Frederique Constant Celebrates the Classics at Watches and Wonders 2024

For Watches and Wonders 2024, Frederique Constant revisited its flagship Classics collection to present the newest additions to the line: the Manufacture Classic Date, the Manufacture Classic Moonphase Date, and also unveiled the poetic Classics Elegance Luna. GMT India took a closer look at the launches to gauge how the brand, while introducing modern-day iterations of much-loved classics, has managed to stay true to the original essence of the timepieces. 

Both the Classic Date Manufacture and Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture are flagship models that are already much loved; for Watches and Wonders, the brand revealed major upgrades for both models. Earlier available in 42mm, both timepieces are now also offered in 40mm variants. The revamped iterations sport elegant stainless steel cases and refined dials that amplify the overall visuals. Both models sport exhibition casebacks that allow the viewer to admire the improved movements for both the timepieces.

The Classic Date Manufacture is now powered by the FC-706 calibre, a new generation Manufacture movement that guarantees a 72-hour power reserve. The bridges—sporting new finishes—have been entirely redesigned to accommodate the new large-capacity barrel. The circular motifs from earlier iterations have been replaced by circular graining and fan-shaped côtes de Genève.

This model now features applied, diamond-cut hour markers, with 5 and 7 o’clock slightly reduced to allow the date display to breathe. The hour and minute hands are also diamond-cut and hand-polished. The absence of numerals on the dial allows the hours and minutes to be read in a more open-plan manner. The salmon-coloured dial pairs wonderfully with the steel case and the silver hour markers and hands; the chocolate-coloured alligator strap elevates the refined visual harmony.

On the other hand, the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture hasn’t just received visual upgrades, it now sports a new movement: FC-716 Manufacture calibre. Equipped with a new barrel, it now offers a power reserve of three days (or 72 hours). The timepiece also flaunts new decorations such as the fan-shaped côtes de Genève that replace the previous circular motifs.

On the midnight blue sun-rayed dial, the three silver-coloured central hands are now redesigned and diamond-cut (only the hour and minute hands), as are the hour markers. At 6 o'clock, a single window displays the moonphase and the date, which is indicated by a central hand running along a scale graduated from 1 to 31. The navy blue overstitched alligator strap harmoniously complements the blue of the dial.

The just-unveiled Classics Elegance Luna has an effortlessly romantic air about it. Housed in a 36mm steel case, the timepiece features a moonphase that has been designed by the daughter of the Manufacture’s head of R&D. Four variations are available, all run by an automatic movement that displays the time atop new Roman numeral hour markers in hues that match the leather strap. The references also feature a jewel-set minute track, two of them also have bezels set with jewels. The moonphase is positioned at 6 o’clock, featuring a lunar disc designed exclusively for Frederique Constant. The two halves of the moon—whose soft and subtle hues were picked to complement the watch’s overall visuals—oscillate between light and dark shades of grey.

Each of the models has steel hands set against the mother-of-pearl dial; the shimmery finish of the dial is pink, light green, blue or grey. The models are powered by self-winding FC-331 calibre, which offers a 38-hour power reserve. Two models have a fully jewel-set hour ring and bezel amounting to a total of 96 diamonds, 1.17 carats in all. One of these sports a bright, modern apple green hue, and the other is done out in denim blue. Only the hour ring is set with diamonds on the other two pieces: 56 in all, for a total of 0.7 carats. These more understated variations come in navy blue with matching hands or a warm, romantic red with steel hands.