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ReviewSail Off In Style With A Frederique Constant Runabout GMT

The new Frederique Constant Runabout GMT timepieces are inspired by Riva’s leisure boats that the European elite sail in, but even if you don’t have a boat, the stunning limited edition watches will certainly make a beautiful addition to your watch wardrobe

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For an individual who owns a yacht or a leisure vessel of any kind, the passion that they feel towards their boat and its upkeep and maintenance is not unlike the passion any sports car owner would feel for their vehicle. Those who have a boat could spend hours and days on their vessel, while even docked, enjoying every minute of it. Of course, it’s a status symbol as well for many, who enjoy entertaining on their boats, even smaller ones that are suitable only for up to eight people, and for perhaps just a short sail, not too far off the coast. These smaller boats are also taken extremely good care of, owing to the passion their owners feel for their vessels. Such boats, made by legendary boat makers, Riva, are the inspiration behind Frederique Constant’s Runabout collection, the latest of which are the Runabout GMT watches.

Runabout GMT
The classic wooden speedboats from legendary boat manufacturers, Riva, are the inspiration for the Runabout collection from Frederique Constant. Seen here are a few Riva boats against the picturesque backdrop of the iconic Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.

A Partnership For Preservation

The association between Frederique Constant and Riva stems from a collaboration in 2009 between the Swiss watch manufacturers and the Riva Historical Society alongside the late and legendary engineer and boat maker, Carlos Riva, and Piero Mario Gibellini, Riva’s biographer. The Riva Historical Society’s sole purpose is the conservation of those original Riva boats that remain in working condition today, anywhere in the world. They help owners of these prized possessions safeguard and preserve their Riva vessels. With the new collaboration in 2009, Frederique Constant also unveiled their first Runabout timepiece, the start of a new collection of watches that honours the brand’s commitment towards ‘preserving the Riva name and what it stands for’.

Runabout GMT
In line with the craftsmanship, elegance, and style of the Runabout boats from Riva, are the new Runabout GMT watches from Frederique Constant

Runabout, The Name

The collection of watches is named after the Runabout yachts of the Runabout yachts of the 20s. The Riva Runabouts were a symbol of the elite in Europe. They were originally small, powerful, and used by the privileged few for water sports, fishing, or simply for leisurely cruising. They were the vision of Carlo Riva, who decided to build a range of wooden-hulled speedboats, perfectly constructed for best results. In line with such craftsmanship, and the elegance and style that the Riva boats represented, are the Runabout watches from Frederique Constant.

Runabout GMT
On the dial, the 24-hour scale of the second time zone can be seen on a ring that’s on the inner side of the primary hour markers

The Runabout GMT

Taking the Riva inspiration forward this year, Frederique Constant released the latest in the collection, the Runabout GMT watches. As the name suggests, these timepieces feature a second time zone complication, by way of a GMT hand that indicates the secondary time. On the dial, the 24-hour scale of the second time zone can be seen on a ring that’s on the inner side of the primary hour markers. The GMT hand is shaped like the hour and minute hands, but can be differentiated by its skeletonised design, while the hour and minute hands have a luminous material instead. Other features include a date window at six o’clock.

Runabout GMT
The GMT edition of watches from the Runabout collection are ideal for any frequent traveller, even if the travelling doesn’t involve sailing on a Riva boat

Runabout GMT: The Colour Palette

The dial of the Runabout GMT, in dark grey or silver, features a guilloche pattern in the centre, in both versions. The silver and dark grey dials feature applied pearl black or silver-coloured luminous indexes and hands, respectively. On the dark grey dial, the GMT hand is in white and it’s blue on the silver dial. Matching the blue hand is the blue leather strap, while a light brown leather strap was chosen for the dark grey. It’s safe to assume that the light brown was inspired by the wood of the Riva boats, while the blue was inspired by the sea.

Runavout GMT
The two versions of the Frederique Constant Runabout GMT are the one with a silver dial with a blue leather strap, and the other with dark grey dial and a light brown leather strap

Runabout GMT: Case And Movement

The cases of both versions are built of three parts in stainless steel, each measuring 42mm in diameter and water resistant to 50m. On the front of the case is a convex sapphire crystal glass, while the flat sapphire crystal caseback features the flag of the Riva Historical Society. Seen through this caseback is Frederique Constant’s in-house FC-350 automatic movement that offers a power reserve of 38 hours.

Runabout GMT
The Runabout GMT comes in a 42mm stainless steel case, water resistant to 50m, and with sapphire crystal on the caseback, which also features the unique number of the limited edition watch

Runabout GMT: A Numbered Limited Edition

Both versions of the new Runabout GMT watches from Frederique Constant are limited to 2,888 pieces each, which are all numbered. And adding to the exclusivity that these watches offer you is the way you receive it. When purchased, the watch will be handed to you in a sleek wooden box, which will also contain a wooden Runabout boat miniature. Whether or not you have a boat, this detailed miniature vessel will certainly look gorgeous in your den or your office. It would be the ideal conversation starter that you can display with pride, just as miniature cars and motorcycles are showcased by their proud owners.

Runabout GMT
The Runabout GMT comes in a sleek wooden box, which will also contain a detailed wooden Runabout boat miniature

Would you like a boat like this one? Do scroll down to comment. 

3 comments
  • Sandeep February 4, 2018 at 11:46 pm

    nice watch!!

  • Wasim December 20, 2017 at 10:39 am

    I want to purchase this watches from were i buy it.i m from thane

    • Ranvijaysinh Jhala December 21, 2017 at 11:37 am

      Hi Wasim,

      Thank you for your interest in the Frederique Constant Runabout GMT. Please see here a list of our stores in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai: https://www.ethoswatches.com/locatestore/luxury-watch-store-mumbai. You could also call our helpline (between 10:00am and 9:00pm) on +91 8725028884 or +91 8725028896 to enquire about this watch. Additionally, you could click on the ‘request an offer’ tab seen in the article, and enter your details. Our team will contact you thereafter and direct you to the store closest to you where you can purchase the watch. They will also help you with the best possible deal you can get. (https://www.ethoswatches.com/the-watch-guide/frederique-constant-runabout-gmt-watches/)

      Thank you, and do continue reading.

      The Watch Guide

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