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Franck Muller presents the Cintrée Curvex Central Tourbillon

The self-proclaimed 'Master of Complications', Franck Muller was once one of the most inventive watchmakers of our time. He has since exited the business that bears his name — now known for its lavish styles — but the brand still has the occasional interesting complication.

The Grand Central Tourbillon is one such watch, featuring a large flying tourbillon in the center of the dial. The Grand Central Tourbillon offers a variety of colored dials with 'exploded' numerals, powered by an automatic movement that follows the shape of the brand's iconic Cintrée Curvex case.

Today, Franck Muller is mostly associated with flashy watches like the Vanguard Skeleton Sapphire. But long before Franck Muller himself launched his first tourbillon in 1984—a Breguet-inspired watch with just the word "Franck" on the dial—it was one of the many tourbillons he went on to create. The first in a flywheel.

The Grand Central Tourbillon evokes some of Franck Muller's history with its unusual central tourbillon. This complication is rare and only a few brands have implemented a central tourbillon, the most notable of which are Omega and Beat Haldimann. Franck Muller makes it even more interesting - the movement is automatic and has a power reserve of four days.

As is standard for the brand, the Grand Central Tourbillon is available in a variety of colors and metals—some iterations are virtually indistinguishable from the next—but my pick is the blue dial. The vivid hue stands out from the rest of the dial and accentuates the embossed guilloché.

Grand Central Tourbillon , moderately priced for this type of watch. If you're looking for a non-traditional tourbillon, even if Franck Muller isn't your usual brand of attention, its competitive price makes it a worthwhile option.

central tourbillon
The position of the tourbillon required a readjustment of the gears that drive the hands. Both the hour and minute hands are on the periphery, at the edge of the tourbillon aperture, making it easy to tell the time without obstructing the tourbillon.

Although the case takes the form of the famous Cintrée Curvex, it has been redesigned. The curved crystal extends to the lugs, making the dial more spacious. What's more, the case now includes a separate bezel - a first for the Cintrée Curvex - which allows for a two-tone case.

While most Franck Muller tourbillons are hand-wound, the Grand Central Tourbillon is equipped with an automatic movement wound by a micro-rotor. Made in-house by cal. Franck Muller. Consisting of 313 components, the FM CX 40T-CTR has a handy four-day power reserve.

Franck Muller Grand Central Tourbillon
Ref. CX 40 T CTR AC AC (stainless steel, blue dial)

Diameter: 35.85mm x 43.95mm
Height: 12.85mm
Material: Steel or 18k Gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 meters

Movement: FM CX 40T-CTR
Features: hours, minutes, seconds and central tourbillon
Frequency: 18,000 beats per hour (2.5 Hz)
Chain: Automatic
Power reserve: four days

Strap: alligator leather with folding clasp