In recent years, a classic timekeeping mechanism that was all the rage in the 1930s has made a comeback and is attracting attention: the jumping hour. Was it merely a coincidence? One thing is certain: Franck Muller's "Grand Curvex Master Jumper" was the pioneer. However, it is by no means a revival. It is a challenge to expand the expression of time, based on a unique watchmaking philosophy.
The Jumping Hour, which strongly reflects the Art Deco style of the 1930s, blends naturally with the tonneau shape, which is also representative of the era. The flowing lines and vertically arranged symmetrical design are striking. Manual winding (Cal. FM3100C1). 49 jewels. 21,600 vibrations/hour. Power reserve of approximately 30 hours. 18K rose gold case (55.7mm high x 38mm wide, 18.5mm thick). Water resistant for everyday use. 16,610,000 yen (including tax).
Photographs by Takeshi Hoshi (estrellas)
Mitsuru Shibata: Interview and writing
Text by Mitsuru Shibata
Edited by Yuzo Takeishi
Edited by Yuzo Takeishi
[Article published on January 25, 2026]
The passion for Jumping Hour that we have poured into it since our founding.
A jumping hour is a mechanism that displays the time not by the hands as usual, but by numbers appearing in a small window and the minute hand. The name comes from the fact that the numbers in the small window change instantaneously. And, its design is similar to the regulator mechanism that watchmakers once used as a standard value for accuracy, and there is an unwritten rule that the simpler the design, the fewer hands it has, the dressier it looks.
Although it is a minimalist timekeeping system, it embodies advanced technology, drive control, and adjustment difficulties in displaying time using a rotating disc. This is likely why Franck Muller, a master of complex mechanisms, took notice of this mechanism. Since its founding in 1992, it has included this in its lineup and developed its own unique arrangements and additional functions. From basic hour and minute timekeeping to regulator specifications that directly use the jumping hour mechanism as a needle display, and even a mechanism with a dual time zone display using digital and analog double jumping hours and a moon phase, it has revived the jumping hour in the modern era with its unique technology.
It goes without saying that the vertically arranged layout of different displays harmonizes perfectly with the form of the "Tonneau Curvex." This style, which adorned watches during the Art Deco period of the 1930s, truly symbolizes Franck Muller's aesthetic.
Then, in 2024, the Grand Curvex Master Jumper re-examined and redefined the traditional jumping hour. Despite its stripped-down simplicity, it conceals a highly complex mechanism without ever making its intricate craftsmanship noticeable. The moment you see it, you'll be captivated by its artistic presence, and only become aware of it as a watch when the time instantly changes. It is one answer that Franck Muller himself has arrived at in response to the question he has grappled with: "What can I still offer to those who have seen every watch imaginable?"
Triple Jumping born from a rethinking of mechanism and time display.
The Grand Curvex Master Jumper is the world's first triple jumping watch, featuring three vertically aligned windows displaying the hour, minute, and date numerically from top to bottom. The idea originated from an orderly layout that allows for more natural and intuitive time reading, which aligns with Franck Muller's own philosophy of "offering a new way of reading time, or a new complication that doesn't yet exist." And above all, the fact that while twin jumping watches existed, triple jumping watches had not yet been created must have fueled the insatiable passion of the Watchland craftsmen.
While research and development continued, collaboration with Debaille, a long-established retailer with a store in Place Vendôme in Paris, was pursued to bring the project to fruition. The store, with whom they have forged a strong bond through a partnership spanning more than 20 years, was indispensable in creating this entirely new complication. After approximately four years of development, the collaboration was rewarded with a pre-sale. This evokes the brand's tradition of building trust by having Franck Muller himself create one-of-a-kind watches to meet the orders of special customers.
The jumping mechanism, which instantly switches between the three digits of hours, minutes, and date, consists of five discs: an hour disc marked with numbers from 1 to 12, two minute discs combining two digits, and two date discs also forming two digits. However, it is difficult to drive this with a single mainspring, so this model is equipped with two mainsprings.
Furthermore, this is divided into two power systems: one for the normal time and date, and another for the rotation of the three minute hour discs, optimizing the drive of each. The two mainsprings are wound simultaneously by the crown, ensuring that neither will suffer from a lack of power. Of course, weight reduction has also been achieved through the use of materials, such as aluminum for the discs and titanium for the finer details.
Because it would be impossible to realize this complex mechanism with conventional modular designs, a newly designed integrated movement was created. The movement consists of a total of 371 parts. A typical three-hand watch has about 100 parts, and a chronograph has about 200, so this number is comparable to that of a perpetual calendar.
The case back reveals the ingenious movement layout. The Geneva wheel, a first for the brand, is used to coordinate the largest hour disc and the second-digit minute disc. This mechanism provides intermittent rotation to continuous rotation and consists of a pivoted drive wheel, an arc section, and a grooved wheel.
A pivot on the minute disc engages with a groove in the hour disc, intermittently altering its rotation, and at the exact moment 60 minutes are reached, the hour disc advances. Unlike the common jumper system that uses gears and springs to restrict movement, this system minimizes power loss and parts wear, stores driving force, and precisely positions the disc at the right time. The name Geneva comes from the wheel's shape, which resembles the Maltese cross.
Furthermore, at the center, there is an anchor-like part and an elliptical, irregularly shaped wheel to link the precision of the speed-governing escapement to the disc drive. This connects to the minute disc, and by controlling the drive of its first digit, the two previously separate systems are completely integrated.
An elegant design that highlights the minimalist display.
The serene dial, devoid of the restless movement of the hands, is adorned with a Clous de Paris guilloché pattern. While the Grand Curvex has traditionally featured spiral patterns, this time it is finished with a simple geometric pattern. This also effectively emphasizes the symmetrical face design. The vibrant blue used on the dial is also consistent with the bridges of the movement visible through the case back.
The dial features a double-stitched ring surrounding a central minute display window, with hour and date windows positioned within its arc. Each window has a rim in the same color as the case, and the top and bottom windows, in particular, feature a screw-fastening design and a satin finish in the recessed areas. This adds a touch of elegance and depth, while also enhancing legibility through a light-gathering visual effect.
The brand logo and model name are inscribed along the ring at the top and bottom of the dial, creating a sense of overall unity. These details exemplify Franck Muller's distinctive aesthetic sense.
The case employs the Grand Curvex design. The boldly curved form harmonizes with the triple-jumping vertical layout, and it goes without saying that it further enhances the beauty of the symmetrical dial. In addition, the three-dimensional curve of the crystal adds height, which helps to accommodate the movement, which has increased in thickness due to the inclusion of five discs.
In recent years, Franck Muller has returned to its roots as a true manufacture, releasing innovative complication watches. The Grand Curvex Master Jumper can be seen as a culmination of this pursuit of both complexity and intuitiveness. And it is astonishing that, despite the condensation of such technology and know-how, it is a dedicated design with no general applicability. But that is precisely the essence of Franck Muller Watchland, the kingdom of watches that creates one-of-a-kind timepieces.
The true value of the "Masters Collection" can be found at select stores.
The "Masters Collection" represents a group of innovative models that showcase Franck Muller's advanced technology, exemplified by the Grand Curvex Master Jumper. This is not simply a general term for timepieces equipped with complex mechanisms, but rather a set of evaluation criteria established by Franck Muller Japan to more strongly and accurately highlight models that are entirely manufactured in-house and possess high rarity. Therefore, timepieces belonging to the Masters Collection are only available at select stores. Please use the link below to search for stores and enjoy the pinnacle of Franck Muller's technology, including this model.
