The moon in question is evocative of romance and intimacy: two half-moons embrace amid a mother-of-pearl dial housed in a 36-millimetre steel case. Four variations are offered, all powered by an automatic movement that tells the time atop new Roman numeral hour markers in colours matching the timepiece’s leather strap. All four models feature a jewel-set minute track; two also have a bezel set with jewels, making a total of 96 diamonds.
Sometimes, a truly innocent insight is the best. When the daughter of Frederique Constant’s Director of Research & Development set out to dream of a moonphase, it was a far cry from the usual display, taking a very different approach to that of a watchmaker or a designer. Her inspiration was more romantic and poetic in nature; the result is two halves of a moon that meet and embrace against a starry backdrop.
A bespoke Moon
This little piece of magic is displayed in the window at 6 o’clock, featuring a lunar disc designed exclusively for Frederique Constant. Oscillating between light and dark shades of grey, the two halves of the moon greet each other with a kiss. The moon’s soft and subtle colours were chosen to go with the watch decoration. On each model, the steel case with its silver highlights is matched by steel hands deployed above a mother-of-pearl dial. The latter’s shimmery finish is pink, light green, blue or grey, in gentle hues that constantly change with the light.
The thoroughly classic nature of this layout is here further enhanced by a new hour ring on which traditional Arabic numerals have been replaced by slender, gracious Roman counterparts. For the first time in the collection, these have been done out in the same colour as the topstitched leather deployment-clasp strap, forming a style signature that’s exclusive to this collection – and a rarity in watchmaking in general.
The new models measure just 36 millimetres in diameter and are all powered by the same self-winding FC-331 calibre, which boasts a 38-hour power reserve. Two models add their own touch of prestige with a fully jewel-set hour ring and bezel for a total of 96 diamonds, 1.17 carats in all. The first of these models comes in a bright, modern apple green; the second 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 sober and discreet variations come in navy blue with matching hands or a warm, romantic red with steel hands.
