Introducing: Three New Variants Of The Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture
The Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is almost a decade old, but it continues to impress and surprise. When introduced in 2016, it was the most affordable Swiss-made mechanical perpetual calendar on the market. On the verge of the watch’s 10th anniversary, its friendly price is still a USP. However, the QP’s updated looks are also an attractive feature. After an updated, slimmed-down version earlier this year, FC now presents three new iterations — two in steel with either a blue or silver dial and a more luxurious limited edition of 37 pieces in yellow gold with a black onyx dial.
You know what? Let’s start with the prices, which, as mentioned, are a typical Frederique Constant USP. The two stainless steel references with a silver (FC-776S3H6) or navy-blue dial (FC-776N3H6) both come on navy-blue alligator leather straps with folding clasps and retail for €9,995. The onyx-dial gold edition (FC-776ONB3H7), limited to 37 watches, comes on a black alligator strap with a gold clasp and costs €29,995. These are pretty sharp prices for complicated watches with a timeless look. Now let’s look beyond the price.
Three new versions of the Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture
Earlier this year, FC presented a slimmed-down, updated version of its Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture with a salmon dial. It shows a sunray pattern, applied silver-tone diamond-cut indexes, and hand-polished dauphine hour and minute hands. The 40 × 12.1mm steel case has a retro-inspired convex antireflective sapphire crystal, a 50m water resistance rating, and a sapphire-equipped display case back to allow a view of the caliber underneath. The new steel offerings follow in that watch’s footsteps in either dark blue or silver attire. The yellow gold case has a slightly thicker 12.25mm profile and a reduced 30m water resistance rating.
The layout is classic, showing a sub-dial for the days at 9 o’clock, the dates at 3, the months and leap year cycle at 12, and the moonphase indicator at 6 o’clock. It’s nothing new, but it certainly is a balanced layout with a timeless charm. The gold edition with its pure black onyx stone dial is the most impressive and dramatic of the three novelties. The watch’s polished gold hands and indexes offer a luxurious contrast with the deep black, glossy look of the onyx dial.
In-house inside
Inside the case was the new manufacture caliber FC-776, Frederique Constant’s 34th in-house-developed movement. While it shares much with the preceding FC-775, including the layout, 4Hz frequency, and 26 jewels, it has nearly doubled its predecessor’s 38-hour power reserve, offering a healthy 72 hours instead. As mentioned, a transparent case back provides a view of the complicated movement.
The caliber offers decorations like perlage, fan-shaped Côtes de Genève, and an open-worked rotor. You can adjust the calendar indications via correctors on the side of the case and set the time with the crown.
Final words on the three Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture watches
Frederique Constant made a name for itself by offering traditionally styled luxury watches at affordable prices. The three new Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture variants are no exception. They follow a successful recipe but with some delicate tweaks. The thinner case, restyled dials, and modernized movements are added value. These watches are for people who appreciate traditional watchmaking expressed through a polished finish, a classic onion crown, and slim lugs. These FC QPs are complicated watches with a dressy look. They don’t set the world of watches on fire, but they might cause your watch heart to warm up. Do you feel it?
