This Frédérique Constant Manufacture Perpetual Calendar limited edition is sold exclusively by Bucherer in Paris, the world’s biggest specialised haute horlogerie store. It’s a steel version – with blue dial and silvered hands and markers – of the Frédérique Constant perpetual calendar that made such a strong impression on its launch at Baselworld 2016, largely because of its highly competitive price tag of not much over 8,000 Swiss francs.
The Bucherer limited edition, at €8,400, is scarcely any more expensive, and is likely to light a fire under many collectors in Paris. It will also disappoint more than a few, given that only 30 are available. The back of the case features an engraved legend “Bucherer Limited Edition”. The number 30 was chosen to celebrate Frédérique Constant’s 30th anniversary in 2018, as well as the 130th birthday of Bucherer.
The timeless and classic aesthetic of this timepiece, which is part of the Slimline collection, perfectly complements the complication that sits front and centre: the perpetual calendar that provides the exact date for over one hundred years without the need for adjustment. The watch displays hours and minutes, along with the date, day, month and leap year in three registers at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock respectively, as well as phases of the moon. It is driven by the self-winding mechanical calibre FC-775, produced and assembled by Frédérique Constant in Plan-les-Ouates (Geneva). Its functions are easily set by means of four discreet low-profile pushers positioned around the case at 5, 8, 10 and 11 o’clock. It has a power reserve of 38 hours and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph. Its 191 components, produced by Frédérique Constant’s CNC machines, with their circular graining and Geneva striped finishes, can be admired through the sapphire caseback.
The watch comes fitted with a matching blue alligator strap, and is delivered in a wooden presentation case.
