Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XIX

9 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I G ravity is a force that pulls you in, whether you intend for it to or not. Its weight it always with you. And without it, the world wouldn’t be the same. Before seeing the FranckMuller Vanguard Gravity, I thought the name was overdone, oversold. I didn’t imagine a watch being worthy of such a momentous moniker. That was before I laid eyes on it, however. It’s rare for a timepiece to stop me cold inmy tracks. However, that’s exactly what happened the first time I laid eyes on the Vanguard Gravity. I was stunned by the timepiece’s depth and warmth. Clad in 18-carat pink or white gold and six colourful variants for the bridge, the Vanguard Gravity is quite literally one of the most visually dynamic and engaging watches of the last several decades. Undeniably, the piece is absolutely stunning. It’s more than a pretty face; the Vanguard Gravity takes the traditions of exclusive watchmaking and dashes them in a style and flare sorely missing from the segment. The tourbillon cage – formed from aluminium – features an innovative elliptical shape. Carrying the elliptical theme into the minor details of the timepiece, the pillars of the tourbillon have been shaped into 21.2- and 7.7-millimetre ellipse circles. An eccentric balance of 14mm further characterises this unconventional tourbillon. As a result of this glorious design, onlookers are being invited into the movement, as the cutaways give a glimpse into the soul of the piece. Unlike other watches, which derive beauty simply from the face or case, the Vanguard Gravity uses its complication to enhance the visual experience. The addition of the Gravity to one’s wrist is akin to adding a living thing, rather than something as mundane as machinery. After having spent time with it, I am convinced it is worthy of its name; its presence will have a lasting effect on not only the watch world but the lives of those lucky enough to own it as well.