Frederique Constant has released limited edition variations of its Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture and Classic Tourbillon Manufacture watches with malachite and aventurine dials. The Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture is powered by the brand’s latest caliber, the FC-716, which has a 72-hour power reserve. Both watches are numbered and limited to just 36 pieces.
Earlier this year, Frederique Constant Moonphase Date Manufacture revives classic catalog Featuring a new in-house movement and an improved power reserve, several further limited editions will be unveiled at Geneva Watch Days. Reinforcing the ranks of classics with gorgeous stone dialsContaining the holy grail of luxury complications, the new editions of Frederique Constant’s Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture and Classic Tourbillon Manufacture each bring a fresh and vibrant feel to a traditional look.
Andrew was lucky enough to meet Niels Eggerding, CEO of Frederique Constant, who told us about the brand’s latest and greatest products as well as its journey. The brand started at the entry level of the market and slowly grew to now produce a range of in-house movements. This candid interview gives a rare personal perspective from the CEO on the brand, and you can read more about Frederique Constant’s new products below.
Starting with the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture, the most eye-catching feature is the mesmerizing texture of the bluish-green natural malachite. These horizontal stripes are formed in layers due to fluctuations in copper deposits and, depending on the angle of the cut, can result in all sorts of fascinating patterns. These straight lines provide a gentle gradation of green tones and give the dial the impression of structure, rather than chaos. The shining white metal of the hands and polished indexes pick up their cooler color temperature and help accentuate the silvery color of the pointillist moon visible through the cut-out.
The 18K white gold case is contemporary yet elegant, measuring 40mm in diameter and 12.4mm thick, and is powered by the relatively new FC-716 automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve and a beat rate of 4Hz.
The Classic Tourbillon Manufacture is, technically speaking, Have a dial made of stoneDeep blue, shimmering aventurine is a man-made glass impregnated with metal powders to create an aventurescent effect reminiscent of stars in the night sky. In tumbled or engraved form, it is known as blue goldstone. Either way, it is popular in the watchmaking industry for its incredible light dispersion. Every detail on the dial seems to float in the depths of space, including the open tourbillon, which benefits from a smooth 4Hz beat rate. The case is also made of 18K white gold, but with a 39mm diameter, it has a dressier look with a height of 10.99mm to slip under your cuff.
Both watches are housed in elegant cases with smooth contours and slender lugs, and the vintage-style onion crown nicely complements the old-fashioned look without making it seem dated. The movements are tastefully decorated and can be seen through the sapphire casebacks. Both watches feature a gold winding rotor that is skeletonized to better showcase the movement. It is water resistant to 30 metersSo, although you should generally be careful to avoid submerging it in water, accidental splashes and rain should be no problem.
Pricing and Availability for the Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon & Moon Phase Date Manufacture
Frederique Constant’s Classic Tourbillon Manufacture and Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture are both limited to 36 pieces. The Moonphase Date will be available from September 2024, and the Tourbillon from November. Price: $29,995 (Moonphase Date), $39,995 (Tourbillon)
Brand Frederique Constant Model Classic Moon Phase Date Manufacture
Classic Tourbillon Manufacture Case dimensions 40mm (D) x 12.4mm (T) (Moonphase Date)
39mm (D) x 10.99mm (T) (Tourbillon) Case Material 18K White Gold Water Resistance 30 meters Crystal Sapphire front and back Dial Malachite (Moonphase Date)
Aventurine (Tourbillon) Bracelet: Color-matched alligator leather, folding clasp that matches the case Movement: FC-716, in-house, automatic (moonphase date)
FC-980-4, in-house made, automatic (tourbillon) power reserve 72 hours (moon phase date)
38-hour (tourbillon) Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, moon phase, date
Hours, minutes, tourbillon 36 of each in stock
Moonphase date from September, tourbillon from November Price: $29,995 (Moonphase date)
US$39,995 (Tourbillon)