A notable convergence of Swiss watchmaking tradition and Japanese streetwear provocation has yielded a second, highly anticipated release.
Franck Muller and the Tokyo-based label #FR2 are once again joining forces, building upon their initial success with the new #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach Limited Edition. This collection shifts the aesthetic from the monochrome of their first venture to a vibrant, sun-drenched palette, perfectly capturing the essence of summer while continuing to challenge the conventions of luxury timekeeping. It's a statement piece that speaks to a modern audience that appreciates both high craftsmanship and bold, self-aware design.
The House of Franck Muller, established in 1992 by the talented watchmaker Franck Muller and entrepreneur Vartan Sirmakes, quickly carved out a unique space in the world of haute horlogerie. Rather than adhering strictly to the reserved aesthetics of traditional Swiss watchmaking, the brand became known for its daring case shapes, most notably the Cintrée Curvex, and its mastery of complex mechanical functions. Operating from its impressive Genthod, Geneva estate, affectionately known as Watchland, the company has consistently produced proprietary innovations and intricate complications, earning more than 50 world premieres and patents. This reputation for technical brilliance combined with a flair for the dramatic has made Franck Muller timepieces a favorite among collectors who seek distinction and mechanical substance.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
Across the globe, in the bustling fashion districts of Tokyo, Ryo Ishikawa has cultivated a different kind of brand iconoclasm. As the founder of #FR2, also known as Fxxking Rabbits, Ishikawa leveraged his experience as an elder statesman of Japanese street fashion to create something uniquely provocative. Established in 2014, #FR2 quickly gained a cult following for its audacious graphics, particularly its signature rabbit motif and the ubiquitous "Smoking Kills" slogan. The brand's identity is deeply intertwined with Ishikawa's personal creative pursuits, including his own provocative photography which often serves as the basis for campaign imagery and product designs.
#FR2 is not merely a clothing line; it is a cultural statement delivered with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. The brand's portfolio extends from hoodies and t-shirts to eclectic items like candy-dispensing disposable cameras, all imbued with Ishikawa's distinct and unfiltered creative voice. This approach has set #FR2 apart in a crowded streetwear market, creating a brand that is as much about an attitude and a lifestyle as it is about the physical products. Its followers are drawn to the label's irreverence and its commentary on pop culture and consumerism, making it a powerful voice in contemporary fashion.
The partnership between Franck Muller and #FR2 is a compelling study in contrasts that reveals a shared core philosophy. As Sharon Lim, CEO of Franck Muller APAC, notes, both brands are "unapologetic and daring in their respective industries," and they "embody the same audacity and non-conformist attitude that make them such kindred spirits." This shared foundation allows for a collaboration that feels authentic rather than forced. It’s a meeting of two entities that, despite operating in vastly different worlds, are both dedicated to pushing boundaries and subverting expectations, one with tourbillons and grand complications, the other with graphic tees and bold social commentary.
This new Vanguard Beach collection is a direct follow-up to the blockbuster #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard from 2023. That initial timepiece, with its stark black-and-white design, became an instant sensation, successfully merging #FR2’s edgy graphics with Franck Muller’s forward-thinking Vanguard silhouette. The success of that launch demonstrated a clear appetite for this kind of high-low fusion. The new release aims to build on that momentum, exploring a different aesthetic dimension by drawing inspiration from Franck Muller's own Vanguard Beach line, which itself debuted in 2023 as a celebration of vibrant, leisurely summer days.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
The most immediately striking feature of the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach is its case, presented in three deeply saturated colorways: Heatwave Red, Surf Blue, and Tropical Green. These are not achieved through simple coatings but through a complex and intensive manufacturing process. The journey begins with melting glass at an extreme temperature of 1,500°C. This molten glass is then carefully drawn into incredibly fine threads, which are cooled and subsequently formed into sheets at 700°C. These glass fibre sheets are then impregnated in special color baths to achieve the desired intense hue before being compressed under pressure to form the final solid fibreglass composite blocks from which the cases are milled.
This advanced material choice serves multiple purposes. Aesthetically, it allows for a level of color saturation and vibrancy that would be difficult to achieve with traditional metals. Functionally, the glass fibre-composite is both remarkably lightweight and exceptionally robust, making the watch surprisingly comfortable for everyday wear despite its bold wrist presence. The iconic Franck Muller Vanguard case, with its tonneau shape and integrated strap design, provides the perfect architecture for this material. The case measures a substantial 41 mm in width, 49.95 mm in length, and 12.2 mm in thickness, with clean lines accented by contrasting white inserts on its flanks. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the case is rated for water resistance up to 30 meters.
The dial of each watch serves as the stage for the collaboration's central character. Rendered in a clean, white matte paint, the dial provides maximum contrast for the playful antics of the Fxxking Rabbits motif. The large, stylized Franck Muller applique numerals, each meticulously painted and applied by hand, curve around the periphery in the brand's signature dynamic style. These numerals frame the central scene, where the irreverent rabbit is found engaged in a different summer activity on each model, bringing a narrative element to the timepieces.
On the Surf Blue edition, the dial captures a perfect ocean moment. The rabbit, donning sunglasses, is expertly depicted riding a surfboard, carving through a stylized wave. The brilliant blue of the case surrounds this scene, evoking the deep tones of the sea and the endless blue of a summer sky. This version feels active and energetic, a tribute to the thrill of catching the perfect wave under the sun.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
The Heatwave Red model presents a similarly dynamic scene, with the rabbit character also on a surfboard against the clean white dial. The fiery red of the case suggests the intense, shimmering heat of a high-noon sun on a tropical beach. It’s a color that radiates energy and confidence, making it arguably the boldest of the trio. The character's relaxed yet focused posture on the board communicates a sense of cool defiance in the face of the summer heat.
In the Tropical Green variant, the vibe shifts from active sport to leisurely relaxation. Here, the rabbit is depicted chilling under the shade of a lush palm tree, embodying the carefree spirit of a beach vacation. The rich green of the case brings to mind verdant tropical foliage and the promise of a cool escape from the sun. This model is for those whose ideal summer day involves a comfortable lounge chair and the sound of rustling palm leaves.
Across all three designs, the dial details are thoughtfully executed to enhance both the visual theme and functionality. The iconic Fxxking Rabbits motif is not merely printed but is a hand-applied element filled with Super-Luminova, allowing it to emit a vibrant glow in low-light conditions. This feature extends to the skeletonised obelisk hands, ensuring legibility at night while adding another layer of modern design. A particularly clever touch is the date window, which has been relocated to the 2 o’clock position. This placement serves a dual purpose: it acts as a subtle numerical callback to the #FR2 brand name, and its circular aperture is designed to represent the blazing sun in each of the beach scenes.
Powering each of the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach watches is Franck Muller’s self-winding MVT 2536-SCDT calibre. This movement is a proven workhorse, chosen for its reliability and fuss-free convenience. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), ensuring stable timekeeping, and provides a practical power reserve of 42 hours. The movement is constructed from 191 components and features bidirectional automatic winding, meaning the rotor winds the mainspring regardless of which direction it spins, making it highly efficient on the wrist.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
True to Franck Muller’s haute horlogerie roots, the MVT 2536-SCDT is not merely a functional engine; it is also beautifully decorated, even if hidden behind a solid caseback. The finishing includes a host of traditional techniques that are hallmarks of high-end Swiss watchmaking. The bridges and rotor plate are adorned with Côtes de Genève stripes, while the mainplate features intricate perlage (circular graining). Further details include beveling on the rotor board, diamond polishing on the sinks and bridge bevels, sunray brushing on various components, and snailing on the ratchets. This meticulous attention to detail is a testament to the brand's commitment to craftsmanship at every level.
The connection between the watch head and the wrist is established by a striking nylon strap. Designed for comfort and durability, the strap features a leather underside and a secure hook-and-loop closure system. This choice is not only practical for a beach-themed watch—offering easy adjustments and quick cleanups from sand and water—but it also reinforces the streetwear aesthetic. The straps are printed with bold text that echoes the style of archetypal Japanese street fashion, as well as unique graphics that visually extend the motif from the dial, creating a cohesive and fully realized design object.
Even the buckle has been given special consideration. It is crafted from a unique blend of materials, where titanium is fused with a white hybrid resin at a molecular level. This results in a component that is both strong and lightweight, with a smooth, modern finish that complements the white accents found on the case and dial. It’s another small but significant detail that underscores the thoughtful engineering and design that have gone into every aspect of the timepiece.
The functionality of the watch is straightforward and user-friendly. A three-position crown manages all operations: the first position is for manual winding, the second allows for quick adjustment of the date, and the third position is used for setting the hours and minutes. This intuitive system, combined with the lightweight case and comfortable strap, makes the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach a highly wearable watch, suitable for the leisurely activities its name suggests as well as for making a bold style statement in an urban environment.
Courtesy of Franck Muller
This collection successfully merges two distinct worlds. It takes the technical sophistication and avant-garde case design of Franck Muller and injects it with the playful irreverence and pop-culture sensibility of #FR2. The result is a timepiece that feels fresh, contemporary, and culturally relevant. It’s a watch for a new generation of collectors who value both the substance of traditional watchmaking and the expressive power of modern design, proving that haute horlogerie can indeed have a sense of humor.
Each of the three colorways—Heatwave Red, Surf Blue, and Tropical Green—is a limited edition, with production capped at just 300 pieces per version. This exclusivity ensures that the #FR2NCK MULLER Vanguard Beach will remain a sought-after item for fans of both brands. Given the success of the first collaboration, this vibrant and summery sequel is poised to make significant waves across both the streetwear and luxury watch industries. Pricing information is available upon request through authorized Franck Muller retailers, where prospective buyers can inquire about securing one of these unique and audacious timepieces.
Case: Vanguard tonneau-shaped case in glass fibre-composite, available in Surf Blue, Heatwave Red, or Tropical Green. Dimensions: 41 mm (Width) x 49.95 mm (Length) x 12.2 mm (Thickness). Features a sapphire crystal, white inserts on the case sides, and water resistance up to 30 meters.
Movement: MVT 2536-SCDT self-winding bidirectional automatic movement. 42 hours power reserve, 191 components, balance wheel frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, and a date display positioned at 2 o'clock.
Dial: White matte paint finish with applique numerals meticulously painted and applied by hand. The central Fxxking Rabbits motif is also hand-applied and filled with Super-Luminova for nighttime visibility.
Strap: Fabric strap with a hook-and-loop (velcro) closure system. Features a unique buckle made from titanium blended with white hybrid resin at a molecular level.
Price: Price On Request
Reference Number: V 41 SC DT BEACH FR2 GFBUBL (BC) (Blue); V 41 SC DT BEACH FR2 GFRGFRG (BC) (Red); V 41 SC DT BEACH FR2 GFVRVE (BC) (Green)
Notes: This is a limited edition with just 300 pieces available in each color. The deeply saturated case color is achieved by melting glass at 1,500°c and impregnating the resulting glass fibre sheets in special color baths.