Frédérique Constant Classic Date automatic Watch black dial black alligator leather strap 40 mm

A new Manufacture movement

It's still called "Classic", but it's a classic revisited: the Classic Date Manufacture is equipped with the new Manufacture caliber FC-706, which now offers 72 hours of power reserve, for a warranty extended to 5 years. The steel case is reduced by 2 mm to 40 mm, a classic, classy diameter within which unfolds a new dial devoid of numerals, with refined hour-markers and a "chemin de fer" minute track running across a sunray dial.

Both content and form: the three new iterations of the Classic Date Manufacture remain in the register of fine, traditional and authentic watchmaking, but with a different technical and aesthetic approach to the previous versions.

This new model reflects a finesse-driven approach. On the case, first of all, with a significant reduction from 42 mm to 40 mm in diameter. It's an opening in line with the expectations of lovers of fine watchmaking, which also reflects the dimensions of most of the timepieces of the last 50 years, which have become timeless.

Despite this subtle reduction, the dial appears more streamlined and airy than ever. Its sunburst finish allows the light to diffuse evenly and softly.

A 72-hour power reserve

On the movement side, this timepiece benefits from a major update. The old 38-hour power reserve calibers give way to the new Manufacture FC-706 movement, guaranteeing three days of autonomy, or 72 hours. The FC-706 caliber is based on the FC-710 movement, which has been in the Manufacture's collections since 2012, and from which it takes over 90% of its components. It is therefore a particularly well-proven, highly reliable movement - clocked at 4 Hz.

The very minimalist ethos adopted

The very streamlined character of the dial is reflected in a complete redesign of the indexes, hands and minute track. The former are applied, diamond-faceted, polished and very slightly reduced at 5 and 7 o'clock to let the date indication breathe, also with pointer, at 6 o'clock.

More intuitive timekeeping

The central hands, also diamond-faceted (hours/minutes only) and hand-polished, are now of the "Alpha" type, in harmony with the profile of the hour-markers. The total absence of numerals, both Roman and Arabic, offers an open reading of the hours and minutes. Their precision is confirmed by a new "chemin de fer" minute track. An "onion" crown is located at 3 o'clock.