Franc Vila Watches

Franc Vila Watches

Franc Vila doesn’t do subtle. This is high-concept, high-complication, high-attitude watchmaking from the wild days of the early 2000s indie boom — back when brands weren’t

afraid to go big, get weird, and carve out their own shape in the industry. Literally.

Love it or hate it, you’ll never forget a Franc Vila.

A Little History

Franc Vila, the man, launched his namesake brand in 2005, setting out to create luxury sport watches with haute horology movements and a case design no one could miss.

The result? The "Esprit Unique" case — an alien-esque oval-meets-tonneau shape with a cutout at 6 o’clock, often paired with massive sapphire

crystals, exotic materials (carbon, die-hard steel, even "lightnium"), and serious complications inside.

For a while, Vila’s watches were everywhere in the high-end independent scene — alongside brands like Richard Mille, Cvstos, and Concord’s C1. Then,

like many design-heavy indies from that era… they faded.

But here’s the thing: the movements are legit, and the build quality is real. Which makes them a niche collector’s favorite today — especially for those who

love the bold side of independent watchmaking.

What Collectors Love

The aesthetic isn’t for everyone. But collectors who get it, really get it:

  • Big, bold cases — 46mm+ in most models, with curved sapphire crystals and layered construction

  • Unmistakable identity — love it or not, you’ll never confuse a Franc Vila for anything else

  • Haute complications — including tourbillons, perpetual calendars, chrono flybacks, and high-frequency escapements

  • Exotic materials — like “Lightnium” (aluminum/lithium alloy), forged carbon, or gold-carbon composites

Top models include:

  • FVa No. 1 & 2 — the early pieces that set the tone, with moonphase, chrono, and big date complications

  • Cobra — sportier models with skeletonized dials, flyback chronos, and bold textures

  • Tourbillon Intrepido — a standout haute horology piece with flying tourbillon and extreme materials

  • FVa35 SuperSonico — the world’s first mechanical watch with a repeater audible underwater (yes, really)

Why Franc Vila Still Matters

Because he pushed boundaries — and did it with real horological substance under the hood.

While a lot of early 2000s indies leaned hard on marketing, Franc Vila worked with top Swiss movement houses (often Concepto or La Joux-Perret)

to deliver legitimate complications and unique builds.

If you love Richard Mille but want something rarer, or you collect over-the-top independents with actual engineering merit, Vila is a deep cut worth chasing.

What’s Out There Now

Franc Vila is no longer in active large-scale production, though the brand has seen quiet relaunch attempts and may still offer bespoke commissions.

What’s circulating now:

  • Pre-owned Esprit Unique models in titanium, steel, carbon, or gold

  • Chronographs and tourbillons — often in excellent condition, with full kits

  • Limited editions — many numbered runs under 88 pieces, sometimes even less

Prices are all over the place — but value is surprisingly strong, considering the movement quality and original MSRP.

Fed’s Take

Franc Vila is one of those brands people think they’ve figured out — until they actually hold one.

I’ve sold a few over the years, and every time I’m reminded: these things are built like tanks. The complications are no joke. And the wrist presence? Total conversation starter.

Not everyone can pull one off. But if you’re confident enough to rock an oval-shaped tourbillon made of a space-age alloy… go for it. It’s one hell of a

flex — and you’ll probably never see another one in the wild.

Check Out Our Franc Vila Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Franc Vila watches — especially Esprit Unique, Cobra, and Tourbillon Intrepido models.

If you have a Franc Vila watch you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.

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