What better way could there be to celebrate summer, than by making the most of what the world has to offer? Plane, boat, train or car; whatever mode of travel you choose, it’s fun to take a break from the daily grind, and travel to a different country, or a different time zone. And if you do decide you need some time out, don’t forget to take your Classic Worldtimer Manufacture by Frederique Constant with you.
You can pick one up from any Arije boutique in France or the UK. Arije is a 100% independent family-owned retailer whose 1600m2 store in Rue Pierre Charron in Paris is one of the biggest retail spaces dedicated to jewellery and watches in France, perhaps in Europe. After starting up in the 1980s, Arije has grown to become a leading watch retailer, which is why some of the most prestigious watch brands, including Frederique Constant, have placed their trust in it.
Although I wasn’t able to travel to a different time zone, I did travel to a different country: Spain (GMT +1 in winter, GMT +2 in summer). You may not know this but, geographically, Spain ought to be in the same time zone as London, which is GMT +0 in winter and GMT +1 in summer. For historical reasons, however, during the Second World War Spain switched to the same time zone as Germany, and never switched back. So, technically speaking, I was in a different time zone from Geneva (Switzerland). And now that’s settled, let’s get back to business.
On the dial
At first glance, the dial of the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture might seem complicated, but it really isn’t. You just have to identify the different parts of the watch. The first thing that jumps out is the world map in the centre of the dial – a reproduction of the continents in miniature, as suggested by the model name. The references to the Earth don’t stop there, however; 24 world cities and 24 hours, with day/night indicator, are arranged around the outer edge of the dial.
With this highly practical visual representation, the Worldtimer makes it easy to see at a glance what time it is at the other side of the world. For instance, if you found yourself eating at a Brazilian restaurant in Europe, and you wanted to know what time it was in the place where your food comes from, simply find “Rio de Janeiro” on the dial, read off the number under the city, and then look at the central minute hand (and seconds) to complete the time. Another useful feature of the world time complication is that it stops you committing the unforgiveable sin of calling someone in the middle of the night. During my holidays in Spain I phoned a friend who lives in Tokyo. Given that Tokyo is seven hours ahead, it would have been far too easy for me to disturb her sleep. And yet, a glance at the watch’s 24-hour disc, which has one dark side and one light, made sure our friendship remained intact. Sleep is sacred; a diplomatic incident was averted! And I hardly need point out that, when you travel to a different time zone, the Worldtimer gives you the possibility of keeping in touch with your nearest and dearest back home.
The watch comes with two band options: a steel bracelet or leather strap. Leather is the perfect accompaniment for holidays by the sea, where it won’t be fazed by sunshine or long walks along the beach. But for a more adventurous trip, steel is your friend.
Behind the dial
The masterstroke of the Worldtimer is that all its functions are activated by a single crown. To wind this automatic watch, which has a 42-hour power reserve and is water-resistant to 50 metres, you simply turn the crown. To change the date (at 6 o’clock), pull it out one stop and turn clockwise. Turning the crown anti-clockwise rotates the city disc. And finally, pulling the crown out two stops allows you to adjust the hour and minute hands, as well as the 24-hour disc with day/night indicator, because all these functions are linked.
Everything is so intuitive it’s very easy to get the hang of. I won’t tell you I’ve never accidentally moved the city disc rather than adjusting the date, by turning the crown in the wrong direction. I have. But it’s easily remedied by going through all the cities, to bring the city you want back to the 12 o’clock position. But this small detail just goes to show how complex the movement is. Just enjoy your little trip around the world. If that’s the only downside, you won’t go far wrong with this 42mm watch that offers you the world at your fingertips.
