The Fact Maker

Frederique Constant revisits its most iconic collection

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. 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 Two-part guilloché dials have been replaced by plain matt blue, white or black dials.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.