Known for creating complex and intricate machinery, Franck Muller has been making luxury watches for over twenty years. That’s not such a long time in the world of watchmaking, but the firm has already begun to prove they are a real player in the watchmaking game. Though the company was founded at a time when the traditional values of horology were being tested as new technology was introduced and it seemed that watches were going electronic, they have never made a watch with a quartz movement.

The Conquistador Cortez is a very handsome watch, especially in rich brown colors or light blue. Its 45-millimeter case is square and made out of highly polished stainless steel, at least in many of the various models the watch is available in (there’s a positively beautiful one in rose gold with a brown dial and strap). It has an automatic movement that’s water resistant to about 100 feet and includes 21 jewels. The power reserve lasts up to 42 hours. The movement is adorned with Cotes de Geneve and polished with diamond paste.

The color of the dial varies from model to model, lacquered white, silver, black, or brown. It features large, luminescent Arabic numerals. The hands are leaf-shaped, except for the second hand. Instead, it is a long, thin pole tipped with a red arrowhead. On most of the models, there are two subdials, a chronograph for counting seconds and a thirty-minute counter. The strap is hand-stitched alligator skin with a tang clasp in the same material as the case.

This series includes several good-looking watches, with a nice variety of colors and looks to choose from. Their look is a lot like that of a Spanish or Cuban watch, a little off from the most recognized traditions but retaining that classic (and classy) feel. The Conquistador Cortez is a great-looking watch, and is sure to look good on the wrist.