Turn Back Time in the Franck Muller x New Balance 996

Sneakers and watches are perhaps two of the most collected objects because of the sheer depth of knowledge and product out there. Occasionally, these hobbies cross over or are simultaneously engaged by the well-heeled (or fiscally irresponsible), so this new collaboration between Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller and the New Balance 996 will scratch quite a few itches.

This colab features two metallic colourways of the 996 inspired by classic symbols from horology. One features plenty of silver, referencing the shiny metallic finishes of the stainless steel Iron Croco watch by Muller, which is contrasted by embossed navy leather with faux-croc skin texture, much like an exotic watch strap. While the Gold Croco option strikes the perfect balance between glamorous and gaudy by not having too much of the gilt up top, and again the navy helps tone things down ever so slightly. Finishing touches on these two 996s channel the playful aesthetic of Muller’s watch dials, which include oversized cursive numerals embossed into metallic leather sections of the upper, and multicoloured insole print to match.

Each colourway of the Franck Muller x New Balance 996 will be limited to – you guessed it – 996 pairs, and will release on November 5 at selected New Balance retailers in Japan.