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Franck Muller Sunset 2852 – Black Arabic Dial

Details

Here's a neo-vintage Franck Muller Sunset reference 2852 automatic in 18k yellow gold with a black Arabic numeral dial on a leather strap from the 1990s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 32x45mm yellow gold case. It's on an aftermarket black leather strap. Black dial with bold gold-tone Arabic numerals and leaf-style hands. Yellow gold case and caseback. All parts are original including the signed Franck Muller crown, dial, movement, and caseback. Both the dial and case are in great cosmetic, untouched condition.

 

Ready to wear!

History

Franck Muller as a brand officially launched in 1991, founded by Franck Muller alongside businessman Vartan Sirmakes. Muller, trained at the Geneva Watchmaking School, built his early reputation restoring complicated vintage timepieces for top collectors. That restoration background shaped the brand’s DNA from the start. Rather than copying classic designs, Muller leaned into bold case shapes and highly complicated movements, positioning the company as both technical and expressive. 

The brand quickly became known for its Cintrée Curvex case, a curved tonneau silhouette that felt modern but still distinctly Swiss. Oversized Arabic numerals, often stylized and slightly exaggerated, became a signature look. In the 1990s, when many traditional brands were playing it safe, Franck Muller watches were loud in comparison. They embraced color, flamboyant dial layouts, and a strong wrist presence, which helped the brand gain traction with a new generation of buyers. 

Complications were central to the story. Franck Muller produced tourbillons, perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and split-seconds chronographs under its own name during a period when few independent brands were attempting such work at scale. The Crazy Hours model, with its intentionally scrambled hour markers and jumping-hour mechanism, captured the brand’s playful side while still requiring serious engineering. It showed that high complication did not have to mean conservative design.

Throughout the 2000s, Franck Muller expanded aggressively, building a large manufacture complex in Genthod near Geneva. The brand pushed heavily into gem-set pieces, skeletonized movements, and elaborate limited editions. Models like the Long Island line introduced rectangular cases that offered a dressier alternative to the Curvex, while still keeping the oversized numerals and theatrical dial styling that defined the brand’s identity.


Today, Franck Muller occupies a distinct lane in the watch world. It is neither traditional minimalism nor pure sports utility. Instead, it represents a period when independent Swiss brands were experimenting with scale, complication, and visual impact. For collectors, earlier pieces from the 1990s and early 2000s reflect that original energy best: bold shapes, ambitious movements, and a willingness to stand apart from the conservative norms of Swiss watchmaking.

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Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!