Franc Vila Esprit Unique

Esprit Unique is both the signature case of the independent Swiss brand Franc Vila and the collection of watches in that case. The silhouette was designed by Franc Vila himself: a round upper section with the bezel flows into an elliptical lower section, and together they read as an inverted figure of eight, or double ellipse. Very different models share this form — Neo Alta, Grand Sport, Cuatro, Tribute, Interpido with perpetual calendar — so the collection is united by the case, not by a single complication.

The two parts of the case allow the displays to be separated. The main dial occupies the circle, and the ellipse below is given over to a complication: on tourbillon models it holds the carriage, on the women's Tribute an additional scale. In the Grand Sport Chronograph Grand Dateur, by contrast, a two-window large date sits at the top. Case surfaces are satin-finished and bevels polished. All models have sapphire crystal, and the skeletons show the movement through the dial.

Within the collection the choice is by function, material and size. Functions include tourbillon, chronograph, perpetual calendar with moon phases, date, day, month and power-reserve indicator. Cases come in steel, PVD- or DLC-coated steel, carbon composite with titanium, and 18-carat rose gold, from 35 to 51 mm. Straps are rubber, canvas and leather. The models are mostly men's, with one women's model.

Each product page lists the reference, calibre, movement, case size, water resistance, strap and a detailed description of condition, and for most models the power reserve.