ReviewA Classic Upgrade: Three New Additions To Frederique Constant’s Classics Collection

Swiss watchmaker Frederique Constant has a penchant for conjuring up an elegant side of luxury with its minimal designs. With the recently unveiled renditions of the evergreen Classics collection, the brand’s footing in the field of innovative watchmaking has only been reaffirmed. Launched just last month, the three new editions include five versions of a Classics Index Automatic series, three in the Classics Quartz series, and three iterations of the Classics Quartz GMT. In total, they have unveiled 11 new models in order to revitalise their Classics collection.

A relatively new entrant in a market defined by storied Swiss watchmakers—some of their origins going back centuries—Frederique Constant has largely remained true to its classical and traditional designs for over three decades since its inception in 1988. Even though the core pillars of design remain the same, what has been updated are a few elements that add more character to these timepieces. For instance, a cleaner rendition of dials, bolder, geometric hands, and the introduction of straps with nubuck finish are a few design details that have been introduced.

Launched by Aletta and Peter Stas, Frederique Constant has stayed ahead of the curve with its technological advancements. They launched the first Frederique Constant Heartbeat timepiece in 1994 with an idea to help reinstate the value of a mechanical watch, by showcasing its parts moving inside, after years of quartz dominating the market. Then, a decade later, in 2004, the brand launched its first in-house movement–the Heartbeat Manufacture. Soon the brand followed up on this success by releasing a version with a moonphase and date, in 2005, and an automatic version in 2006.

Frederique Constant released a version of The Classics with a moonphase and date in 2005

Another horological feat was achieved when they introduced their revolutionary silicon escapement that was immune to magnetism and was practically weightless—hence guaranteeing a more robust and efficient movement. And in 2018 they rolled out their first hybrid mechanical smartwatch–lending the brand the status of a pioneer.

Design Details Across The New Editions

All the new timepieces share a common template when it comes to the silhouette. They are all two-part cases made in stainless steel, 40mm in diameter, equipped with a convex sapphire crystal glass. In the Classics Index Automatic series, there is one exception, which has rose gold plating on the case. These watches are adequately durable for daily-wear, with a water resistance of up to 50m. Enhancing the timeless appeal of the Frederique Constant Classics timepieces are their black and brown leather straps, which now come with a nubuck-finish, punctuated with off-white stitching. For those who prefer bracelet straps, there are versions of the Classics Quartz GMT and Classics Index Automatic that come affixed with steel bracelets instead of leather.

The two-part guilloche dials have been replaced by plain matt blue, white or black dials, with a grainy texture

Enhancing the timeless appeal of the Frederique Constant Classics timepieces are their black and brown leather straps, which now come with a nubuck-finish

Frederique Constant Classics Shop the Collection

A major update in these new editions are the dials. The two-part guilloche dials have been replaced by plain matt blue, white or black dials, with a grainy texture. Further to this, intricately done sunray decoration accentuates the dials for all timepieces of Classics Quartz GMT and Classic Quartz series. All watches feature applied silver indexes and a date window that sits at three o’clock. Roman numerals have been done away with in favour of the applied hour markers bearing bevelled edges for a sleeker look, and they come with a luminescent coating.

The hands too have been changed for a more modern appearance. Bolder and geometric alpha hands have replaced the more slender leaf-shaped and Breguet-style hands seen on the dials of the Classics that came before.

Classics Index Automatic Series

For those with a discerning palate, but on the lookout for a high-value proposition, this series might be your best bet

₹94,500

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The FC-303 calibre beats at 28,800vph and features 26 jewels

₹94,500

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The Frederique Constant Automatic timepieces offer an adequate power reserve of 38 hours

₹94,500

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For those with a discerning palate, but on the lookout for a high-value proposition, this series might be your best bet. The five new variants—each one quite easy on the eye—come equipped with a mechanical movement that exemplifies the solid watchmaking that still remains at the core of Frederique Constant. The FC-303 calibre beats at 28,800vph and features 26 jewels. These timepieces offer an adequate power reserve of 38 hours.

Classics Quartz GMT Series

In case you’re looking to invest in a perfect travel watch, needless to say, your answer lies in the Classics Quartz GMT series

₹75,500

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Equipped with the FC-252 calibre, the watch boasts a 45-month battery life

₹84,700

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It features an accent of red on its arrowhead and points to a 24-hour scale for the time in a reference time zone

₹75,500

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In case you’re looking to invest in a perfect travel watch, needless to say, your answer lies in the Classics Quartz GMT series. Equipped with the FC-252 calibre, the watch boasts a 45-month battery life. And to make it easier for those who commute internationally the GMT pointer, with an accent of red on its arrowhead, points to a 24-hour scale for the time in a reference time zone.

Classics Quartz Series

The sunray-finished dial of the Classic Quartz, its polished case, and overall form are like those in any fine mechanical timepiece

₹71,300

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A delight for minimalists, this model comes equipped with the FC-220 calibre

₹71,300

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Frederique Constant Classics Explore the Collection

The Classics Quartz exhibits the finishing of mechanical watches, despite being a simple, yet reliable, two-hand timekeeper. Besides the absence of a seconds hand, its sunray-finished dial, polished case, and overall form are like those in any fine mechanical timepiece. A delight for minimalists, this model comes equipped with the FC-220 calibre.

If you are looking for timepieces that encapsulate uncompromised levels of technical excellence and minimal design then Frederique Constant’s Classics collection will surely lure you.