Frederique Constant made its very first appearance at Watches and Wonders in 2023. This participation was significant for the brand, as it coincided with its 35th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in Frederique Constant's history with a new manufacture movement among other highlights​.

This year, the brand continues in this tradition by offering two brand-new in-house calibres and an update to its 'Classics' collection, giving fans a new set of timeless designs during its sophomore year at the watchmaking world's biggest event of 2024. Here's a closer look at the recent launches:

Classic Date Manufacture

Frederique Constant has just unveiled its latest addition to the classic watch lineup with the introduction of the Classic Date Manufacture. With an ethos centred on refinement, the watch features a slimmer profile with a case diameter reduced to 40mm from 42mm, catering to the modern expectations of fine watchmaking enthusiasts. This design choice not only aligns with the dimensions of iconic timepieces over the past fifty years but also enhances the dial's openness and aesthetic appeal, thanks to a sunburst finish that radiates under light. The watch is available in three variations; bright silver and salmon dials for a vibrant look and a black dial option for a more contemporary feel.

The Classic Date Manufacture is powered by the new FC-706 Manufacture calibre, boasting a significant upgrade with a 72-hour power reserve and comes with a five-year warranty. This movement, derived from the reliable FC-710 used since 2012, shares over 90% of its components with its predecessor, ensuring high reliability. The watch also features redesigned bridges and decorations, including a fan-shaped Cotes de Genève finish.

Attention to detail is evident in the minimalist dial design, with diamond-faceted hour markers and redesigned hands that enhance readability and elegance. The watch offers intuitive time telling with a new 'railtrack' minute circle and an onion-type crown. 

The Classic Date Manufacture is complemented by three strap options: chocolate-brown or navy blue alligator for the silver and salmon dial versions, and a matching alligator strap for the all-black dial model, offering both classic and contemporary choices for watch enthusiasts.

Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture

Frederique Constant continues to blend the artistry of Swiss watchmaking with accessibility in its latest Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture collection; expanding on one of its most well-received formats with a movement update. The collection introduces three new models, each housed in a 40-millimetre Classic steel case and available with a silver, blue, or green sunburst dial, designed to cater to everyday wear while honouring Geneva's rich horological heritage.

The heart of these watches beats with the new FC-716 movement, an in-house development boasting a 72-hour power reserve. This movement is an evolution of the FC-715, maintaining high reliability through the use of over 90% of the same components. Notably, each watch in this series is guaranteed for five years, underscoring Frederique Constant’s confidence in its performance and durability.

Aesthetically, the watches have received a stylistic and technical refresh, featuring a fan-shaped Cotes de Genève finish visible through the see-through caseback, which is water-resistant to 50 metres. The redesign extends to the dial, where diamond-cut steel-coloured hands glide over a minimalist backdrop, offering a choice between bright silver grey, deep midnight blue, and British racing green, each paired with a complementary alligator strap.

True to the saying that "watchmaking is the daughter of astronomy," the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture elegantly combines the moonphase and date display in a single window at six o'clock. This integration presents a poetic juxtaposition of daily time and the lunar cycle against a star-studded backdrop, bringing a slice of the heavens to the wearer’s wrist.

Classics Elegance Luna
 

Born from a unique perspective – the imaginative vision of the daughter of the Manufacture's R&D Director – the Classics Elegance Luna features a romantic interpretation of the moonphase against a starry backdrop, showcasing two halves of the moon in an embrace. This design is set against a mother-of-pearl dial within a 36mm steel case.

The Classics Elegance Luna offers four variants (vibrant apple green to denim blue, navy blue, and romantic red) each offering a distinct style statement while staying true to the brand’s ethos of sophistication and technical prowess. 

Each Elegance Luna is powered by an self-winding FC-331 calibre with a 38-hour power reserve and marked by new Roman numeral hour markers that align with the colour of their respective leather straps. A distinctive feature is the jewel-set minute track, with two models further embellished with a bezel adorned with a total of 96 diamonds. The lunar disc oscillates between light and dark shades of grey, symbolising the moon's phases in a display of subtle elegance.