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Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture: a limited-edition white gold piece with a malachite dial

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Published
09/07/2024 by

The Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture watch returns in an all-new, highly refined version for avid timepiece collectors, complete, for the first time, with a gleaming malachite dial. With a new case, new movement, new hour markers, new hands, a 5-year warranty and almost double the power reserve (+89%), this limited-edition model—of which there are just 36 with a 40 mm white gold case—marks a bold return.

 

Marking the most dramatic revamp of the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture watch since its inception is this super-rare, limited-edition white gold series by Frederique Constant. Combining the date and moonphase into one sub-dial, this creation features redesigned hour markers and hands that glide, for the first time, over a malachite dial.

While staying true to its classic positioning and retaining its signature complications, the watch brings an all-new aesthetic. The aim: to consolidate its prestige among collectors, refine it, strengthen it from a watchmaking perspective and solidify its historic roots. A huge undertaking approached from a number of angles.

 

An almost total aesthetic overhaul

From an official point of view, the malachite dial is the standout feature of this new model. Apart from a few rare pieces with meteorite dials, this is the first time Frederique Constant has used a mineral dial. A symbol of renewal, malachite is a rather soft stone with streaks ranging from light green to almost black in colour. It was chosen for its rich array of shades, delivering a unique take on the green-dial trend.

At 6 o'clock, two complications merge: the date and moonphase are combined in a single sub-dial. The aperture at the top of the sub-dial charts the course of the moon, which is silver-coloured to match the white gold case and sits against a starry grey-green sky. In the centre, a very fine silver-finish hand moves from 1 to 31 to indicate the date. This merging of the moonphase and date allows a vast portion of the dial to be freed up, allowing the malachite to shine.

The hands and hour markers have also been reworked. Finer hour markers have been applied. Purists will note that these are smaller at 5 and 7 o'clock to account for the curve of the date sub-dial. The three hand-polished central hands boast a new alpha-type shape. A new, more traditional sector-dial minute track—echoing the styles of the previous century—has been designed.

 

A state-of-the-art movement

Functionally speaking, the movement of the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture watch is unprecedented. This is the FC-716 calibre. Fitted with an exclusive barrel, this latest-generation Manufacture movement has taken the watch's power reserve from 38 hours to 72 hours. To accommodate the barrel, all the bridges had to be reworked, while staying true to the original dimensions of the calibre family.

It's a tried-and-tested movement that has enabled the Maison to extend its warranty from two to five years. It now sits inside a 40 mm-diameter case. This 2 mm reduction is admired by collectors across the board, who appreciate its size and precision. Also worthy of their admiration are new finishing details that emphasise its uniqueness, notably the fan-like côtes de Genève stripes.

Each timepiece is individually engraved and numbered, and comes with a topstitched dark green alligator strap with a folding buckle.

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