Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, Swiss mechanical watch brand Franck Muller will be holding a special exhibition in Japan to commemorate its anniversary celebrations, along with an exhibition on "The World of Kodo" by the Shino school of incense, which has a special connection to Franck Muller. This is a rare opportunity to see timepieces that symbolize the evolution achieved over the past 30 years, including an archive model that achieved a WORLD PREMIRE (world first) when Franck Muller worked on it during his time as an independent watchmaker.

Franck Muller is a genius watchmaker who has been referred to by various nicknames, including the "Master of Complicated Watches." It is particularly noteworthy that the company has incorporated the tourbillon, a complication found in pocket watches, into wristwatches and has ceaselessly released ever-evolving versions of it. Franck Muller's contributions cannot be overlooked in the fact that the tourbillon, an invention of nearly 200 years ago, is now the most popular complication. At the same time, the brand has attracted attention for its never-before-seen shape and design. The Tonneau Curvex captivated people with a unique allure that is distinct from its complexity. The 1920s tonneau shape was elevated to a three-dimensional realm, and the case, with its curved surfaces that appear to have been carved from a sphere, has elevated the level of watch design. The compelling technology of complex watches and the aesthetic sensibility that strikes a chord with the human heart. These two distinct realms of appeal continue to keep Franck Muller fresh, even 30 years later.

Shino-ryu Kodo is a school of incense that was founded by the first Shino Munenobu (1443-1523), who served Yoshimasa Ashikaga, the eighth shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. The spirit and etiquette of chūko (burning incense) have been passed down uninterruptedly to the present day, overcoming many difficult times. Currently, there are over 200 schools in Japan and overseas, including Paris, Boston, and Shanghai. Driven by the desire to connect people and nations through kōdō, the school continues to pray for world peace and the peace of mind of all people. During his visit to Japan in the summer of 2019, Franck Muller had the opportunity to experience Shino-ryu Kodo. His encounter with the spirit and etiquette of Shino-ryu Kodo, which has been passed down for 500 years since the Muromachi period, led to a special connection, which led to the holding of this exhibition in Japan.


In addition, a special exhibition will be held at the same time, allowing visitors to experience the "supreme brilliance" of Backes & Strauss, a member of the Franck Muller Watchland Group. The exhibition will feature "watches that showcase diamonds at their most beautiful," created by combining carefully selected diamonds that speak to history and tradition with cutting techniques. Backes & Strauss also had the opportunity to have its Royal Brand Ambassador, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent of the British Royal Family, and Backes & Strauss CEO Valques Canajan experience Shino-ryu Kodo in Kyoto in 2019.

Please take this opportunity to experience the special celebration of the Franck Muller Watchland Group.




【Special Exhibition】
"Celebrating Franck Muller's 30th Anniversary: Time Woven Through the Fragrances of 500 Years of Shino-ryu Kodo History"

Period: Wednesday, April 20th - Sunday, April 24th, 2022
Time: Weekdays: 11:00am - 3:00pm; Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Venue: Foyer in front of the Treasure Exhibition Room, Zojoji Temple, Shiba, Tokyo (1st basement floor of the main hall)
Admission Fee: General admission: ¥700 (tax included) *Combined ticket with admission to the Tokugawa Shogunate Graves: ¥1,000 (tax included)



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