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Franck Muller Conquistador: Ideal Watches For Lovers of All Things Edgy

Staying true to its claim of being a “Master of Complications,” Franck Muller has been producing some of the finest mechanical watches that exist in the market today. From research and developing a blueprint down to the execution and creation, everything about the timepieces are done in-house, which is why many watch enthusiasts continue to patronize the brand’s amazing lineup of products despite being relatively new in the world of horology. In fact, even the biggest names in the entertainment world have worn iconic pieces from Franck Muller, proving that its serviceability and reliability are definitely on par with other famous and well-known watch manufacturers like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Jaeger LeCoultre. Among the things that the company takes great pride in is that they do not only value performance and accuracy — they also make sure that their watches are also extremely stylish and classy. 

First launched in 1997, the Franck Muller Conquistador attests to how excellent the brand is when it comes to creating high-quality and creative timepieces. While it tries to break boundaries with its eye-catching and extraordinary aesthetics, the series also carries practical functionalities that casual wearers, professionals, and novice collectors will equally love. Specifically, the watches under this line carry unconventional shapes that are reminiscent of those timepieces hailing from the 1930s, all while exhibiting a classic, sporty or extremely opulent appeal. Deviating from the usual trends, they also boast an artistic and bold face that makes them true collectible pieces. What’s more, they could  also instantly put a thrill to your growing collection. Adding to their list of incredible attributes, the Conquistador timepieces boast various functionalities ranging from GMT, chronograph or date display, all while maintaining a superior performance brought by their respective dependable movements. With all of these in mind, it is impossible for you not to find a piece that fits your personality and that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Prices at a Glance: Most Popular Franck Muller Conquistador Watches

How much is a Franck Muller Conquistador watch? 

Prices for the Franck Muller Conquistador Classic Watches

With just a single glance, any consumer would immediately agree that any Franck Muller Conquistador watch is a total scene-stealer. Their extraordinary Cintreé Curvex or square shapes alone are enough to catch your attention — perhaps even your heart. Despite sporting classic blueprints, with color schemes revolving only in the neutral shades, these pieces make up through their contemporary dial appearance. From the huge indexes written in a daring and fun-filled way down to the signature placement at the center of the watches, everything about the Conquistador watches scream perfection and elegance. With usage of a variety of materials ranging from stainless steel to yellow gold, these timepieces have the ability to make any wearer feel confident and special. The way they are passionately and delicately made will also make you realize how the brand keeps their originality and their desire to stand out without the need to join in the bandwagon. The company’s concepts for watches are different from others, which make their pieces more desirable and enticing to own. If you have been pondering how much money you should shell out for you to get your hands on these gems, below is a summary of the collection’s most popular models, their prices, specifications, and other important details you should definitely take note of. 

There are a lot of Conquistador models that sport a rose gold case that extremely looks good in all aspects even from afar. A good representation of this is the Franck Muller Conquistador Ref. 8005 SC, which you can get for roughly $11,780 USD. This timekeeper for both men and women runs on a Caliber FM 2800 SC self-winding movement, which is convenient if you are the type of person who does not like to overcomplicate things and is always on the go. Made to ease the process of timekeeping, automatic calibers guarantee smooth performance and impressive longevity, all while maintaining a high level of accuracy and power reserve. Not to mention, these movements also come with stellar looks, thanks to the urbane engineering methods they are made with. When it comes to aesthetics, this watch comes with a cool and patterned leather strap that gives ultimate comfort to any wearer. Matching the 35mm Cintreé Curvex-shaped case, the crown placed adjacently just outside the 3 o’clock mark is also made with a durable rose gold component. Besides the fact that it is not too big, which is good, if you are a fan of minimalist practices, the crown is also accessible enough to aid you in changing the time settings more quickly and easily. While the dial is in a matte black color that perfectly follows the form of the watch with an unconventional yet stunning case, the outlines of the leaf-shaped hands and Arabic-style hour markers sport a beautiful rose-gold tone that adds a dazzling charm to the watch. Some of the indices are written in a bigger and legible font, while others were in smaller sizes in order to give way to and emphasize the stunning signature found at the center of the watch. Despite this peculiarity, the timepiece looks well-executed, amazing, and flawless. 

Considered a trademark of all Franck Muller Conquistador watches, the red subtle accents found all over the exteriors also gives the watch a lot of character. This detail alone proves that the brand always makes sure that they do not settle for mediocrity. Aside from having a reasonable water resistance level of up to 30 meters, the timepiece is also protected with a luxurious and hard sapphire crystal. Moreover, it also comes with a subtle yet refined date display that completely replaces the 6 o’clock position. Since it blends in with the overall dial design, the date indication does not create a massive distraction at all. Its addition was a smart move from the company in order to deviate from the usual layouts of time-only pieces you see around. Demonstrating its versatility, this dress watch could be worn on a daily basis, particularly on your professional meetings and night-out with friends. A version sporting the same breathtaking features from the dial down to the strap but with a stainless steel case is also available for purchase at around $4,900 USD.

For ladies who want a similar watch that comes with a cheaper price tag, why not try the Franck Muller Conquistador 8005 LSC? Just like the previous model, this one sports hour-markers in Arabic numeral style as well as hour and minute hands following the shape of the leaf. What’s more is that the bezel also follows an overlapping pattern, while the crown is huge enough so that you would not face any difficulties when you want to adjust the time. Moreover, the signature is also found at the center, with black-colored outlines giving it a clearer emphasis. The hands dedicated for the seconds may be small but it stands out effortlessly because of its bloody red hue. While the 8005 SC model comes with a date indication that entirely replaces the 6 o’clock position, the 8005 LSC only has a small date display that does not look too big and overwhelming. Instead of occupying the whole mark, the said feature takes up only half of the space allotted for the 6 o’clock placement. This is because the watch has a smaller sizing of up to 33mm, which means every part of the dial should be maximized and be executed in an uncomplicated yet unique manner. Aside from the fact that the watch has a black-colored crocodile leather strap, its case, lugs and even the buckle attached to the band are also made with a pretty and gleaming yellow gold material. A tough sapphire crystal is what also serves as its main barrier so you would not need to worry about the watch’s durability as it can withstand slight impacts and few scratches. However, the inclusion of these premium attributes does not mean that the timepiece comes with a hefty price range. Considered one of the affordable Conquistador models in the market today, the 8005 LSC will set you back for around $6,140 USD.

Prices for the Franck Muller Conquistador King Watches 

Highly ornate and classy in all ways, the Franck Muller Conquistador King watches deserve to be at the top of your radar. Not only do these pieces sport timeless and vintage-inspired looks that would make any watch connoisseur drool, they also come with incomparable and compelling aesthetics, ranging from sporty and chic to extremely extravagant ones. By doing this, the brand ensures that their offerings would fit all people no matter what lifestyle they thoroughly practice or personality they carry. Aside from the fact that all Conquistador King models come with the signature Cintreé Curvex-shaped case of the brand, they are also made with strong and tough materials such as yellow gold, rose gold, and stainless steel and rely on movements that would surely last for the many more years to come. Not to mention, other pieces also have unique and intricate straps, coupled with diamond-studded bezels that ladies will appreciate. While most Conquistador models in general stick with the minimalist-themed faces with only black and white color scheme as its main feature, a lot of Conquistador King pieces have colorful yet not-so-overwhelming dials. This fact alone makes the watches exemplary models of a true and distinct urbane watch. No wonder why many people get drawn to the special charms of these watches despite coming from a young and humble brand, given how they can instantly give anyone an opportunity to shine through their regal and vibrant feel.  

One model that is worth mentioning is the Franck Muller Conquistador King 8005 K SC NR. Despite not having any patterns on the surface, this 40mm watch steals the attention of many because of the small red details on the dial, particularly around its edges and its second hands. Matching the tone of the rubber strap, the dial is in a versatile black color, while the hands and indexes in Arabic style are coated with luminous elements. This guarantees that you will be able to track time without facing any difficulties at all no matter what time of the day it is. Depending on your perspective, the black and red theme may be a hit or miss since it is difficult to read texts written in red-colored font, when placed against a black background. However, the piece is still very appealing to own mainly because of the distinctiveness it brings to the table. Other than the fact that it was also created in a Cintreé Curvex shape like usual Conquistador models you see around, this model also comes with a dependable exterior made with sapphire crystal. The medium-sized crown in a perfect circular form also has the same elegant and polished feel as the watch’s case. Below the central signature, you will also see a small date display, with numbers written in a sleek and formal font. Under the hood, it also runs on an automatic caliber, which means that you would not have to worry about having to wind the watch every day if in any case you decide to purchase it. At a price of around $7,850 USD, you will be getting your money’s worth with this gorgeous piece.

What’s great about the series in question is that it also offers chronograph models. Falling under the more expensive spectrum, the Franck Muller Conquistador King 8002 CC, which has a 49mm case size and a stainless steel bracelet with an easy-to-operate folding clasp. The structure of the band is in a seemingly endless zigzag pattern that gives off a nice luscious vibe. At 15.7mm thickness, the watch is not too bulky nor small on the wrists. When it comes to the appearance, this model features silver-colored Arabic numeral hour-markers, with unequal sizing and black outlines. The way the indices were engraved in the dial is what sets the watch apart from other competing luxury watch brands. Looking at these features alone, you will notice how Franck Muller creates its own trends by coming up with fresh and lovely designs that you could still wear amidst the changing times. The crisp and neat white-colored face in a beautiful guilloche finish also complements the robust stainless steel case. However, the focal point of this elegant dress watch lies on its subdials, which embodies the red and black theme. Proving that it can do more than telling the time and date, this one comes with a chronograph function, which is useful if your job requires you to track time in multiple events. Although models with a chronograph feature are already common in the watch realm, you can never go wrong with having the 8002 CC model in your list of possessions, considering how it acts as a dress and sports watch all at once, while embodying a flawless and graceful atmosphere. Beneath its surface is an automatic movement, while the screw-down crown ensures that any kind of moisture would not easily enter the watch’s core and mechanism. While it is not a limited edition, this model comes at a hefty price of around $9,190 USD.

Prices for the Franck Muller Conquistador King Cortez Watches 

Nowadays, many watch brands are getting less afraid of trying out new things when it comes to their timepieces. This is because the horological sphere is evolving every single day and they have to keep up with the demands of the fast-paced world we are living in. Apart from adding the most unusual complications, they are also stepping up their game when it comes to construction. Being a brand who is not afraid to try anything, Franck Muller also incorporated a striking and pioneering design to their Conquistador line up. Instead of the usual round shape you typically see on most watches, the Franck Muller Conquistador King Cortez sports a perfect square case that has rounded edges and an overlapping bezel. What’s remarkable about this unisex model is that its structure is well-balanced and wide enough to fit well with any type of wrists. Whether you are into athletic-looking pieces or you like watches that embody elegance and grandeur, any model from the series in question will fittingly suit your preferences. 

A dazzling model is the Conquistador King Cortez, which costs about $38,900 USD. This pristine 45mm watch comes with a shiny brown crocodile leather strap that matches well with the rose-gold and white theme of the case and the matte dial. Apart from the crown and pushers found on its right side, the leaf-style hands of this watch are also made with rose gold, giving the watch a flawless and glamorous feel. At the bottom part of this piece, you will see a small date display that still looks readable despite its size. However, the focal point of this watch is found on its bezel and lugs. Making them more special to the eyes of the professional ladies out there, these parts were adorned with beaming 14.76 ct gemstones and diamonds, which explains why it comes with a hefty price. Despite not having any special kinds of complication like moon phase or annual calendar, this one still has a chronograph function that makes it the rightful epitome of an all-around dress watch. In terms of potency, this watch runs on an automatic Caliber FM 7000, which has a power reserve of up to 48 hours. You must keep in mind though that this delicate watch can’t be brought to your water activities and trips to the beach since it is not water resistant at all.

History Behind the Franck Muller Conquistador Watch

Before delving to the background of the Franck Muller Conquistador collection, let’s talk about the beginnings of Franck Muller first. The Swiss company was established in 1991 after the founder of the same name was able to produce his own tourbillon wristwatch in 1984. Prior to setting up his own workshop and manufacturing house, Muller invested time in learning the art of watchmaking by entering a school specifically dedicated to the field. Soon after he graduated from the Watchmaking School of Geneva, he further developed his skills by repairing pocket watches from known brands. Eventually, he was able to join the Patek Philippe team, which allowed him to develop interest in complicated movements. 

At present, Franck Muller continues to attain glory and recognition with its notable and high-quality products with top-tier movements and revolutionary designs that you surely don’t want to miss. The fact that they continue to incorporate the traditions of superior Swiss watchmaking amidst the continuous innovations around the watch world is something commendable and inspiring. Known for continuously breaking barriers within the industry, the brand is highly-regarded for its delicate and complex pieces bearing different price ranges that don’t look too intimidating and overwhelming to any potential wearer.

Among the brand’s best collections is the Franck Muller Conquistador. Despite not having a clear history of how it came to life, this series houses pieces that boast incredible performance, while maintaining fantastic and stylish aesthetics. As emphasized earlier, the watches under this line can go from simple to elaborate when it comes to both mechanisms and designs. While some carry a straightforward and powerful aura, other pieces are made especially for those who are fond of quirky and bold concepts. A lot of watches also carry both date and chronograph complications, which is great if you like keeping things simple but still impactful. With that being said, it is impossible for any aficionado not to fall in love with this collection.

Browsing through its diverse and wide catalog, you will see that Franck Muller only opted for heavy-duty components such as rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, stainless steel, and titanium for the base. In addition, they also presented variation when it comes to case size, making sure that all people would be able to get an opportunity to wear a watch from the brand no matter what type of wrists they have. This further attests to how passionate the brand is when it comes to giving only the finest serviceability not only to their loyal clientele but consumers in general. While their dials look similar specifically because of the company’s trademark, the bands that came with the watches have a variety of appearances. From embodying neutral and earth tones to sporting bracelets with detailed prints and patterns, all straps of the Franck Muller Conquistador models can effortlessly match your daily outfits or your dresses and suits for special gatherings only. Since they are considered dress watches, expect that the pieces from this line will carry a low level of water resistance. However, there are still selected models, specifically those that came with a chronograph functionality, which are equipped with an ability to withstand water pressures of at least 100 meters. Lastly, those of you who will opt to buy from this collection will get your money’s worth, considering that almost all watches use sapphire crystal as its main barrier from dust and humidity.

Why should you buy a Franck Muller Conquistador watch?

When talking about watches with remarkable complications, famous brands like Patek Philippe, Breguet and Vacheron Constantin undoubtedly spearhead the popularity list. Not only do these companies dedicate themselves to excellence and supreme craftsmanship, they also continuously raise the standards with their jaw-dropping releases. They always prove that they do not want to settle for less even if it means spending months — perhaps even years — on research and development rather than the actual assembly and production process. Unknown to many, especially to novice collectors, there is another luxury brand that is extremely eager to change the watchmaking game by combining original and modern concepts to traditional methods. Called Franck Muller, the brand deserves more recognition given how they put great attention and efforts to every step involved in their process of creating sophisticated yet dependable timepieces. This is evident with how they conceptualized the Franck Muller Conquistador collection. Even if many of the watches under the series fall on the pricier side of the spectrum, you can trust that all Franck Muller Conquistador models carry amazing qualities, which will make you realize that patronizing the brand is never a bad thing at all. If these aren’t enough, here are a few more reasons why a Franck Muller Conquistador watch should be at the top of the list of watches you should definitely look out for.

1. Watches are gender inclusive

Due to their flexible and versatile looks, a lot of Conquistador models can be worn by both men and women. This is good news to those people who like exploring possibilities and are not fond of limiting themselves with one specific style. Men can easily rock the pieces with rose gold cases considering how well they were made, while women can also parade those watches with all-black color scheme, without looking too fierce and bold.

2. They come in unique shapes

Deviating from the usual round structure that most timepieces offer, all Conquistador models sport either a tonneau or square-shaped cases. Perfect for those who do not like sticking with the bandwagon, these pieces could instantly pass as wardrobe staples, considering how they can instantly elevate any style or outfit.

3. Every model embodies unparalleled retro details

From the oddly-shaped cases and unified dial looks with guilloche touches down to the easily recognizable numerical blueprint, any Conquistador watch can instantly transport you into the early 1900 eras, while still letting you experience the power and the abilities of modernized mechanisms. With that being said, you will know why Franck Muller is a well-acknowledged brand in the industry.

4. All movements are produced in-house

With this, you will be able to maximize the capabilities of the watches from the line, given how they were created with cutting-edge practices and a high-level of expertise that are different from other luxury brands.

Franck Muller Conquistador Watch: Going Beyond the Usual 

All in all, the Franck Muller Conquistador collection does a great job in fulfilling everyone’s thirst for vintage-inspired yet trailblazing watches. Not only does it make you realize why you need at least one timepiece reminiscent of the past in your closet, the series also has the ability to change the way you perceive watches in general. While pieces with several complications are excellent in all ways and can offer lots of functionalities to any wearer, the line will let you experience the beauty of having simple yet useful watches on your wrists, with only one or two features involved. Through their unconventional figures and dials that scream originality, all timepieces from this line prove why Franck Muller, despite being considered as an underrated brand by many watch lovers, is one of the trusted and reliable manufacturers of today. If you want something that can make you stand out, a Franck Muller Conquistador watch is ideal for you.