FRANC VILA
FOUNDER
FVF GENEVE
“My work method is deeply artistic. Therefore, I dislike having routines beyond being disciplined. I like that every day is different, whereby I alternate between creative work, productive work and discussions with colleagues and lovers of art and watchmaking. But, if I had to define a process that is important to me, I would say it’s important to share ideas about creativity, art and life with those around me over a beer or good wine.”
Franc Vila’s journey in horology combines his background in science, art, and philosophy. From 1990 to 2000, he pursued university studies in biochemistry, art, and philosophy, which influenced his approach to watchmaking. Unable to find watches that appealed to him, Franc decided to make his own, leading to a passion project that soon after became a commercial venture. Following the foundation of his first brand in 2004, Franc unveiled his first watch at Baselworld 2005 – setting a high bar with his very first watch, the FV01, a perpetual calendar minute repeater. Franc gained immediate recognition for his avant-garde designs, characterised by the upside-down figure 8 shape reminiscent of a skull and the use of materials such as carbon fibre. Franc collaborated with notable constructors like Dubois Dépraz and BNB Concept, allowing him to develop innovative movements like the Five-day Tourbillon Planétaire.
In 2017, Franc launched FVF, an independent Geneva-based brand, to realise his interpretation of artisanal watchmaking. FVF unveiled its first in-house calibre, the FVF1, in 2022, which is visible within the FVF1 C2 Tourbillon Superligero. Featuring a lightweight construction and a unique architectural design, the FVF1 movement reflects Franc’s disruptive watchmaking philosophy. Looking ahead, Franc plans to release a second in-house calibre in 2025, further cementing artisanal aspirations.