Franck Muller Vanguard Ram Lalla: 108 Watches in Rose Gold

Franck Muller Genève expands its Vanguard collection with an exclusive creation dedicated to the Indian market. Named the Vanguard “Ram Lalla”, this limited edition pays tribute to Lord Ram in his child form, the major spiritual figure of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Developed in partnership with Kapoor Watch Co., the watch pairs the collection’s signature sculptural architecture with particularly meticulous craftsmanship, with the dial as its centrepiece.

Crafted in 18k rose gold and produced in just 108 individually numbered pieces, this creation shows the Geneva Maison’s ability to bring its watchmaking language into distinctive cultural and spiritual worlds.

A Vanguard dedicated to Indian tradition

With the Vanguard “Ram Lalla”, Franck Muller offers a horological interpretation of a spiritual tribute deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. The watch celebrates Lord Ram in his child form, worshipped as the principal deity of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, India.

To bring this inspiration to life, the Maison draws on the expressive lines of its Vanguard collection. The generous curves, three-dimensional volumes and dynamic silhouette of the case frame a composition in which the dial becomes the main symbolic vehicle.

The piece is the result of a partnership with Kapoor Watch Co., a watch retailer in India. Its launch was also marked by the presence of Rishab Rikiram Sharma, the renowned Indian sitarist and neoclassical musician, who attended as guest of honour.

The reference to the number 108, which holds particular significance in Hindu tradition, is more than an aesthetic choice. It sets the size of this limited edition: 108 watches, each individually numbered.

Lord Ram at the heart of a sculpted dial

The most remarkable feature of this Vanguard is its dial applique depicting Lord Ram. The composition benefits from meticulous laser work designed to render the details and relief of the depiction.

Each dial requires around 30 hours of laser treatment. The applique also combines complex artisanal know-how, precision electroplating and meticulous finishing. Each piece likewise calls for 30 hours of handcraft.

The relief gives depth to the depiction and turns the dial into a true decorative composition. It is no longer simply a surface for displaying the time, but a space of expression where watchmaking craftsmanship meets spiritual inspiration.

This attention to decoration is in keeping with Franck Muller’s approach, which from the very beginning has combined a strong aesthetic identity with a pursuit of technical and visual sophistication.

A three-dimensional case in 18k rose gold

The Vanguard “Ram Lalla” adopts the collection’s emblematic architecture, recognisable by its curved case and sculptural proportions.

Shaped from a solid block of 18k rose gold, the case features a double curvature: it follows the contours of the wrist both lengthwise and widthwise. This three-dimensional construction carries visually through to the dial and its applique, creating continuity between the watch’s different volumes.

It measures 41 mm wide and 49.95 mm long. This geometry shapes the personality of the Vanguard, whose silhouette stands out instantly from more conventional watch architectures.

Two side inserts, carefully matched to the strap colour, complete the design. They extend the watch’s colour harmony while highlighting the distinctive lines of the case.

An integrated strap combining rubber and vegan leather

The strap plays a full part in the aesthetic and ergonomic identity of this special edition. It is integrated directly into the case by two concealed screws, which replace traditional spring bars.

This solution ensures a smooth transition between the case middle and the strap, enhanced by carefully executed stitching along the edges. The construction follows the watch’s double curvature so that its silhouette flows naturally on the wrist.

Here Franck Muller pairs rubber with a vegan leather made from grapes. This choice of materials gives the creation a contemporary dimension while preserving the coherence of its design.

Each strap takes around 15 minutes of work to make.

A limited edition of 108 pieces

The Vanguard “Ram Lalla” is powered by a Swiss mechanical self-winding movement. However, the information released by the Maison specifies neither its calibre reference, nor its detailed specifications, nor its power reserve.

This creation stands out above all for its aesthetic identity and the work devoted to its dial. Its 18k rose gold case, three-dimensional construction and sculpted depiction of Lord Ram make it a singular piece within the Vanguard collection.

Produced in 108 individually numbered pieces, it is reserved exclusively for the Indian market. This symbolic number strengthens the bond between the watch and the tradition it honours.

Franck Muller Vanguard “Ram Lalla”

Collection	Vanguard
Model	Vanguard “Ram Lalla”
Partner	Kapoor Watch Co
Market	India
Edition	limited to 108 individually numbered pieces
Movement	Swiss mechanical, self-winding
Case	solid 18k rose gold, three-dimensional double curvature
Dimensions	41 mm wide; 49.95 mm long
Dial	applique depicting Lord Ram, made by laser treatment, electroplating and hand finishing
Dial production time	around 30 hours of laser treatment and 30 hours of handcraft for the applique
Strap	integrated, combining rubber and grape-based vegan leather
Attachment	two concealed screws replacing traditional spring bars
Strap production time	around 15 minutes

When watchmaking becomes a cultural tribute

With the Vanguard “Ram Lalla”, Franck Muller explores a new facet of its creative identity. The Geneva Maison retains the expressive codes of its Vanguard collection, but places them at the service of a creation in which symbolism takes centre stage.

The 18k rose gold, the three-dimensional silhouette and the integrated strap form a contemporary setting for a depiction of Lord Ram that demands particularly meticulous craftsmanship. The roughly 30 hours devoted to the laser treatment of the dial reflect the importance given to this decorative dimension.

Limited to 108 pieces, this special edition goes well beyond a mere stylistic exercise. It embodies the meeting of an assertive Swiss watchmaking identity and an Indian spiritual tradition, in a creation designed specifically for its market. A Vanguard whose singularity rests as much on its architecture as on the deep meaning of its inspiration.

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