Frederique Constant consistently proves itself to be a brand that over-delivers in the way that it presents its newest watches. Time and time again, watch enthusiasts find themselves surprised and perplexed that the brand is able to put forward watches that offer great watchmaking value in terms of aesthetic, complications and manufacture movements. 2023 marks 35 years of making watches with this ethos in mind, and it also marks their 31st manufacture movement – a remarkable achievement in itself! To celebrate, Frederique Constant unveils their Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture, a collection of 4 watches that run the complete gamut of value propositions from the brand.
The Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture sports four unique guises to celebrate this monumental anniversary – two limited editions in precious metals and two in stainless steel that will be produced regularly. Measuring in at 40mm, the precious metal versions will come in platinum and rose gold, in highly limited numbers of 35 and 350 respectively. The platinum model in particular is made even more equal than its brethren by a navy blue meteorite dial – each of these dials will be unique depending on the way that the meteorite is cut and acid etched to reveal the Widmanstatten pattern (the crystalline structure of the dial that gives it its distinctive appearance).
The rose gold and stainless steel models come with sunray finished dials – a more sober, yet classical style of dial that lends itself to the classical design of the watch.
The hour markers are diamond cut that give them distinct facets that play with light, and the dial features a complication at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock – a big date at 3 o’clock, moonphase at 6 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock.
All of the watches are delivered on alligator leather straps, completing the very formal and dressy looks of the Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture.
The unsung hero of this watch is the Calibre FC-735 – as previously mentioned, it is Frederique Constant’s 31st manufacture movement since 1988. Boasting a power reserve of 50 hours, automatic winding and a beat rate of 4Hz, the movement is cleverly designed with all functions adjustable with the crown – no external pushers disturb the lines of the case, nor do they confuse the wearer as to what function is adjusted by which pusher.
This is a continuation of the Frederique Constant ethos of making affordable watches that don’t require specialist knowledge to operate.
This movement continues the mission of Frederique Constant, following groundbreaking movements like the Monolithic Escapement, Flyback Chronograph and their Connected movement. The new Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture is a watch that is certain to appeal to those searching for value in their watches, without wanting to compromise on a manufacture movement and complications. Frederique Constant continues to offer compelling value for first-time watch buyers and value-seekers, and we are sure to be enthralled by their future manufacture movement endeavours.
Technical Specifications
References:
FC-735MT3HPT (Platinum, Limited to 35 pieces)
FC-735G3H9 (Rose Gold, Limited to 350 pieces)
FC-735N3H6 (Stainless Steel, Blue Dial, Unlimited)
FC-735S3H6 (Stainless Steel, Silver Dial, Unlimited)
Movement: FC-735 in-house caliber, automatic, all functions adjustable by the crown, perlage & circular Côtes de Genève decorations, 50-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h, 32 jewels
Case: Polished Platinum/18K rose gold/Stainless Steel 3-part case, diameter of 40 mm, height of 12,19 mm, scratch-resistant and anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal see-through case back, water-resistant up to 3 ATM/30m/100ft
Dial: Navy blue meteorite (platinum model), Grey dial with sunray finishing (rose gold model), Blue or Silver with sunray finishing (stainless steel models), applied diamond cut indexes, hand-polished silver colour hour, minute and second hands, date window between 2 o’clock and 3 o’clock, moonphase at 6 o’clock, power reserve indication at 9 o’clock
Strap: Navy Blue alligator leather strap with matte finishing (platinum model), Dark Brown alligator leather strap with matte finishing (rose gold model), Blue alligator leather strap (stainless steel models)