The green Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture is traditionally stable in a chaotic year
Buffy Acacia- The Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture is now available in forest green to complement the brand’s nature-inspired lineup.
- It’s a limited edition of 718 pieces in steel, or 36 pieces in 18k rose gold.
- The in-house-equipped model will retail for US$4,695 in steel and US$18,995 in gold.
2024 has been such a strange year for trends. Watchmaking has been pulled in so many different directions this year that it’s impossible to see what will stay relevant. Will we see more high-end brands embracing brutalism, and will we get sick of integrated bracelets? In this sea of confusion, Frederique Constant has been ploughing ahead with fantastic examples of traditional watchmaking. These two new references of the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture may be taking advantage of a popular dial colour, but they will certainly be timeless classics for decades to come.
No matter how expensive or affordable a worldtimer is, they always look high class. Whether it’s the depiction of the globe on the dial or simply the implication that you’ve got international business to keep track of, they’re captivating. Frederique Constant’s Classic Worldtimer Manufacture isn’t just in service of the world’s time zones however, it also pays tribute to the world’s natural beauty. Previous colour schemes have represented nighttime, daytime, and the ocean, while the new forest green honours the countless forms of greenery Earth has to offer. With its high-shine sunburst finish, the range of tones on display cover deep, mossy greens to almost golden sheens.
The balance between the dial’s form and function is perfect, and although there’s a lot of detail packed in, the legibility never suffers. The outer ring displays various major cities around the world for quickly locating your time zone of choice, while the inner ring splits a 24-hour gauge between day and night with reversed colours. Applied hour pips are filled with lume, as are the hour and minute hands with their sharp-tipped alpha shapes. The world map is simply raised up in flat, grey planes, as to not overwhelm the dial with competing textures or colours. Finally, a date sub-dial is encompassed by filigree details and surrounds a circle of fanned embossing.
The case is absolutely gorgeous for something relatively simple, given its smooth, pebble-like softness and subtle, stepped bezel. The onion crown completes the picture of tradition meeting modernity, and the 42mm sizing allows for the dial’s details to be easily visible from a distance. Two references are available, one in stainless steel for more versatile wear, and the other in solid 18k rose gold. At 12.15mm thick, it’s going to be quite comfortable either way. The water resistance is only 30 metres, but that’s enough for something that’s unlikely to be around many beaches or pools.
Powering the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture is the in-house FC-718, which allows you to adjust all of the movement’s complications via the crown and no hidden pushers. It runs at a smooth 4Hz beat rate, and has a 38 hour power reserve with automatic winding. The caseback has a sapphire display window so you can appreciate the movement just as much as the dial whenever you wish. Both versions of the watch come strapped with dark green alligator leather and contrasting cream stitching for a characterful yet dressy ensemble.
Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture Forest Green pricing and availability
The Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture is limited to 36 pieces in 18k gold, or 718 pieces in stainless steel. Price: US$4,695 (steel), US$18,995 (gold)
| Brand | Frederique Constant |
| Model | Classic Worldtimer Manufacture |
| Reference | FC-718KWM4H6 FC-718KWWM4H9 |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 12.15mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel 18k rose gold |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Forest green |
| Strap | Green alligator leather, case-matching clasp |
| Movement | FC-718, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, world time |
| Availability | 718 pieces in steel 36 pieces in gold |
| Price | US$4,695 (steel) US$18,995 (gold) |