ometimes, a truly innocent insight is the best. When the daughter of Frederique Constant’s Director of Research & Development set out to dream of a moonphase, it was a far cry from the usual display, taking a very different approach to that of a watchmaker or a designer. Her inspiration was more romantic and poetic in nature; the result is two halves of a moon that meet and embrace against a starry backdrop.

This little piece of magic is displayed in the window at 6 o’clock, featuring a lunar disc designed exclusively for Frederique Constant. Oscillating between light and dark shades of grey, the two halves of the moon greet each other with a kiss. The moon’s soft and subtle colours were chosen to go with the watch decoration. On each model, the steel case with its silver highlights is matched by steel hands deployed above a mother-of-pearl dial. The latter’s shimmery finish is pink, light green, blue or grey, in gentle hues that constantly change with the light.

The thoroughly classic nature of this layout is here further enhanced by a new hour ring on which traditional Arabic numerals have been replaced by slender, gracious Roman counterparts. For the first time in the collection, these have been done out in the same colour as the topstitched leather deployment-clasp strap, forming a style signature that’s exclusive to this collection – and a rarity in watchmaking in general.

The new models measure just 36 millimetres in diameter and are all powered by the same self-winding FC-331 calibre, which boasts a 38-hour power reserve. Two models add their own touch of prestige with a fully jewel-set hour ring and bezel for a total of 96 diamonds, 1.17 carats in all. The first of these models comes in a bright, modern apple green; the second is done out in denim blue.

Only the hour ring is set with diamonds on the other two pieces: 56 in all, for a total of 0.7 carats. These more sober and discreet variations come in navy blue with matching hands or a warm, romantic red with steel hands.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference

• FC-331MPWTD3BD6
• RRP 4’295€

Functions

• Hours, minutes, moonphase

Movement

• FC-331 caliber, automatic
• 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h, 26 jewels

Case

• Polished stainless steel 2-part case set of 40 diamonds (0,47 carat)
• Diameter of 36 mm
• Height of 10,60 mm
• Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal
• Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft
• See-through threaded case back

Dial

• White mother-of-pearl dial with 56 diamonds set in the centre (0,7carat)
• Light blue printed roman numerals
• Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands
• Moonphase at 6 o’clock

Strap

• Light blue calf leather strap with crocodile pattern embossing with tone-on-tone stitching
• Folding buckle