After a strong showing of its Vanguard models for WPHH 2025, Franck Muller once again reinforces this collection with regional specials ahead of watch season, and that is the Vanguard Sport Asia Pacific Exclusive.

It’s not the first time we’re seeing exclusive pieces for the region, but they’ve existed in various forms, such as in the round case variety. The Vanguard has also been the canvas of a couple of Asia Pacific exclusives (that diamond-pattern texture dial was interesting, for instance). But unique expressions are always great to have, so fans can now enjoy new striking colours that speak to this region, just like how you would wear a cap that proudly states your favourite city.

Functionally, this is a three-handed watch with a date window at six o’clock, which is a pretty good spot for the complication, if you ask me. Add on the fact that the hour markers tend to stretch out at the top and bottom parts of the watch, and you will realise that there’s no better spot to place this date window, especially when it is round. It’s not a new design for the Vanguard, but if you simply treat each Vanguard like you haven’t seen one before, you’ll come to appreciate how well thought-out this tiny choice can be. And when it comes to these choices, the Vanguard has certainly seen some rather unique interpretations of the date window, such as in the Grande Date or the Master Banker.

We come out of this long tangent just to say this: the fairly simple dial finishing, coupled with this date window, allows this watch to take on more formal events than its sporty case would lead you to believe. Because when you zoom in on the more minute features—say, the contrasting strap stitching, the pops of contrasting colour on the chapter ring, or the large applique numerals which are hand-painted, mind you—you get a watch that says ‘rugged’. But catch on someone’s wrist at a glance, and you’d think it wouldn’t look too out of place underneath the sleeve of a suit.

Maybe it is the high polish on the bezel, or perhaps it’s how the tonneau case can look like jewellery. Either way, you’ll have a timepiece that stands out without being too garish when you opt for this model of the Vanguard.

When it comes to the technicalities, this watch features the MVD 2536-SCDT automatic movement. That long line of letters and numbers that make up the reference is only here for the geeks. But for the regular people like myself, all we need to know is that it operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, and has a power reserve of 42 hours.

Its dimensions measure 42.5mm by 52.7mm, which is not small by any means, but it is only 9.3mm thick, which brings some balance to the overall wearability. It is water resistant up to 30 metres, but if you’re wearing a watch of this variety, you typically aren’t planning to take a swim anyway.

It’s hard to say what type of person this Vanguard caters primarily to. But one thing’s for certain: when you buy a Franck Muller Vanguard, especially an exclusive version such as this, you’ll most likely go through your entire life not coming across someone else wearing the same timepiece on their wrist.