PuristSPro BaselWorld 2011 Live Reporting   (The Final Installment)

 

- Jon Z. (Z3)

 

Franc Vila

 

Although my appointments at Basel officially concludes with Corum, I came across Franc Vila. It's a brand that I have recently become quite passionate about. Started by the watch collector Franc Vila in search of perfect watch for himself, the brand has experienced strong growth over the past few years.

Besides the unconventional and somewhat provocative design, the quality of the case and dial are extremely good by both traditional and modern standards! The high polish and satin finishings of the case, the construction of the deployant buckle, the workmanship of the dial, the feel and the operations of the crown all have superb quality. According to Franc Vila, no expense was spared, and the entry level pieces have the same quality of finishing and craftmanship of its high complications.

This is why this relatively young brands have earned the respect of many connoisseurs.

 

This year, for the "Intrepido" cases, he has used materials in nanotechnology (NanoTube Titanium (NTT) or NanoTube Titanium Carbon-Graphene Composite)

 

 

 

The  Tourbillon Intrepido

FV Nº 7 calibre. Tourbillon with inertial moment control mechanism and fast rotation barrel. Base plate and bridges manufactured in Deep NanoTube Titanium Carbon-Graphene Composite. The result is an EXTREMELY light and robust case.

 

The piece is still a prototype so the anti-reflective crystal is not yet installed.

 

 

The 3D ball "day and night" indicator.

 

 

The Complete Calendar Chrono Intrepido (on the left) with NanoTube Titanium case, giving it a naturally dark and warm color. (Again, it is a protoype)

 

 

 

The Cobra with Carbon Fiber case.

 

 

Well-finished movement with complication modules based on ETA 2892, with a specially designed gold rotor

 

 

The open-work 5-minute repeater "SuperSonic" . Quality of the sound is crisp.  I especially love the touch of color.

 

The contrast of metal colors.

 

 

This picture portrays the intricate polishing and finishing of the case very well.

 

 

(Small interruption). At this moment, Mr. FP Journe stopped by to say hi to Mr. Vila and he showed us his new piece - the Octa UTC.

 

 

 

Continuing on... presenting the watches for ladies. Following the same design and made to the same standard as the men's pieces. I especially like the pieces with faceted mother of pearl dials in various colors.

 

 

 

 

So with that, my fellow Purists, I bid farewell to Mr. Franc Vila, Basel, and Switzerland.

 

It has been a privilege serving you and the PuristSPro community. Cheers!

 

Fin

Yours Truly,

Jon Z. (Z3)

 

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2011-03-30 19:59:25 This message has been edited by Z3 on 2011-03-31 00:12:41

Did you get a chance to strap on one of these Franc Vila watches on the wrist for a minute or so?  I've always been very curious to see how his watches wear comfort-wise.

Cheers,
Anthony

They remind me of the AP Offshore cases - if the wrists are too narrow, then the lugs would leave "gaps". Also, it is relatively thick, again requiring a decent sized wrist.

Other than that, the case is slightly curved, so it sits on the wrist well and is quite comfortable.

Jon

Excellent reporting!
And thank you for introducing me to Mr. Vila's work. Very interesting and I love to learn more!

All the coverage and pictures you provided of Baselworld were fantastic.  I felt like I was there!

The women's watches from Vila are actually more attractive to me than the men's collection.  I usually have the opposite reaction.  I agree that the faceted MOP dials are amazing!

Cheers,
Daos

Appreciate everything you've done for us.

A timely interruption by Mr. Journe? A scene-stealer IMO.  Would love to see more of that UTC.

cheers

fernando

Thanks Jon!

It's been a treat reading them all! Your effort is much appreciated.

Would you mind sharing your favorite watch of the fair?

Best,

Alex

So many interesting creations here, from all different design perspectives.

Although the Basel show certainly has many brands with inferior quality and derivative designs, I am lucky to have covered brands that are unique and inspiring in their own ways.

As a visually focused person (instead of technically focused), I cannot stop thinking about the Jaquet Droz dials and the Corum golden bridge...

Jon

Some funky looking watches there.

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Was that a photo of the watch on Mr Journe's wrist? Any quick impressions on the watch and the sapphire 'earth'? That has been the main topic of conversation amongst Journe collectors.

Thanks for the rest of the coverage. The Vila pieces are too large for me, but the designs are characteristic and they are really moving into complications. 

Andrew

Beautiful earth. It offers a rare dash of flamboyant color to the traditional Journe look.

Would love to handle it in the boutique in closer detail.

Jon