Frederique Constant CEO Niels Eggerding talks us through novelties and the journey of the brand so far
Buffy Acacia- Frederique Constant has released limited edition variants of the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture and Classic Tourbillon Manufacture with malachite and aventurine dials.
- The Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture features the brand’s recent FC-716 calibre with a 72-hour power reserve.
- Both watches are limited to 36 numbered pieces.
Earlier in the year, Frederique Constant revivified its Classic catalogue with the Moonphase Date Manufacture carrying a new in-house movement and a boosted power reserve. Now, during Geneva Watch Days, a few more limited edition references are bolstering the Classic’s ranks with gorgeous stone dials, including the Holy Grail of high-end complications. The new editions of the Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture and the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture each bring fresh, vibrant flair to the otherwise traditional look.
Lucky for us, Andrew caught up with Frederique Constant CEO Niels Eggerding, who not only talks us through the brand’s latest and greatest, but also its journey. Beginning at the entry-level end of the market, the brand has slowly climbed upwards, now producing a number of in-house movements. Make sure to check out this candid interview for some rarely seen, personal takes on the brand from its own CEO, and explore the full details of Frederique Constant’s novelties below.
Beginning with the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture, the most eye-catching feature has become an intoxicating texture of blue-hued green, courtesy of natural malachite. These horizontal striations are formed in layers due to fluctuations in copper deposits, and depending on the angle it’s cut, you can end up with all manner of fascinating patterns. These straight-ish lines offer a gentle gradient of green tones, while allowing the dial to feel structured and never chaotic. The gleaming white metal of the hands and polished indices picks up on those cooler colour temperatures, and helps to highlight the silver of the stippled moon visible from its cutout.
The 18k white gold case has a contemporary-yet-tasteful 40mm diameter and a 12.4mm thickness, loaded with the relatively fresh FC-716 automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve and a 4Hz beat rate.
The Classic Tourbillon Manufacture does not, technically speaking, have a dial made from stone. Aventurine in this deep-blue and glittery form is a manufactured glass impregnated with metal dust to create its aventurescence which evokes stars in the night sky. In tumbled gem or carved forms, it’s known as blue goldstone. Regardless, it has become a favourite in watchmaking circles for its phenomenal dispersion of light. It makes all of the dial details seem as if they’re floating in the depths of space, including the open tourbillon which benefits from a smooth, 4Hz beat rate. This case is also made of 18k white gold, however the 39mm diameter is a bit more on the dressy side with a 10.99mm height for slipping beneath cuffs.
Both of these watches are elegantly cased with smooth contours and slender lugs, and the vintage-style onion crown compliments the old-world style nicely without feeling outdated. The movements are tastefully decorated and visible through sapphire display casebacks, both with golden winding rotors which have been skeletonised to show off more of the movement. They’re water-resistant to 30 metres, so you should generally be careful not to submerge them, but some accidental splashes or rainfall should be fine.
Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon and Moonphase Date Manufacture pricing and availability
Both the Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon Manufacture and the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture are limited to 36 pieces. The Moonphase Date will be available from September 2024, and the Tourbillon will be available from November. Price: US$29,995 (Moonphase Date), US$39,995 (Tourbillon)
| Brand | Frederique Constant |
| Model | Classic Moonphase 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 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Malachite (Moonphase Date) Aventurine (Tourbillon) |
| Bracelet | Colour-matched alligator leather, case-matching folding clasp |
| Movement | FC-716, in-house, automatic (Moonphase Date) FC-980-4, in-house, automatic (Tourbillon) |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours (Moonphase Date) 38 hours (Tourbillon) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, moonphase, date Hours, minutes, tourbillon |
| Availability | 36 pieces each Moonphase Date starting from September, Tourbillon from November |
| Price | US$29,995 (Moonphase Date) US$39,995 (Tourbillon) |