- Limited edition
For its very first participation at Watches and Wonders in 2023, Frederique Constant is blowing out a highly symbolic candle: the House is celebrating its 35th anniversary. For the occasion, it is unveiling a new interpretation of a creation that illustrates its expertise and spirit: the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture. Entirely developed in-house and assembled by hand in the heart of its workshops, its tourbillon is offered here in its purest watchmaking livery, with three hands housed in a 39 mm 18-carat pink gold case. A limited series of only 150 pieces.
A limited edition of only 150 pieces
Founded in 1988, the Frederique Constant watchmaking company will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2023. There will be many festive episodes this year, but the Manufacture wanted to open the first chapter with a creation that is emblematic of its history: its Manufacture tourbillon. Presented for the first time in 2008, 15 years ago, its FC-980 movement has since become one of the flagship developments of the House, and today powers the brand new Classic Tourbillon Manufacture.
A celebration that also marks the House's first participation in Watches and Wonders. The symbolism is important, as the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture is being unveiled live at the world's first watch fair, in Frederique Constant's hometown, Geneva.
An emblematic watch
The Classic design embodies the guideline that Frederique Constant has always followed since its creation 35 years ago, without ever deviating from it.
The new Classic Tourbillon Manufacture honors this watchmaking art in every detail. First of all, because the case is made of 18-carat pink gold, a precious metal that has until now been reserved exclusively for limited Manufacture editions. This model will be no exception: only 150 pieces will be produced and each watch will be individually numbered. Previously available in a 42 mm diameter, all the new Classic Manufacture models will now be housed in a 39 mm case, whose aesthetics have also been revisited to offer optimal comfort on the wrist thanks to its modern and harmonious curves.
A hypnotic tourbillon
Becoming a largely integrated manufacture, Frederique Constant is now strong with 30 calibers developed in-house. The tourbillon is one of them, equipped with a silicon escape wheel and anchor. This choice offers the owner a non-magnetic movement that is insensitive to temperature variations, making his or her watch more precise, in keeping with the tourbillon's original purpose.
The latter ticks off the seconds thanks to a discreet hand that flies over its cage. Made up of 81 components, the latter is individually engraved with the serial number of each piece, also recalled on the back side, around the sapphire back that reveals the intimacy of the FC-980 caliber. Finished in the watchmaking tradition - beveling, circular graining, strapping, drawn flanks and mirror polish - it offers 38 hours of power reserve.
Sobriety and refinement
On the dial side, the sleekness is evident, with applied hour markers and hand-polished gold-tone hands both refined and elongated, hovering over a charcoal gray sunray dial. The indexes and hands have been faceted with a diamond edge, a technique that ensures they are absolutely brilliant.
The Classic Tourbillon Manufacture comes on a matte dark brown leather strap accompanied by a folding clasp proudly displaying the Frederique Constant coat of arms - a feature reserved for Manufacture creations.