For the long haul, built to last. To those who still find fault with Frederique Constant, probably without ever having worn one of their timepieces, we would point out the brand’s resolute determination to target the long term. A guarantee of quality, stability and a reassuring projection for both collectors and watch investors.
A return to timeless classicism for the Heart Beat Manufacture
The two launches made by the brand during these Geneva Watch Days confirm this approach. The first is the new Classics Heart Beat Manufacture. It is a timepiece created almost 20 years ago in 2004 and that has never left the catalog – for good reason, since it sums up the essence of the brand's expertise and style.
At 6 o'clock sits the iconic dial opening revealing the beating heart of the watch, its escapement. This stroke of stylistic genius christened Heart Beat has since been copied by almost the entire watch industry. Initially designed in 2004 with a fairly modern comma shape consistently used until now, the Heart Beat opening appears for the first time in the same position, but in the form of a perfect circle.
The classic and timeless nature of the watch is considerably reinforced, reflecting a design fairly similar in spirit to that of a tourbillon. This undeniably traditional approach is reinforced by a thoroughly updated dial.
The Arabic numerals are now once again Roman numerals, as they were in 2006. The minutes track is of the "sector-dial" type typical of the period from the 1920s to the 1960s. It is still equipped with Caliber FC-930: the second version of the FC-910 and Frederique Constant's first in-house (Manufacture) self-winding movement. Finally, this model now measures 39 mm in diameter, also eminently classic and appreciated by collectors who are often reluctant to go beyond 40 mm.
The case is available in two different versions: pink gold in a 93-piece limited series; and steel in a 930-piece edition. Each comes with two straps, the first in alligator and the second in rubber. It will be interesting to see how the very elegant gold case behaves on the wrist with the sportier rubber strap. For the time being, one thing is for sure: at €3,695 (steel version), it will be hard to find a more affordable Manufacture version of a piece that can be worn at 20 years of age...and in 20 years’ time.
All grown up
It may be called Square, but it’s definitely playful. The cheeky collection launched almost ten years ago in 2013 has actually never been truly square. It sometimes allows itself a few curves and at others a few extra millimeters on one of its sides.
The latter option corresponds to this latest model with its 28 x 21 mm case: discreet, nicely balanced proportions adorning a profile that is lightly curved to ensure a perfect fit on the wrist. Breguet-style inspirations are visible in a few details, notably the fluted profile of the case, the open-tipped hands and the delicately guilloché dial.
In the three new versions unveiled at Geneva Watch Days, this dial is encircled by a mother-of-pearl ring – which on two versions is adorned by a gemset bezel and/or with a diamond at 3 and 6 o'clock. Two interpretations are fitted with leather straps, while the third more urban and modern iteration features a five-link steel mesh bracelet guaranteeing perfect flexibility. While the latter version will be the most affordable at €850, the other two will be likewise moderately priced (€1150 for the partially set version, €2395 for the version with a full-set bezel).
