ReviewDiscover The New Frederique Constant Flyback Chronograph Manufacture

I was exposed to the brand Frederique Constant in one of my trips to Switzerland several years ago. During those days, back in India, very few people knew the brand, and I remember having long conversations with many of my friends explaining to them what the brand was about, almost like an authorised sales person. That was probably because I thought the brand’s story needed to be told. Yes, I had seen great potential in the brand as a simple, yet authentic Geneva-based enterprise making its own movements and effective complications, with almost everything hand-assembled. Since then, Frederique Constant has only matured into a fine watchmaking brand, without losing its simplicity of telling time.

For an offer on the Frederique Constant Flyback Chronograph timepiece, please call +91 8725028883

The Frederique Constant Factory: Where The Magic Happens

The swanky new Frederique Constant manufacture, which also serves as the brand’s international headquarters, is spread over 3,200sq m, and four floors. Various departments, including those that produce movement components, assemble calibres, and perform quality control measures, work here under one roof. While the latest numerically-controlled machines and all component manufacturing are located in the basement, movement and watch assembly, as well as quality control, are organised on the first floor of the new Frederique Constant building.

After a new concept has been approved by the core team comprising various departments for launch, Frederique Constant uses advanced computer-aided design software to assist in the watch design and development processes. And this is not restricted to high-complication mechanisms such as tourbillons, but also for other components necessary to produce regular manufacture movements – the mainplate, the rotor, the bridge, etc. Most components are designed, manufactured and assembled in-house, making the new Frederique Constant models quite unique and exceptional timepieces.

The Frederique Constant Look

Like timepieces from any fine watchmaking brand, Frederique Constant’s watches aren’t just good, they are good-looking as well. Every visible component of each watch is decorated to provide ultimate satisfaction to the end user or any beholder. Most of the intricate decorative work is done by hand. It includes detailed engraving, the application of the circular Côtes de Genève pattern, and perlage and rhodiage techniques.

An Exceptional Chronograph

The watch I am reviewing today is the FC-760 Flyback Chronograph from the house of Frederique Constant. Flyback chronographs are complications a few watchmakers can master, and are mainly used by professionals such as pilots, for whom every split-second is extremely precious. So what is a flyback mechanism, and how does it make a chronograph different from the regular chronographs that are easily available from brands in all categories?

For an offer on the Frederique Constant Flyback Chronograph timepiece, please call +91 8725028883

The Flyback Feature

Dating back to the 1930s, the flyback function allows the user to operate the chronograph without resetting it to zero every time, which is pretty much what a regular chronograph does. A flyback chronograph is a complication that allows you to use the reset function without the need to first stop the chronograph. With the flyback, the chronograph’s hand can be stopped, reset to zero, and restarted with one push of a button.

The FC-760 Flyback Chronograph Deconstructed

Most flyback chronographs have the regular crown at three o’clock and two push-pieces at two and four o’clock. Usually the flyback function is operated by the push-piece at four o’clock whereas the one at two o’clock is used to stop the chronograph. It is far more convenient and accurate to restart the chronograph instantly with one push of the button, instead of three. The main difference is in the construction of column wheels. A regular feature of high-quality chronographs is a column wheel rotating on bearings to operate the start, stop and reset functions. This is where the special construction of FC-760 column wheel comes to play. A unique star-shaped column wheel allows the smooth running and a new clutch system makes sure that the reset takes place without any loss in time.

The push-piece, located at the usual four o’clock, and its associated mechanism perform three tasks in a quick sequence: first, disengage the seconds hand; second, reset the chronograph to zero (that is, send the hand to start without losing much time); and finally, re-engage while the chronograph is still running. Just the flyback module is made of 96 components, while the total number of components stand at an impressive 233.

The FC-760 is an automatic calibre featuring a flyback chronograph, with the date adjustable by the crown. The movement is a high-frequency 4 Hz movement, with 28,800 vibrations per hour, and provides a 38-hour power reserve. Aesthetically, the movement has perlage and circular Côtes de Genève decorations. The number of jewels stands at 32.

The External Build

The three-part case is beautiful too; comes in a rose gold-plated polished and satin stainless steel. The watch comes in the standard men’s size of 42mm, with a sapphire crystal cover. The see-through caseback showcases the inner beauty of the watch, which is always a feel-good factor for wearer. The watch is water resistant to 50m. The applied rose gold indexes on a silver dial stand out in contrast. The hands come in hand-polished plated rose gold. Completing the look of the watch is brown alligator strap

To conclude, the Frederique Constant FC-760 Flyback Chronograph is a no-nonsense timepiece by a fine watchmaker from Geneva. It offers real utility of an instant flyback function combined with exceptional good looks. And all of these features are available at an excellent price.