Geneva, 2001. Frédérique Constant took the decision to make its own movements, and development started on the Heart Beat Manufacture, whose characteristic bridge design enables the balance wheel to be placed on the front of the movement.
After three years’ research, Frédérique Constant was finally able to offer timepieces equipped with movements entirely designed, built and assembled at the Plan-les-Ouates workshop in Geneva. With 19 movements to its name, Frédérique Constant continues to add new models to its in-house collection.
Seventeen of these 30 mm calibres have a power reserve of 42 hours, with the other two boasting 48 hours of autonomy. Just three models are manually wound, the other sixteen being self-winding. With a frequency of 28,800 vph, the manufacture calibres guarantee precision and horological sophistication. We take a look back at three flagship models in the Manufacture Collection.
Worldtimer Collection
Frédérique Constant continues to push the envelope with its Worldtimer Manufacture models. A perfect symbiosis between watchmaking technology and design aesthetics, this timepiece is a globetrotter’s favourite. The rhodium-plated movement features Geneva striping and snailing. The FC-718 calibre has a world time function that allows the wearer to read the time in different time zones. With a choice of two different dials, this calibre is at the heart of seven models, and this month, Worldtempus is giving one of them away.
Pocket Watch Collection
Last year Frédérique Constant paid tribute to the legendary Lépine pocket watch with the release of its Manufacture Pocket Watch. With its distinctive winding stem at 12 o’clock, this pocket watch marries traditional workmanship with modern watchmaking technology. Driven by the hand-wound 18-jewel FC-700 calibre, the watch has a power reserve of 42 hours. The sapphire caseback reveals the fine detailing of the movement, and the dial features hand-printed Roman numerals. This unashamedly vintage 45 mm watch is sure to woo amateurs of traditional watchmaking.
Heart Beat Collection
Heart Beat watches are some of the brand’s most iconic pieces, characterised by the Heart Beat dial’s aperture at 6 o’clock. Through the opening it is possible admire the exquisite decoration on the movement of the timepiece. All Heart Beat watches feature a patented adjustment mechanism on the dial side of the movement. The Heart Beat movement is revised, updated and upgraded every year.
