Grail Watch has partnered with Franck Muller, the acclaimed Swiss watchmaker, to introduce the exclusive Grail Watch 2.1: Franck Muller Double Sided Rattrapante Chronograph “Arabian Panda”. This timepiece marks the launch of Revolution Arabia, Grail Watch’s new Middle East-focused branch, blending intricate watchmaking with culturally significant design elements.
Design and Features
The “Arabian Panda” is distinguished by its double-sided rattrapante chronograph, a signature complication of Franck Muller. The watch features a 39mm stainless steel case and two dials: the front displays traditional hours, minutes, and small seconds, while the back is dedicated to telemeter, tachymeter, and pulsometer scales.
One of the standout features of this edition is the use of Eastern Arabic numerals on both dials. Abdulla Al Shaer, Editor-in-Chief of Revolution Arabia, emphasized the importance of this detail, stating, “It was important that a Middle Eastern person would look at these indexes and the scales and say ‘Wow!’ because they are beautiful.” The frosted silver finish on the front dial, contrasted by black subdials, provides a clean, modern aesthetic. Meanwhile, the back dial is fully luminescent, catering to the region’s preference for evening activities, as Al Shaer noted, “Because of the heat, people really like to gather in the evenings when the sun goes down.”
Craftsmanship and Innovation
The watch is powered by the self-winding caliber MVT FM 7000-CCRDF, with a 54-hour power reserve. A highlight of this model is the split-seconds chronograph, or rattrapante, which allows users to time multiple events simultaneously. This complication is particularly special, as Franck Muller himself modified the Valjoux 7750 movement to incorporate the split-seconds function, a modification that Muller later sold to La Joux-Perret.
The development of this watch was a meticulous process, taking nearly a year. Wei Koh, founder of Grail Watch, and Al Shaer worked closely with Franck Muller’s team to ensure the design met their high standards. The luminosity -a reference to Dubai and the Middle East coming alive at night time- proved to be particularly challenging: “Honestly, I wasn’t sure about this detail and we had to work with our dial maker a lot to get it right, but in the end, it’s this surprising element that I have really come to love,” remarked Nicolas Glénat, one of the designers involved in the project, about the luminous back dial.
Limited Availability
The “Arabian Panda” is a limited edition of only 20 pieces, each individually numbered. Priced at USD 25,500 (excluding taxes), this timepiece is anticipated to be highly sought after by both regional and international collectors. Pre-orders are available through Grail Watch’s official channels.
Conclusion
The Grail Watch 2.1: Franck Muller Double Sided Rattrapante Chronograph “Arabian Panda” is a thoughtful blend of cultural homage and horological innovation. This limited edition not only celebrates Franck Muller’s mastery of complications but also honors the rich cultural heritage of the Middle Eastern market. Interested individuals can find more information or place inquiries through Grail Watch’s official website.
