Considering the brand has only been around since 1988, Frederique Constant has some serious bragging rights, not least of which are more than thirty movement calibers designed and assembled in-house. For Watches & Wonders 2024, the brand has introduced updated versions of both their Classic Date Manufacture and Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture models with two new movements. And Frederique Constant is rightly proud of the FC-700 series calibers, as they offer a long weekend’s 72-hour power reserve, more detailed decoration visible through sapphire display backs, and warranty coverage that now extends to five years. But new calibers aren’t the only changes: in fact, the watches’ cases are resized for contemporary tastes. Additionally, there are new dial colours on offer, including a salmon-dialled Classic Date Manufacture model and a deep green Classic Moonphase Date variant, in addition to more traditional options.
Classic Date Manufacture
The new Frederique Constant Classic Date Manufacture features a new in-house caliber, the FC-706, which offers 72 hours of power reserve, more intricate decoration, and a five-year warranty.
A more compact 40 mm diameter for the polished stainless case is 2 mm smaller than the previous version and features an onion crown, sapphire crystal, and sapphire display caseback.
A sunray salmon dial is offered in addition to the more traditional black and silver, all featuring diamond-cut, hand-polished steel alpha hands and applied indices. The dial also features a pointer date display at six.
Brand
Frederique Constant
Model
Classic Date Manufacture
Case Dimensions
40mm (D) x 12.4mm (T)
Case Material
Stainless steel
Water Resistance
50m
Dial
Salmon, silver, black, sunray finish
Crystal(s)
Sapphire
Bracelet/Strap
Brown alligator, blue alligator (silver dial), black alligator (black dial)
Movement
Caliber FC-706 automatic
Power Reserve
72 hours
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, pointer date
Availability
May 2024
Price
US$3,495
Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture
The Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture also gets a new in-house movement, the FC-716, boasting 72 hours of power reserve, fan-shaped côtes de Genève decoration, and a five-year warranty.
The fully polished stainless case measures 40 mm in diameter and 12.4 mm thick with an onion-shaped crown, antireflective convex sapphire crystal, and sapphire display caseback.
Dial variants include silver-grey, midnight blue, and English green, all sunray finished. The display at six features both the moonphase and pointer date.