. Power reserve indication at 9.

Ultra-limited edition 8 pieces

[Click thumbnails to download high-res image] 

FVa Nº Cuatro

FVa Nº Cuatro SuperLigero Concept

FVa Nº Cuatro FERRERO Special Edition

The “Chronograph Tourbillon” treasures innovations that turn it into a completely revolutionary timekeeper. In Franc Vila’s own words, “this extraordinary timepiece will become a legend in the world of the high-end mechanical sport luxury chronograph”. This claim is justified because the watch houses the first movement in history which incorporates a chronographe with all its mechanism located in the dial side. The chronograph mechanism has the column wheel visible at 12 and has monopusher function with direct coupling on the tourbillon cage.

Data Sheet

Case

DieHard Extreme Steel. “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Chronograph monopusher at 2’. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant to 100 meters.

Movement

Exclusive Mechanical Hand Wound Movement Caliber FRANC VILA Nº Cuatro, manufactured, assembled and hand decorated by FRANC VILA. 262 components. 32 rubies. Frequency 21.600 vph. 5 days power reserve (120 hours). Chronograph monopushing function with dial side column wheel, directly coupled to tourbillon. Flying tourbillon with “Inertial Moment Control” and “Wheels Differential System” technologies. Mechanism manufactured in the brand’s characteristic “Esprit Unique” shape, hand-made and hand-decorated.

Functions 

Hours, minutes. Monopusher chronograph. Power reserve indication.

Dial

Shappire dial with filet. Chronograph seconds indication at 2’. Chronograph minutes indication at 10’. Power reserve indication at 9’.

Straps

Crocodile leather strap with DieHard Extreme Steel deployment buckle. Rubber sport strap also included.

Ultra-limited edition 8 pieces.

Related links:

FVa Nº Cuatro SuperLigero

FVa Nº 6 SuperLigero in red

FVa Nº 6 SuperLigero in blue

Continuing his aim to bring together sport, state of the art engineering, architecture and modern art, Franc Vila has created a deep and vibrant contemporary blue version of his impressive skeleton tourbillon movement FV Nº 6, aesthetically inspired by contemporary art. 

FVa Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept was first introduced in Baselworl 2008. Its movement has been built for the first time ever in a Lithium-based alloy christened ”lightnium”. This new material is an extremely low density metal, formerly reserved for state of the art aeronautical engineering. It’s main characteristics are lightness combined with high tensile strength, allowing for structural weight reduction and an increase in the elasticity of the module.

Designed to be shock and stress resistant, FVa Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept is the result not only of an intense quest for aesthetics, but also of technical prowess. The creation of a movement with these characteristics in a material with these properties has led FRANC VILA to seek inspiration in disciplines not traditionally related to High-End Watchmaking. The structural design of the mechanism has its roots in modern architecture. By using an extremely low density material and reducing the movement to its minimum expression, it is made into a skeleton. All the while, maximum stability of the system is ensured by allowing the movement to be rigid enough to stand up to the stresses of the gear train, barrel and tourbillon thereby ensuring perfect performance. The lightness of this new material means that the movement is less affected by inertial forces. This  advantage, combined with its strong architectural design, make this tourbillon the strongest and sportiest skeleton watch in it’s category.

The staging of an aesthetic clearly inspired by contemporary art is a clear expression of the artistic background of the founder of the brand. We see this in the back of the movement and the impressive cage of the tourbillon which is constructed in coloured Lightnium and decorated with the logo of the firm. This timepiece is without doubt the most impressive proof to date of the artistic and technical sensibility of Franc Vila. He once again pushes his ethos to the maximum by creating a calibre which, while being a skeleton, maintains the characteristic “Esprit Unique” shape which gives all his creations their strong and unmistakable identity.

In the words of Franc Vila, “most skeleton watches are highly traditional machines, featuring ornate engraving and classical motifs in the style of Rococo Art. They don’t take care of the architecture of the movement. I wanted to create a contemporary skeleton tourbillon which evokes the senses with clear influences of contemporary art, design and modern architecture”.

Technically, the movement has 5 days of reserve power. It’s regulatory organ is a flying tourbillon which is equipped with the “Inertial Moment Control”. This control constantly and precisely regulates the tourbillon. A differential system of planetary gears allows a fast planetary winding function effectively reducing by two-thirds the number of turns needed to wind the watch.

The creation of FVa Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept places High-End Watchmaking on the crossroads of contemporary art, architecture, craftsmanship and advanced engineering, all of which come together in a high performance watch with the impressive naked beauty of a skeleton mechanism beating inside of it: this is modern art with all of its intense emotions.

[Click thumbnail to download high-res picture] 

Data Sheet

Case: Black Titanium. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant 100 meters.

Movement: FV Nº 6 Mechanical movement with manual winding. 24 rubies. Flying tourbillon with “Inertial Moment Control System” and “Wheels Differential System”. Mechanism manufactured in the brand’s characteristic “Esprit Unique” shape, hand-made and hand-decorated. Bridge of the tourbillon and plate made in blue ”Lightnium”.

Functions: Hours, minutes and power reserve indication.

Dial: Transparent saphire dial with hours and minutes indications. Power reserve indication at 9.

Ultra-limited edition 8 pieces

Short text

FRANC VILA unveils a new version in orange “Lightnium” of the SuperLigero skeleton tourbillon. 

Franc Vila’s “esprit unique” expressed like never before. Going beyond the search for aesthetic refinement, the technical prowess of this timepiece is truly impressive. The Superligero presented at Baselworld this year is once again confirmation of his innovation and creativity. The flying tourbillon that beats in this model was created in “Lightnium”, a new lithium and aluminum alloy. With it’s design strongly rooted in modern architecture, the SuperLigero movement has led to this skeleton model with it’s base plate and tourbillon bridges in orange “Lightnium”.

Inspired by the powerful shades of orange of contemporary art, Franc Vila has unveiled a new version of the SuperLigero Skeleton Tourbillon in orange “Lightnium”. The SuperLigero is not complete without it’s recto-verso crocodile strap, which compliments perfectly the timepiece itself. Black crocodile with orange stitching on top and underneath, vibrant orange crocodile with black stitching to highlight the orange base plate. This is a powerful timepiece on the wrists of only eight aficionados due to the brand’s ultra-limited series regulation.

The new “Tribute” collection introduces the first FRANC VILA ladies watch, in which Mr. Vila faced the challenge of designing a feminine collection for sophisticated women with strong character. This Franc Vila “esprit unique” Timepiece is equipped with the automatic FV28 calibre which features “jumping hours” function.

Data Sheet

Case

Blue Edition: DieHard Extreme Steel. 387 diamonds (2.45 cts, quality TW VVS pure): bezel fully paved with diamonds and lugs paved with diamonds. 2 blue sapphires in frontal part of bezel. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel.  Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant 100 meters.

White Edition: DieHard Extreme Steel. 91 diamonds (0.70 cts) in the internal part of the bezel. 2 diamonds in frontal part of bezel.

Movement

High Grade Mechanical Self-Winding hand finished complicated movement Caliber FV28. 27 rubies. FRANC VILA Exclusive “Gold Concept Rotor”. Power reserve of 42 hours.

Functions 

Jumping hours, minutes and seconds.

Dial

Blue Edition: Blue mother-of-pearl with printed floral decoration. 8 indexes set with diamonds. Hours window at 12′. Small seconds at 6′.

White Edition: White mother-of-pearl with printed floral decoration. 8 indexes set diamonds. Hours window at 12′. Small seconds at 6′.

Strap

Genuine Alligator hand stitched strap. DieHard Extreme Steel buckle (not folding).

Limited edition of 88 pieces.

[Click thumbnail to download high-res image]

FRANC VILA FVa Nº 1 Tourbillon Planétaire 5 Days Power Reserve fully paved with 1003 diamonds

FRANC VILA’s “Haute Joaillerie” collection includes complicated movements meticulously set with high quality diamonds. The brand places quality above all  else, concentrating on exclusivity by means of it’s s numbered limited editions. Every piece is manufactured with the “esprit unique” philosophy as it’s primary aspiration.

This calibre is one of the first hand-made and hand-decorated FRANC VILA’s own movements. Equipped with a flying tourbillon with 5 days power reserve, this movement made history adopting an aesthetic shape for the first time: the “esprit unique shape”. The “Inertial Moment Control” technology allows a precise adjustment through inertial moment, and the “Wheels Differential System” is a radically new spherical differential system used to wind the power reserve, with wheel arms directly incorporating the planetary gears. This innovative system allows a fast planetary winding function effectively reducing the winding time of this exclusive timepiece by two-thirds.

Data Sheet

Case

White Gold. Watchcase and deployment buckle fully paved with 1003 diamonds. “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant to 100 meters.

Movement

Exclusive Mechanical Hand Wound Movement Caliber FRANC VILA Nº 1 TV, manufactured, assembled and hand decorated by FRANC VILA. Manufactured in the characteristic “esprit unique” shape. Movement finished and polished by hand. Suspended tourbillon without ball bearing, with “Wheels Differential System” and “Inertial Moment Control” systems. Frequency 21600 vph. 24 rubies. 120 hours power reserve. “Balancier à Masselottes” in gold. Manufactured Lever Escapement and Escape wheel. Unique Barrel “Planétaire Sphérique”.

Functions 

Hours, minutes. Power reserve indication.

Dial

Carbon fiber and guilloché. Power reserve indication at 9’.

Strap

Rubber sport strap with white gold deployment buckle. Deployant buckle paved with diamonds. Crocodile leather strap also included.

Ultra-limited edition 8 pieces.

 [Click the thumbnail to download high-res image]

FRANC VILA unveils a new version in blue “Lightnium” of the SuperLigero skeleton tourbillon.

Continuing his aim to bring together sport, state of the art engineering, architecture and modern art, Franc Vila has created a deep and vibrant contemporary blue version of his impressive skeleton tourbillon movement FV Nº 6, aesthetically inspired by contemporary art.

FVa Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept was first introduced in Baselworl 2008. Its movement has been built for the first time ever in a Lithium-based alloy christened ”lightnium”. This new material is an extremely low density metal, formerly reserved for state of the art aeronautical engineering. It’s main characteristics are lightness combined with high tensile strength, allowing for structural weight reduction and an increase in the elasticity of the module.

Designed to be shock and stress resistant, FVa Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept is the result not only of an intense quest for aesthetics, but also of technical prowess. The creation of a movement with these characteristics in a material with these properties has led FRANC VILA to seek inspiration in disciplines not traditionally related to High-End Watchmaking. The structural design of the mechanism has its roots in modern architecture. By using an extremely low density material and reducing the movement to its minimum expression, it is made into a skeleton. All the while, maximum stability of the system is ensured by allowing the movement to be rigid enough to stand up to the stresses of the gear train, barrel and tourbillon thereby ensuring perfect performance. The lightness of this new material means that the movement is less affected by inertial forces. This  advantage, combined with its strong architectural design, make this tourbillon the strongest and sportiest skeleton watch in it’s category.

The staging of an aesthetic clearly inspired by contemporary art is a clear expression of the artistic background of the founder of the brand. We see this in the back of the movement and the impressive cage of the tourbillon which is constructed in coloured Lightnium and decorated with the logo of the firm. This timepiece is without doubt the most impressive proof to date of the artistic and technical sensibility of Franc Vila. He once again pushes his ethos to the maximum by creating a calibre which, while being a skeleton, maintains the characteristic “Esprit Unique” shape which gives all his creations their strong and unmistakable identity.

In the words of Franc Vila, “most skeleton watches are highly traditional machines, featuring ornate engraving and classical motifs in the style of Rococo Art. They don’t take care of the architecture of the movement. I wanted to create a contemporary skeleton tourbillon which evokes the senses with clear influences of contemporary art, design and modern architecture”.

Technically, the movement has 5 days of reserve power. It’s regulatory organ is a flying tourbillon which is equipped with the “Inertial Moment Control”. This control constantly and precisely regulates the tourbillon. A differential system of planetary gears allows a fast planetary winding function effectively reducing by two-thirds the number of turns needed to wind the watch.

The creation of FVa Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept places High-End Watchmaking on the crossroads of contemporary art, architecture, craftsmanship and advanced engineering, all of which come together in a high performance watch with the impressive naked beauty of a skeleton mechanism beating inside of it: this is modern art with all of its intense emotions.

[Click thumbnail to download high-res picture] 

Data Sheet

Case: Black Titanium. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant 100 meters.

Movement: FV Nº 6 Mechanical movement with manual winding. 24 rubies. Flying tourbillon with “Inertial Moment Control System” and “Wheels Differential System”. Mechanism manufactured in the brand’s characteristic “Esprit Unique” shape, hand-made and hand-decorated. Bridge of the tourbillon and plate made in blue ”Lightnium”.

Functions: Hours, minutes and power reserve indication.

Dial: Transparent saphire dial with hours and minutes indications. Power reserve indication at 9.

Ultra-limited edition 8 pieces

Short text

FRANC VILA unveils a new version in blue “Lightnium” of the SuperLigero skeleton tourbillon. 

Franc Vila’s “esprit unique” expressed like never before. Going beyond the search for aesthetic refinement, the technical prowess of this timepiece is truly impressive. The Superligero presented at Baselworld this year is once again confirmation of his innovation and creativity. The flying tourbillon that beats in this model was created in “Lightnium”, a new lithium and aluminum alloy. With it’s design strongly rooted in modern architecture, the SuperLigero movement has led to this skeleton model with it’s base plate and tourbillon bridges in blue “Lightnium”.

Inspired by the powerful shades of blue of contemporary art, Franc Vila has unveiled a new version of the SuperLigero Skeleton Tourbillon in blue “Lightnium”. The SuperLigero is not complete without it’s recto-verso crocodile strap, which compliments perfectly the timepiece itself. Black crocodile with blue stitching on top and underneath, vibrant blue crocodile with black stitching to highlight the blue base plate. This is a powerful timepiece on the wrists of only eight aficionados due to the brand’s ultra-limited series regulation.

Two men born in Valencia, near the Mediterranean sea, who come from two different universes, share the same sophisticated lifestyle and passion for real luxury. Both have achieved the best in their fields but continue their quest for excelence and have the same attitude towards their adversities. One is tennis great, Juan Carlos Ferrero. The other is the talented watchmaker, Franc Vila. Both of them play on the court of perfection.

When Franc Vila met Ferrero he realized their personalities match well and decided to produce for Ferrero the most complicated watch dedicated for Sport : FVa Nº Cuatro Tourbillon Dial Side Column Wheel Monopusher Chronograph in red gold and black titanium. This calibre is the first tourbillon movement ever to have the chronograph mechanism built in the dial side and has been built in the brand’s characteristic “esprit unique” shape.

FVa Nº Cuatro Tourbillon Dial-Side Column Wheel Monopusher Chronograph

FERRERO Special Edition

Case

Bezel in red gold. Carrure in Black Titanium. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Chronograph monopusher at 2.

Movement

FV No. Cuatro calibre. 262 components. 33 rubies. 5 days power reserve (120 hours). Chronograph monopushing function with dial side column wheel, directly coupled to tourbillon. Flying tourbillon with inertial moment control mechanism and wheel differential system. Mechanism manufactured in the brand’s characteristic “Esprit Unique” shape, hand-made and hand-decorated.

Functions

Hours, Minutes, Chronograph Monopusher and power reserve indication.

Dial

60 seconds (at 2) and 30 minutes (at 10) chronograph counters. Power reserve indication at 9.

Ultra-limited edition of 8 pieces.

[Click thumbnails to download high-res pictures] 

“El Bandido” Collection includes the following watches:

FVa9 “El Bandido” 

Chronograph Master Quantième Automatique

[Click thumbnail to download high-res photo] 

FVa9 Franc Vila “esprit unique” high-end sports timepiece is both extremely sporty and impeccably elegant in the everyday life. Its highly complex movement allows not only the measurement of short times, but also the simultaneous indication of the date, the day of the week, the month and the moon phases.

Case

Black DieHard Extreme Steel. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Chronograph start/stop at 2. Chronograph reset pusher at 4. Water resistant 100 meters.

Movement

FRANC VILA FV9. High Grade Mechanical Self-Winding hand finished complicated movement calibre. FRANC VILA Exclusive Gold Concept Rotor.

Functions 

Hours. Minutes. Chronograph. Complete calendar. Moon phase.

Dial 

Carbon fiber sport dial with black numbers and guilloché. Chronograph indications in red.

Straps 

Crocodile strap with Black DieHard Extreme Steel deployment buckle. Rubber sport strap also included.

Limited edition of 88 pieces. 

FVa11 “El Bandido”

Chronographe Fly-Back Quantième Perpétuel Automatique

[Click thumbnail to download high-res photo] 

Franc Vila “esprit unique” Timepiece combining a Fly-Back chronograph (which allows a new measurement starting from zero by pressing down a single pusher without stopping, zeroing and restarting the whole mechanism) with the most complex horology complication related to the calendar feature. This timepiece indicates the date, day, month and leap year and does not need manual corrections. The sophisticated mechanism changes automatically the date at the end of each month including the 29th February in leap years.

Case

Black DieHard Extreme Steel. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Chronograph start/stop at 2. Chronograph reset pusher at 4. Water resistant 100 meters.

Movement

High Grade Mechanical Self-Winding hand finished complicated movement calibre FRANC VILA FV11. FRANC VILA Exclusive Gold Concept Rotor.

Functions 

Hours. Minutes. Fly-back chronograph. Perpetual calendar. Moon phase.

Dial 

Carbon fiber sport dial with black numbers and guilloché. Chronograph indications in red.

Straps 

Crocodile strap with Black DieHard Extreme Steel deployment buckle. Rubber sport strap also included.

Limited edition of 48 pieces. 

FVa Nº 1 “El Bandido”

Tourbillon Planétaire 5 Days Power Reserve

[Click thumbnail to download high-res photo] 

This calibre is one of the first hand-made and hand-decorated FRANC VILA’s own movements. Equipped with a flying tourbillon with 5 days power reserve, this movement made history adopting an aesthetic shape for the first time: the “esprit unique shape”. This movement is equipped with advanced systems and technologies that turn this piece into a very contemporary tourbillon. The “Inertial Moment Control” technology allows a precise adjustment through inertial moment, and the “Wheels Differential System” is a radically new spherical differential system used to wind the power reserve, with wheel arms directly incorporating the planetary gears. This innovative system allow a fast planetary winding function reduces the time to wind this exclusive timepiece by two-thirds.

Case

Black DieHard Extreme Steel. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant 100 meters.

Movement

Exclusive Mechanical Hand Wound Movement Caliber FRANC VILA No. 1 TV, manufactured, assembled and hand decorated by FRANC VILA. Manufactured in the characteristic “esprit unique” shape. Movement finished and polished by hand. Frequency 21600 vph. 24 rubies. 120 hours power reserve. Suspended tourbillon without ball bearing, with “Wheels Differential” and “Inertial Moment Control” systems. ”Balancier à Masselottes” in gold. Manufactured Lever Escapement and Escape wheel. Unique Barrel “Planétaire Sphérique”.

Functions 

Hours. Minutes. Power reserve indication.

Dial 

Black mother of pearl with guilloché. Power reserve indication at 9.

Straps 

Rubber sport straps with Black DieHard Extreme Steel deployment buckle. Crocodile straps also included.

Ultra-Limited edition of 8 pieces.

FRANC VILA will introduce in Baselworld 2008 a new timepiece in which sport, state of the art engineering, architecture and modern art come together. 

Geneva, 2008, 11th February.

FRANC VILA today unveiled one of its novelties which will be introduced in Baselworld 2008: FVa Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept. The movement has been built for the first time ever in an Aluminium-Lithium based alloy named ”Lightnium” by the brand. This new material is an extremely low density metal, formerly reserved for state of the art aeronautical engineering. It’s main characteristics are lightness combined with high tensile strength, allowing a structural weight reduction and an increase in elastic  modulus.

Designed to be shock and stress resistant, FVa Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept is the result not only of an intense quest for aesthetics, but also of technical prowess. The creation of a movement with these characteristics in a material with these properties has led FRANC VILA to seek inspiration in disciplines not traditionally related to High-End Watchmaking. The structural design of the mechanism has its roots in modern architecture. By using an extremely low density material and by reducing the movement to its minimum expression, it is made into a skeleton. Maximum stability of the system is ensured by allowing the movement to be rigid enough to stand up to the stresses of the gear train, barrel and tourbillon thereby ensuring perfect performance. The lightness of this new material means that the movement is less affected by inertial forces. This  advantage, combined with its strong architectural design, makes this tourbillon the strongest and sportiest skeleton watch in it’s category.

The staging inspired by contemporary art is a clear expression of the artistic background of the founder of the brand. We see this in the back of the movement and the impressive cage of the tourbillon which is constructed in coloured Lightnium and decorated with the logo of the firm. This timepiece is without doubt the most impressive proof to date of the artistic and technical sensibility of Franc Vila. He once again pushes his ethos to the maximum by creating a calibre which, while being a skeleton, maintains the characteristic “Esprit Unique” shape which gives all his creations their strong and unmistakable identity.

As Franc Vila says, “most skeleton watches are highly traditional machines, featuring ornate engraving and classical motifs in the style of Rococo Art. They don’t take care of the architecture of the movement. I wanted to create a contemporary skeleton tourbillon which evokes the senses with clear influences of contemporary art, design and modern architecture”.

Technically, the movement has 5 days reserve power. It’s regulatory organ is a flying tourbillon which is equipped with the “Inertial Moment Control”. This control constantly and precisely regulates the tourbillon. A differential system of planetary gears allows a fast planetary winding function effectively reducing by two-thirds the number of turns needed to wind the watch.

The creation of FVa Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept places High-End Watchmaking on the crossroads of contemporary art, architecture, craftsmanship and advanced engineering. All of which come together in a high performance watch with the impressive naked beauty of a skeleton mechanism beating inside of it: this is modern art with all of its intense emotions.

Data Sheet

Case: Black Titanium. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant 100 meters.

Movement: FV Nº 6 calibre. 24 rubies. Flying tourbillon with inertial moment control mechanism and wheel differential system. Mechanism manufactured in the brand’s characteristic “Esprit Unique” shape, hand-made and hand-decorated. Bridge of the tourbillon and plate made in red Lightnium.

Functions: Hours, minutes and power reserve indication.

Dial: Transparent sapphire dial with hours and minutes indications. Power reserve indication at 9.

Ultra-limited edition 8 pieces

Case also available in Black DieHard Extreme Steel, DieHard Extreme Steel, red gold, white gold, Titanium & Gold or Titanium & DieHard Extreme Steel or Black DieHard Extreme Steel.   

 [Click thumbnails to download high-res pictures]

White Gold

Collection: “Haute Joaillerie”

FRANC VILA “Haute Joaillerie” collection includes complicated movements delicately hand-set with high-end quality diamonds. It places quality far above, concentrating on exclusive, strictly limited and numbered collections. They all are manufactured in the “esprit unique” philosophy.

This Franc Vila “esprit unique” Timepiece combines a Full Calendar displaying date, day of the week and month with a moon phase.This classical and eternal design is a homage to the astrological calendars of the 40´s and 50´s with central Windows displaying the day of the week and the month and a subsidiary dial located at number six displaying the date and moon phase.

Data Sheet

Case

White gold fully paved with diamonds. Special “Esprit Unique” shape with elliptic and circular bezel. Corrector buttons at 2‘ (moonphase), at 4’ (day of the week), at 8‘ (date) and at 10’ (month). Crystal and caseback both in sapphire with double sided anti-glare treatment. Water resistant 100 meters.

Movement

High Grade Mechanical Self-Winding hand finished complicated movement Caliber FV7. FRANC VILA Exclusive “Gold Concept Rotor”. Power reserve of 42 hours.

Functions 

Hours, minutes and seconds. Date, day of the week and month. Moonphase.

Dial

Mother of pearl with guilloché. Month and day of the week indication in central windows. Date and moonphase indications at 6’.

Strap

Crocodile leather strap with white gold deployant buckle. Rubber sport strap also included.

Limited edition of 88 pieces.

[Click the thumbnail to download the high-resolution picture]