time-keeper


Frederique Constant Classic Date Manufacture boasts new movement

Español
May 2024


Frederique Constant Classic Date Manufacture boasts new movement

It’s definitely still a classic, but with some major new features: the Classic Date Manufacture now features the new FC-706 manufacture calibre with a 72-hour power reserve. The steel case has been resized to a slightly smaller 40mm, housing a new dial free of numerals in three colour variations.

T

here’s the form, and then there’s the substance: while the three new incarnations of the Classic Date Manufacture remain true to the canons of authentic, traditional fine watchmaking, they do so by adopting a different stylistic and technical approach to that of their predecessors.

The ethos of the new models is all about refinement, starting with a considerably slimmed-down case diameter of 40mm instead of the previous 42mm. This evolution is in line with the current expectation of lovers of fine watchmaking – and also reflects the dimensions of most of the timepieces released over the past fifty years that have gone on to become timeless icons.

The smaller size actually makes the dial look more open and untrammelled than ever before, while the sunburst finish gives it a constant, gentle gleam. The silver and salmon dial versions are especially bright, while the third variation and its black dial offer a darker, more contemporary alternative.

Each of the three timepieces benefits from a major movement upgrade. The legacy calibres and their 38-hour power reserve have been replaced by the new FC-706 manufacture movement with a power reserve of 72 hours – equivalent to three whole days. The FC-706 calibre is derived from the FC-710 (a technical base that has been used to power Manufacture collections since 2012) and uses over 90% of the same components, making it exceptionally well tried and tested – and highly reliable. It beats at a rate of 4Hz.

Frederique Constant Classic Date Manufacture boasts new movement

A new finish has been applied to the bridges, thoroughly redesigned to house the new larger-capacity barrel. The new decorations include beading and a fan-shaped Cotes de Genève finish replacing the previous circular motif. To top it all, the Classic Date Manufacture now comes with a five-year warranty.

The highly minimalist ethos adopted for the dial has led to a full redesign of the hour markers, hands and minute circle. The applique hour markers are diamond-faceted, polished and slightly smaller at 5 and 7 o’clock, so as to give plenty of space to the date display and hand at 6 o’clock.

The central hour and minute hands are now diamond-cut, too; they and the central seconds hand are hand-polished, redone in the Alpha style to match the profile of the hour markers. The complete absence of Roman or Arabic numerals makes telling the time more intuitive. A new ‘railtrack’ minute circle bears witness to the accuracy of the hours and minutes indications, while an onion-type crown sits at 3 o’clock.

Frederique Constant Classic Date Manufacture boasts new movement

The first variation comes on a chocolate-brown alligator strap, with a salmon dial and silver hour markers and hands. The date and minute indications are black to ensure optimum readability. The same logic applies to the second option, with a silver sunburst dial on a navy blue alligator strap. The third model adopts a more contemporary contrast with a silver case, hands and hour markers and an all-black sunburst dial borne atop a matching alligator strap.

Frederique Constant Classic Date Manufacture boasts new movement

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference

  • FC-706SAL3H6
  • RRP 3’295€

Functions

  • Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date by hand

Movement

  • FC-706 in-house caliber, automatic
  • Perlage & fan shape Côtes de Genève decorations
  • 72-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h, 26 jewels

Case

  • Polished stainless steel 3-part case
  • Diameter of 40 mm
  • Height of 12,40 mm
  • Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal
  • Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft
  • Engraved and see-through threaded case back

Dial

  • Salmon dial with sunray finishing
  • Applied silver color diamond cut indexes
  • Black printed graduation
  • Hand-polished silver color hour, minute and second hands
  • Date by hand at 6 o’clock with silver color hand

Strap

  • Dark brown alligator leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching
  • Folding buckle  

The Europa Star Newsletter