Nicholas Rudaz, CEO of Franck Muller
Cover Nicholas Rudaz, CEO of Franck Muller

Nicholas Rudaz answers five burning questions when he was in Kuala Lumpur for the grand opening of the Franck Muller regional flagship boutique

Measuring more than 1,800sf, the Franck Muller boutique in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is its largest in Asia. Like its magnificently audacious timepieces, the boutique exterior is vibrant with holographic projections of its latest timepieces, while the interior is sleek with capsule-like display cases. A hidden champagne door in a discreet corner accesses a private bar with walls of reflective gold. Decadent yet surprisingly cosy, it reflects the brand's penchant for bold designs, precious materials, and a singular approach to luxury.

Nicholas Rudaz, the CEO of Franck Muller, was recently in town to celebrate the grand opening of the boutique together with Sharon Lim, who heads Franck Muller in Southeast Asia. The boutique is managed by Sincere Fine Watches, its retail partner in the region. 

Read more: The Franck Muller Vanguard goes to the beach

Tatler GMT sat down for a quick chat with Rudaz before the event. During our conversation, he revealed he almost ended up living in Malaysia. “When I was 12, my mother was going to get remarried to someone who was moving to Kuala Lumpur. They bought a house here, and I even remembered the address: 11, Pantai Hill. I was even enrolled in an international school. I was very excited about the move but in the end, the marriage never happened,” Rudaz recounted.

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Photo 1 of 4 Holographic projections on the exterior
Photo 2 of 4 The interior is decadently luxe
Photo 3 of 4
Photo 4 of 4 A display of Franck Muller's complicated world premieres including the Vanguard Revolution 3, the GIga Tourbillon, and the Cintrée Curvex Crazy Hours

Why did Franck Muller decide to have its largest boutique in Asia in Kuala Lumpur?

The location was right and the time was right to have this new fantastic boutique. We're in one of the best malls in Southeast Asia. Malaysia has always been an important market for Franck Muller. I think Malaysians appreciate the brand, its complications, its designs, and its crazy colours. 

How does the boutique reflect the brand's philosophy?

The design is elegant and we used only the finest materials, just like in our watches. The space is perfect for shining a light on our beautiful watches. 

See also: 4 limited-edition watches created for the new SHH boutique in Kuala Lumpur

Tatler Asia
Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Sekeleton
Above Franck Muller Vanguard Slim Sekeleton

What is it like having Sincere Fine Watches as a partner in this region?

Historically, Franck Muller is very popular in Asia, with Japan being our biggest market. Sincere knows the market very well; they give us the right information and the right ideas to develop the right projects. We're able to concentrate of designing and manufacturing the watches, and leave the marketing and promotion to local importers like Sincere who is doing an amazing job in this area. 

Is Franck Muller the watchmaker still involved in the business?

Franck Muller was founded by two people—Franck himself and Vartan Sirmakes, a master diamond-setter who once worked for Richemont and Gérald Genta. In 2003, there was an offer to buy the brand. Franck wanted to sell but Vartan refused. Eventually, Franck sold all his shares to Vartan. Although Franck is no longer involved in the day-to-day, we continue to uphold his legacy as a genius watchmaker. 

In case you missed it: Carlos Rosillo on the evolution of the Bell & Ross BR 01 and BR 03

Tatler Asia
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03:  Franck Muller attends 'Unique Masterpieces' Dinner AT Marcus at The Ledbury Restaurant on July 3, 2012 in London, England.  (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images)
Above Franck Muller attends 'Unique Masterpieces' Dinner at The Ledbury Restaurant on July 3, 2012 in London, England (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images)

Why is it important for Franck Muller to remain independent

So that we can remain as creative as we want to be. The independence allows us to create and make decisions quickly.

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