ReviewDefying The Laws of Luxury- Frederique Constant Manufacture Slimline Moonphase
A luxurious timepiece with a delicate balance of pricing, quality and availability
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Tell me something.
What is your idea of luxury?
YOUR personal definition of luxury?
The Oxford Dictionary describes it as “a state of great comfort or elegance, especially involving great expense”. It also defines it as “an inessential, desirable item which is expensive or difficult to obtain”.
Hmm… this got me thinking. Luxury. A word that denotes money, power and most importantly exclusivity. However, the luxury market is huge with several references to accessible and affordable luxury. While the former refers to luxury items that are available at an accessible price, the latter denotes a “gratifying self-indulgence that you can pay for but is not necessary”, as defined by internationally best-selling author Mireille Guiliano. Anyone who understands luxury products knows that it is not always about the prices but the quality of the item. It should always stand at the centre of one’s priorities while purchasing. From the quality of materials used to the finesse and expertise of the craftsman, these factors should be the core defining points of any luxury item.
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Frederique Constant is a brand that focuses on creating luxury timepieces with great value for money. With great quality of products in terms of design, technology and materials, the Swiss watchmaking standard of Frederique Constant is intrinsically valuable. Manufactured exclusively by hand, the passionate watchmaking craft of the watchmakers at the brand is supported by years of thorough research and development.
About the timepiece
The timepieces of Frederique Constant offer classic watches as accessible luxury, housing state-of-the-art watchmaking technology. One of their renowned timepieces is the Frederique Constant Manufacture Slimline Moonphase that is “Simply Wonderful and Wonderfully Simple”. The collection features a range of numerous watches that combine classic features with a stylish elegance. A horological perfection, the Slimline Moonphase features innovative complications that can be accessed through a single crown. With at least 13 watches in the collection, each and every watch brings with it a certain charm and persona, making this range one of the brand’s most exceptionally popular ones. The watch is manufactured with materials ranging from stainless steel to rose gold and rose gold plated stainless steel. Colours range from blue and chocolate brown dials to the classic and understated silver dial. The watches are available in different styles – from brown and blue alligator straps to stainless steel bracelets.
The magic lies in the movement
The Manufacture Collection is the brand’s most technologically advanced set of watches that are all powered by their in-house movement – FC-705 Manufacture caliber with 26 jewels. The automatic mechanical movement features hour, minute, a moonphase indicator and a date hand along with a power reserve of up to 42 hours. The best part of this watch is the simplicity in its design.
All the above-mentioned features can be accessed by a single crown without crowding the side of the 42mm case size. Keeping it simple and stylish, through and through! Manufactured and designed with utter precision and care, the movement is also decorated with Côtes de Genève and Collimaçon patterns that shine brightly due to the rhodium finishing.
The curved case with a restrained aesthetic appeal
At first glance, the 42mm case diameter looks closer to a 44mm case size, which is due to the fact that the bezel of the watch is very narrow. This enables the watch to look super classy with an elegant persona. It creates an open space making the watch legible.
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While the watch itself might be called the “Slimline” however, the watch does not really fit into the slimline (thin) category. While the bowl shape of the case enables the watch to look slim, by no means does it take away from the elegance of the watch. The differently coloured dials have hand-applied nickel and rose gold indexes and hands that perfectly blend with the blue, silver and chocolate brown coloured dials.
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The see-through case back gives the wearer an opportunity to appreciate the amazing looking movement inside. The date indicator at 6 o’clock that also features a moon-phase indicator, breaks the simplistic design of the entire dial making it more interesting. The moonphase indicator includes a disk, a window shape with a tinge of stars in golden tones and a deep teal night sky. A cool function to be added, the watch is elegantly styled and thought-through.
The crowning glory of a timeless piece
The Frederique Constant Manufacture Slimline Moonphase is a watch that has a restrained aesthetic about itself. The lack of flashy details on the watch gives it a clean look. The most ingenious feature is the single crown that gives access to each and every complication of the watch.
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The onion shaped pull-push crown can be set into three positions which are used for various functions. Position “0” is for winding the watch, position “1” adjusts the date and moonphase by turning the crown clockwise and anti-clockwise, respectively. To make an adjustment to the hour and minute markers, the crown needs to be pulled to position “2”. The deep groves of the crown provide a better grip to ensure easy use of the crown’s push and pull feature.
The design versatility of the Frederique Constant Manufacture Slimline Moonphase is perfect for all kinds of occasions from boardroom meetings to a ballroom slow-dance. Inviting a timeless appeal, the watch is perfect for daily wear.
Conclusion
Lastly, an aesthetically appealing watch, the Frederique Constant Manufacture Slimline Moonphase is a watch that personifies a calm and reticent persona with classic designs and immaculate finishing. Powered by an innovative movement too, the watch ensures a complete balance. With a price that hits the mark of an accessible luxury item, the watch exudes quality and confidence. Discover the entire Manufacture collection at an Ethos store nearby or log on to www.ethoswatches.com and grab your piece!
Want to add something more on this watch? Have we missed out any features? What are your favourite timepieces from Frederique Constant? Let us know in the comments section below.