Introducing: The Updated Frederique Constant Classic (Moonphase) Date Manufacture
By now, Frederique Constant is famous for its no-nonsense Swiss-made watches. The brand’s Classics collection is at the forefront of its philosophy of offering high-quality watches at a relatively affordable price. This week, at Watches and Wonders, two of the collection’s models are receiving some significant updates and upgrades on both the inside and out. Let’s take a look at the new Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture and the Classic Date Manufacture from Frederique Constant.
The brand’s designs won’t surprise you much in terms of originality, but the watches from Frederique Constant do get the basics very right. The same is true of today’s novelties. They’re stainless steel watches on the dressier side of the spectrum. One has a moonphase complication, and the other doesn’t. Both feature a manufacture movement, and they now come with a five-year warranty. Let’s see why the people at Frederique Constant feel so confident about their new offerings.
The Frederique Constant Classic (Moonphase) Date Manufacture
Both the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture and the version without the moonphase complication share the same pebble-style case. The squared lug tips give the watches a sturdier look. On top of the case, you’ll find a vintage-inspired domed sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating. The dials on these watches have been kept very clean with diamond-cut Alpha hands and matching applied indexes. Both the hands and indexes have also been polished by hand. The dials themselves have a sunburst finish, and they come in various colors.
The moonphase version comes in a British-racing-like green, navy blue, and classic silver. Its signature complication is placed at 6 o’clock with a pointer-date complication surrounding it. The Classic Date Manufacture lacks the moonphase display and only features the pointer date at 6 o’clock. This simpler version comes with either a salmon, silver, or black sunburst dial. Now, let’s take a look at the updates.
Refined updates
First of all, these watches now have a smaller case. It went down from 42mm to 40mm wide, and it measures 12.4mm thick, making these “all-dial” watches more suitable for a larger variety of wrists. Both versions also received an update to their in-house movements. That’s most noticeable when you check the watches’ power reserve. This increased from a standard 38 hours to a more impressive 72 hours. This is made possible by fitting the movements with a bigger barrel.
But also, when you look at the movement through the sapphire window on the case back, you may notice a slight cosmetic change. The upper plate now has a radial Côtes de Genève pattern rather than the previous circular one. That’s certainly something you won’t often find at this price point. The same goes for those diamond-cut hour and minute hands and applied indexes.
Manufacture movements
As mentioned, both the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture and the Classic Date Manufacture come with an in-house movement. The FC716 and FC706 (with and without the moonphase, respectively), both run at a 28,800vph frequency and feature 26 jewels. As mentioned, both versions now also boast a comfortable power reserve of 72 hours. You operate the movement through the characteristic onion-shaped crown at 3 o’clock. It’s also good to know that these watches are water resistant to 5 ATM.
Helped by all these updates, Frederique Constant is now confident enough to deliver these watches with a five-year warranty. That certainly makes wearing these pieces a little more carefree.
Final words
The Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture in green, blue, or silver sells for €3,895. The Classic Date Manufacture comes in at a more affordable €3,295. All watches come on an alligator strap in a color that best suits the dial. We’re looking forward to handling these watches in person and telling you all about them. For now, if you’re looking for more information, check out the official Frederique Constant website.
What do you think of the updated Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture and Classic Date Manufacture from Frederique Constant? Let me know in the comments below.
