Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture

Zach Brass

Previously, whenever some people asked about low-cost, high-complication watches, they didn’t talk much. With micro-brands, independent and more established brands focusing on value-driven watches, it’s much easier to answer such questions, but it’s usually often made when expensive things suddenly bring a fraction of cost.

However, the latest generation of the Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calender Watch has a steel case with a diameter of just 40mm and a thickness of 12.1mm. And with Watches and Wonders 2025, this latest generation expanded with a collector’s fan service configuration with crowd-pleasing sunburst salmon dials, all for under $10,000 USD. Let’s explain in detail.

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case

As I have already mentioned, Frederick’s constant classic permanent calendar production, as seen in previous generations, is packaged in a 50-meter water-resistant stainless steel case, down from 40mm in diameter, 42mm, and below, from 12.1mm in thickness. Looking around the case, you will see that it is suitable for such a classic and elegant timepiece and a pusher that can be involved in tuning the lasting calendar mechanism. The lug-to-rug span isn’t too long, and it offers the watch the presence of a modern dress watch without being overwhelmed by the average wrist.

Dial

A very popular colour among watch collecting watches requires that all watch media create a “best” list around hue. Depending on the balance between the orange and pink tones, salmon should be a bit cautionary. This salmon dial really nails the balance and supplies a salmon shade that is more copper-adjacent, whereas salmon dial clocks are often too distorted towards pink. Elegant and polished alpha hand and applied indexes, of course, there are no rooms. The indicators for 9 o’clock, moon and jump year are 12 o’clock, calendar days are 3 o’clock, and the moon phase is in the 6 o’clock moon phase, in the traditional way.

strap

Dark brown alligator leather straps are a natural pairing of salmon dials, but in many cases they often avoid brown straps due to almost black coloured wardrobes. If I own this watch, I would probably switch to a grey or blue leather strap so it feels smart, casual and versatile in terms of adjusting it with my wardrobe. Luckily, the lug is 20mm wide so you can run amok and regenerate your strap monsters for leisure and flavor. It is secured to the wrist via a foldable unfolding clasp.

Movement

Frederique Constant designs the calibs in-house, allowing you to actually control watch pricing, and the latest generation of FC-776 delivers a weekend 72-hour automatic calendar movement displayed inside the watch, which is displayed for under $10,000. (I know I keep repeating those numbers, but that’s an impressive achievement!) Its richly sized bridge covers most of the work inside below, but the sunray wave striped finish makes the most of the real estate in terms of its handsome finish. At the bottom, the balance wheel, the thing everyone wants to see most, is perfectly visible, ticked by the moment, revealing that the clock is alive with the beat. The gold tone rotors self-breathe the watch, openworking to give you a better view of what’s underneath, and is nicely decorated with brushing and beveling.

verdict

In my opinion, if a watch journalist is creating a “best permanent calendar” purchase guide or list, whether or not there are price parameters, this Frederick’s constant classic permanent calendar manufacturing is an absolute must. With fan-like salmon dials, an automatic 72-hour calendar movement in-house, and a sophisticated case with slim lug profiles, reduced thickness, and tamer diameters, you’re monitoring your money in large quantities with virtually zero concessions. The game recognizes the game, and this watch has a game.