Unveiled at the end of August at Geneva Watch Days 2023, the Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture is the new benchmark for the luxury watchmaking house Frédérique Constant. And to celebrate its 35th anniversary, the brand has gone far beyond the ordinary, since the timepiece's case houses its latest mechanical creation: the Manufacture FC-735the 31st calibre from the Geneva-based company.
The latest addition to the Manufacture collection, the FC-735 automatic movement offers an audacious combination of horological complications. In fact, this brand-new caliber, with a 50-hour autonomy, offers the timepiece the simultaneous display of a moon phasea power reserve and a grand date.
Indicated at 9 o'clock by a thin, dedicated hand, the power reserve is illustrated by a segmented arc from 0 to 50, ending in a red zone indicating the need to wind the watch to avoid interruption. The large date sits proudly between 2 and 3 o'clock, with its double circled aperture displaying tens and units. This visual harmony is completed by the moon phase at 6 o'clock and its blue background dotted with stars.
Almost oxymoronic in nature, these complications are nevertheless extremely simple to use and set. Like the time-setting and winding functions, they are set by the crown located at 3 o'clock. There's no need for pushers or correctors on this watch, which illustrates one of Frédérique Constant's fundamental principles: to offer high-quality timepieces to its clientele without requiring special watchmaking skills.
The new model from Frédérique Constant is presented in a Classic case in three partsa well-known member of the Manufacture collection. Fully polished, it comes in three variants: platinum, 18-carat pink gold and stainless steel, with a diameter of 40mm.
If the Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture seems to be fully in line with traditional watchmaking standards, it nonetheless boasts a modernized aesthetic with new, shorter but wider lugs and refined, faceted, hand-polished hour-markers.
Topped by a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal, the case features an elegant transparent caseback, allowing the wearer to explore the inner workings of this brand-new Manufacture FC-735 movement.
To celebrate its 35th anniversary and the birth of this innovative caliber, the Manufacture founded in 1988 by an entrepreneurial couple now offers us four models of its Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture. Based around two duos of timepieces, one available in a limited series and the other in a regular collection, the creation aims to satisfy a wide range of customers, from seasoned collectors to the most modest connoisseurs of fine watchmaking.
Available in only 35 copiesIn a nod to the age of the company, the most exclusive version of this collection features a platinum case mounted on an alligator leather strap, with a navy blue meteorite dial and silvered hands. Intended for the most privileged customers, this reference is marketed at price from €25,995.
With an announced quantity of 350 piecesThe little sister of this ultra-limited model has a softer color scheme, with a rose gold-coated case and a charcoal gray dial sublimated by a sunray finish. Adorned with a dark brown bracelet, it is sold at price from €17,995.
As for the steel models, there's no difference between the two new chronographs on offer, apart from the color of the dial. Blue or silver, this is the only choice suggested to future customers of these models, priced at the much more affordable 4 795€. This marketing strategy is totally in line with Frédérique Constant's values: luxury, yes, but at the right price.
With the creation of 31 calibres in just 35 years of existencethe renowned Swiss manufacture is undoubtedly continuing its incredible technological breakthrough in the world of high-precision watchmaking.
As a reminder, it was in 2004 that the current Citizen Group subsidiary developed and assembled its first calibre, the FC-910designed for the house's signature model, the Heart Beat Manufacture. Four years later, Frédérique Constant took Basel by surprise with its first limited edition. Tourbillon Manufacturewith the calibre FC-980 with unique features such as its silicon escapement wheel.
We can also mention the FC-718 of 2012, known asWorldtimer Manufacture"known and appreciated for its reliability and simple settings, as well as the FC-705the emblematic moon-phase caliber designed the following year.
2017 also saw the arrival of the Flyback Chronographhome to the FC-760 which replaces the column wheel of the conventional flyback mechanism with a patented star-shaped wheel. Last but not least, it's the so-called "Monolithic" (FC-810), which redefines the regulation principles of mechanical watches thanks to its monobloc silicon oscillator replacing the 26 components of a standard assortment.
Since 2006, the Frédérique Constant watch company has had its own propre manufacture. Located on the outskirts of Geneva in the Swiss commune of Plan-les-Ouates, the facility houses machining, movement component production, caliber and watch assembly workshops, not to mention quality control.
This is the luxury brand's guiding principle: to lead and accomplish every stage in the creation of our precious timepieces, from initial design to final assembly. Our know-how, inventiveness and ingenuity have made us a key player in the world of fine Swiss watchmaking.
With this new collection, Manufacture Frédérique Constant once again keeps its promise: offer quality timepieces at an affordable pricewith four models, ranging from the most accessible to the most luxurious, that will undoubtedly satisfy its regular customers and enable insiders to enjoy an excellent timepiece at a reasonable price.
Soon available, all the references of the Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture will be on sale on the brand's official website and at authorized retailers.
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