Franck Muller paid homage to the Portuguese superstar by creating seven sophisticated Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retro Chronograph CR7 watches. Presented as the most exclusive and complicated limited edition ever to be dedicated to a soccer player, this masterpiece of the haute horology with its perpetual calendar symbolizes the striker’s place among the greatest players in history.
Franck Muller Cristiano Ronaldo Perpetual calendar Bi-Retro Chronograph Watch
Officially revealed at the Franck Muller Group exhibition in Monte Carlo, the Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retro Chronograph CR7 Limited Edition represents a perfect balance between classic elegance, hi-class luxury and sporty elements. While sport and luxury match Ronaldo’s reputation of being a fashionista, classic elegance indicates that the taste of the 27-year old super-star became more sober. “My taste in watches changed quite a bit throughout the years. I used to like diamond-studded timepieces, for example. Now I favor another kind of timepiece, more classic, elegant, with a sleek design. Taste changes a lot with age, we grow up and keep on learning, observing”, said Ronaldo in the exclusive interview for the 40th issue of Portuguese watch magazine “Espiral do Tempo”.
Judging by the exquisite style of the newest Franck Muller’s timepiece, it seams that Ronaldo is on the right track. Its robust, 55.4mm x 39.6mm Cintrée Curvex case is crafted in red gold with beautifully polished finishes, featuring over-sized pushers and a crown. Highlighted by red gold, a contrasting black and white dial showcases several great complications via four sub-dials and two retrograde displays. Despite so many elements, Franck Muller managed to put together perfect harmony, sophisticated design and great readability.
Inside the case, there is a Franck Muller’s self-winding mechanism that provides high-end performances. Chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock positions count 30-minute and 12-hour time intervals, while the sub-dial at the 6 o’clock displays a moon-phase. A perpetual calendar indicates day, date and month, including a leap year. Among Arabic numerals that indicates hours, the number 7 stands aside, highlighted by seven diamonds.
Franck Muller Cristiano Ronaldo Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retro Chronograph Watch Detail
It is obviously Ronaldo’s fetish number that he wore on his jersey when playing for Manchester United and that he still wears as the captain of the Portuguese national team. Honoring this amazing sportsman, the case-back boasts his engraved silhouette and signature.
Franck Muller Cristiano Ronaldo Perpetual calendar Bi-Retro Chronograph Watch Caseback
The Perpetual Calendar Bi-Retro Chronograph CR7 watches are sold in advance to collectors, except the first timepiece of the limited series that Franck Muller gave as a present to Ronaldo. The price of this masterpiece was not revealed, but it is estimated at around 110,000 euros.
Franck Muller’s Connection with Soccer and Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo is not the first soccer star, neither the first Portuguese who inspired the famous Geneva based watchmaker. Franck Muller has already created a limited edition dedicated to Real Madrid coach, José Mourinho. Besides, it signed the sponsorship of Tottenham manager, André Villas-Boas. Muller has also demonstrated his love for the world’s most popular game by sponsoring the acclaimed indoor Geneva tournament, Coupe des Rois, and creating limited editions associated with prestigious clubs and national teams. For example, each member of the Spanish World Cup team received a personalized Franck Muller timepiece. This time, by collaborating with Ronaldo, the master of great complications reached the top.
Cristiano Ronaldo on the Cover of Espiral Do Tempo Watch Magazine
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had already possessed the collection of four Franck Mullers, is also flattered. “It’s an honor to have such a special edition dedicated to me, especially from a prestigious brand like Franck Muller. The symbolism of a perpetual calendar makes it even more important, because my career goal is to go as far as possible and perpetuate my feats. Plus, this particular timepiece represents what we both are, Franck Muller and I. Besides loving the brand, the man and I have a lot more in common. We both have faith in our own capabilities, in our own potential”, said Ronaldo.
