Frederique Constant has unveiled a new version of its Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture. The watch features a new design with a salmon dial and a new movement. The watch was first introduced in 2016 and has been praised for its affordability and quality. The brand is aiming to make Swiss watchmaking accessible to a wider audience, and this watch is a testament to that philosophy. With the new design and movement, the watch offers collectors and enthusiasts an attractive option in the perpetual calendar segment.
The watch comes in a new Classic polished stainless steel case. The case has a three-part construction and features slimmer lugs and a more compact diameter of 40 millimetres. The height of the case is 12.10 mm. The design is inspired by vintage fine watchmaking and emphasises harmony and elegance. The case also includes an anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal and an open caseback. The water resistance is rated at 5 bar, which is equivalent to 50 metres.
The dial of the watch is now in a salmon tone. This shade is complemented by two hand-assembled and hand-polished Dauphine hands. The hour markers are more slender and are arranged around a ‘sector dial’ minute track. The dial does not have numerals for the hours and minutes, which gives it a minimalist appearance. Despite this simplicity, the dial features three subdial counters for the perpetual calendar: months and leap years at 12 o’clock, days at 9 o’clock and the date at 3 o’clock. These counters are slightly recessed, adding depth to the dial. Finally, at 6 o’clock, there is a window for the blue moonphase.
The watch is powered by the new Manufacture FC-776 calibre. This is the 34th movement developed in-house by Frederique Constant. The movement has been updated to provide a power reserve of three days. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and is adjusted in six positions to ensure accuracy. The movement shares many components with the FC-775 calibre, which makes it a reliable and well-tested movement. The sapphire caseback allows for a view of the movement.
The watch is priced at 9,995 euros. It is now available at authorised dealers. The watch comes with a dark brown alligator leather strap. The strap features tone-on-tone stitching and a folding clasp.
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