ReviewA Milestone Collection: Frederique Constant’s Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture

It was a risky move. When Peter and Aletta Stas founded Frederique Constant in 1988, they aimed to shake up the Swiss watch industry. Their vision was to bring high-end mechanical timepieces with in-house movements to the masses. Despite pushback from the luxury old guard, the couple persevered in their mission to make quality watchmaking accessible, and over time, powered by a steady cadence of innovative in-house calibres, they’ve climbed the ranks to become a respected manufacture. 

Building on this legacy, Frederique Constant marked their 35th anniversary in 2023 by unveiling the Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture collection. This significant release, driven by the brand’s 31st in-house movement, the calibre FC-735, represents a bold step into the elite circle of high horology. It integrates useful complications like an oversized big date, delicate moon phase, and practical power reserve indicator. This collection signifies Frederique Constant’s evolution from an accessible, entry-point watchmaker to a serious manufacture capable of producing sophisticated, high-end timepieces. The Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture collection masterfully blends beautiful aesthetics, technical ingenuity, and accessible luxury. Let’s take a closer look at the details of these timepieces.

Different Faces Of The Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture

The Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture collection comprises four distinct models catering to diverse styles and budgets.

For an affordable entry point, there are two stainless-steel versions. One has a silvery white sunray dial with a complementary matte blue alligator leather strap. Meanwhile, the other features a rich navy blue sunray dial that vividly contrasts against the polished steel case and matches its matte blue strap.

For an affordable entry point, there are two stainless steel versions. One has a silvery white sunray dial with a complementary matte blue alligator leather strap

₹4,53,600

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Meanwhile, the other features a rich navy blue sunray dial that vividly contrasts against the polished steel case and matches its matte blue strap

₹4,53,600

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Stepping up in luxury, the reference FC-735G3H9 has a limited-edition of 350 pieces in 18-karat rose gold. Its slate grey dial exudes refined elegance and coordinates beautifully with the warm shine of the gold case and matte brown alligator strap.

Finally, for the ultimate collectors’ piece, there is a 35-piece platinum model reference FC-735MT3HPT showcasing a mesmerising blue meteorite dial. Its rarity is reflected in the bump in price, but it provides a unique experience with the dial material dating back 4.5 billion years to the formation of our solar system.

The collection also features a 35-piece platinum model reference FC-735MT3HPT showcasing a mesmerising blue meteorite dial

Case Design Of The Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture

Each of the four models share a common case design with dimensions of 40mm diameter and 12.19mm height for balanced proportions. Polished finishes embellish the case for a refined luxury look. Details like the large grooved onion crown at three o’clock and lack of buttons ensure the case maintains clean symmetrical lines from all angles. Exhibition casebacks provide a look into the finely decorated FC-735 movement inside.

Precious materials like platinum and 18-karat rose gold elevate the collection to further heights of luxury. Regardless of the material, the case shape and dimensions remain consistent across the collection for a cohesive aesthetic. With versatility for both casual and formal occasions, the case design achieves a timeless style.

Regardless of the material, the case shape and dimensions remain consistent across the collection for a cohesive aesthetic

Dial Details Of The Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture

While dial colours vary between models from silvery white to meteorite blue, the dials share common design details that unify the collection. Slim applied hour indices stretch out to the edge of the dial, filled with Super-LumiNova for legibility in low light. They match the alpha style hour and minute hands for consistency.

A large double-frame aperture displays the big date between two and three o’clock. The twin date discs offer enhanced visibility for this complication. In contrast, the poetic moon phase indicator at six o’clock is more subtle in its execution yet still detailed in its moon disc and dotted stars. On the left side, the power reserve indicator provides practical utility for tracking the calibre’s 50 hours of autonomy.

Together, these three complications create aesthetic intrigue while maintaining balance and harmony. Paired with hand-applied polish and finishes, the dials radiate luxury sophistication within the polished cases.

The Movement Driving The Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture

At the core of the Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture sits the impressive in-house calibre FC-735. As Frederique Constant’s 31st manufacture movement, it demonstrates the brand’s mastery of watchmaking. The self-winding mechanical calibre integrates three useful complications—the big date, moon phase, and 50-hour power reserve indicator.

Showcasing fine finishing like perlage and Côtes de Genève patterns, the movement is visible through an exhibition caseback. Details include an open-worked 22-karat gold oscillating weight engraved with the Frederique Constant name, blued screws, and expert anglage on all bridges. Beating at 28,800vph, the calibre FC-735 blends precision, complexity, and aesthetics. 

With the release of the Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture collection, Frederique Constant have presented a compelling offering that takes the brand to new heights. Housed in elegantly proportioned cases and showcasing useful complications powered by an innovative new manufacture calibre, these watches embody Frederique Constant’s evolution over 35 years. No longer just an entry point into fine watchmaking, but now standing proudly alongside revered Swiss maisons, Frederique Constant, ‘maître horloger,’ has arrived!