Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph tourbillon wristwatch

Franck Muller Ref. 1790QTJ Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Rattrapante

Partially verified

This Franck Muller timepiece, numbered 01, is a complex 18K yellow gold wristwatch featuring a one-minute tourbillon regulator, a perpetual calendar, and a split-seconds chronograph. Produced circa 2002, the watch is encased in a three-body 18K yellow gold housing measuring 37 mm in diameter and 15 mm in thickness, featuring a transparent case back and sapphire crystals. The dial is satiné silver with blued steel Breguet hands and blued steel pyramid indexes placed on a guilloché reserve. The movement is a hand-engraved gilt caliber of 14 lines, containing 28 jewels and a lateral lever escapement. The tourbillon cage is designed with an A-shaped steel frame under a polished steel cock. The watch includes a perpetual calendar with leap year indication, a split-seconds chronograph with a 30-minute register, and is fitted with a matching 18K yellow gold buckle and accompanied by a fitted box.

Franck Muller Ref. 1790QTJ perpetual calendar tourbillon rattrapante, with detail of the movement.
Franck Muller Ref. 1790QTJ perpetual calendar tourbillon rattrapante, with detail of the movement. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar split-seconds chronograph tourbillon wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Franck Muller
Reference
1790QTJ
Catalogue / lot identifier
113
Source-reported date
circa 2002
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
01

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is constructed with a solid, three-body 18K yellow gold case featuring straight and rounded lugs. The design incorporates sapphire crystals and a transparent case back, which allows for visual access to the movement. The case measures 37 mm in diameter and 15 mm in thickness.

The dial is finished in satiné silver and features applied blued steel pyramid indexes mounted on a guilloché reserve. Several ring dials are present, specifically for the days of the months, days of the week, the months, the leap year, and the 30-minute chronograph register. Timekeeping is indicated by blued steel Breguet hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. Three-body, solid, polished, straight and rounded lugs, transparent case back, sapphire crystals.”
  • “D. Satiné silver with applied blued steel pyramid indexes on a ?guilloché? reserve”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a hand-engraved gilt caliber of 14 lines, containing 28 jewels. It is equipped with a lateral lever escapement. The one-minute tourbillon regulator is positioned under a polished steel cock and features an A-shaped steel frame.

The watch includes a perpetual calendar and a round-button split-seconds chronograph mechanism. The movement balance is monometallic and uses a self-compensating Breguet balance-spring for regulation.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 14???, hand-engraved, gilt, 28 jewels, lateral lever escapement with one-minute tourbillon regulator with A-shaped steel frame under a polished steel cock”
  • “monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring.”

Condition and Attribution

The case and dial are both rated as grade 2, and the movement is rated as grade 2*.

The dial is noted as signed, and the case bears the serial number 01.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: Case: 2 Very good Movement: 2* Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 2-01 Very good”
  • “Dial signed, case numbered.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production volume of the Reference 1790QTJ model series?
  • Which specific horological complication module is integrated with the base caliber for the perpetual calendar?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Franck Muller Ref. 1790QTJ Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Rattrapante
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFranck Muller“Franck Muller, Genève”
Reference1790QTJ“Ref. 1790QTJ”
Case material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold wristwatch”
Movement dimensions14 lines“Cal. 14???”
Number of jewels28“28 jewels”
Case diameter37 mm“Diam. 37 mm.”
Serial number01“No. 01”
Datecirca 2002“Made circa 2002.”

Visible details

  • Silver satiné dial with multiple engine-turned sub-dials
  • Visible split-seconds mechanism with round chronograph buttons
  • Exposed tourbillon regulator through the transparent case back
  • Blued steel indices and Breguet hands

Research qualifications

  • Overhaul of the movement is recommended by the auction house
  • Actual performance of the perpetual calendar mechanism is not verified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

FRANCK MULLER REF. 1790QTJ PERPETUAL CALENDAR TOURBILLON RATTRAPANTE YELLOW GOLD NO. 01 Franck Muller, Genève, Tourbillon - Calendrier Perpétuel - Chronographe Rattrapante, No. 01, Ref. 1790QTJ. Made circa 2002. Very fine and rare, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with one minute tourbillon regulator, round button split-seconds chronograph, register, perpetual calendar, leap year indication and an 18K yellow gold Franck Muller buckle. Accompanied by the fitted box. To be sold without reserve

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 1c16658041

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.