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Frederique Constant Revisits Its Most Iconic Collection

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Published
02/27/2021 by

One big family under one name: Classics. Through this unique family name, Frederique Constant has not only breathed new life into classic watchmaking but given concrete expression to its founding mission: to make luxury timepieces accessible to as many people as possible. Today, this iconic collection is reaffirming its timeless charm with a more modern, stronger, more contemporary design.

Soft lines and balanced shapes, moderation and solid watchmaking mechanics; the Classics collection sums up the spirit of Frederique Constant. Embracing feminine and masculine creations, the modern and traditional, it has established itself as an all-important pillar of the Geneva-based manufacture. 

Whether barrel-shaped, round or rectangular, the Classics share some common hallmarks, in particular their fondness for Roman numerals, sleek styling and predominantly guilloché dials revealing everyday complications: date, day, month and chronograph among the most common, moonphase and week among the more unusual.

 

Modern and dynamic 

The updated 2021 editions now form part of a livelier and more contemporary dynamic, while preserving their timeless and elegant design. 

To this end, Frederique Constant has done significant work, allowing three variations of its Classics to return to centre stage: the Classics Index Automatic, Classics Quartz GMT and Classics Quartz. A total of 11 new versions are already available to revitalise this key collection.

 

Classics Index Automatic: modern sleek 

This is the most nourished and renewed range within the Classics collection, with five new models. The overall spirit: more modern, dynamic, understated and contemporary creations. Two-part guilloché dials have been replaced by plain matt blue, white or black dials. Roman numerals have given way to the modernity of applied hour markers, bevelled and tinged with luminescent material. Hands that were slender and tapered are now sword shaped, showcasing stronger and bolder geometric lines. 

Considered one of the fundamental materials in watchmaking, steel adorns four of the 40 mm diameter cases, the fifth being rose gold-plated with blued steel hands. Each variation is powered by the automatic FC-303 calibre, offering a power reserve of 38 hours, and complemented by a nubuck-finish leather strap in brown, black, or blue, with the exception of the "full steel" model, which features a blue dial and a coordinating steel bracelet. 

Owing to their very competitive pricing, these creations represent the most affordable access to mechanical watchmaking by Frederique Constant, complete with authentic automatic Swiss Made movements.

 

Classics Quartz GMT: long-distance traveller 

In redesigning its "Classics Quartz GMT" range, Frederique Constant has prioritised the needs of frequent travellers in creating functional, easy to read timepieces attuned to the times and to crossing continents. 

The three new models make perfect companion pieces for hubs and major airports. All share a 40 mm steel case, a sunray-brushed dial and a quartz movement powering three hands for the hours, minutes and central second time zone, hovering over a date window at 3 o’clock. The luminescent hour hands are complemented by a central GMT pointer finished with a red arrow, showing the second time zone at a glance, anywhere in the world and without the risk of day/night confusion, being calibrated immediately over 24 hours.

In the same vein, any adjustments to the settings can be made using the single crown. When the hands are at midnight, the second time zone can be adjusted by turning the crown in one direction. Turning it the other way adjusts the date. Simple and intuitive! 

The first model, with a grey dial and a brown nubuck-finish calfskin strap, is followed by a very stylish second model featuring a blue dial and a blue strap, complemented by the sportier third variation, complete with a black dial on a steel bracelet.

 

Classics Quartz: the essence of time 

With its three new "Classics Quartz" models, Frederique Constant is reaffirming its vision for timeless, affordable and beautifully finished watches. Within a 40 mm steel case housing a silvered dial in blue or black, the super sleek and understated aesthetic focuses attention on the essence of time measurement: two hands for the hours and minutes, along with the date window. 

In the absence of seconds hands, there is nothing to distinguish this Classics Quartz aesthetically from a mechanical watch. Indeed, there are more subtle similarities, thanks to its high level of finishing: the sunray-brushed dial, polished case, applied hour markers doubled at 12 o’clock and topstitched nubuck-finish leather strap or three-link steel bracelet.

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