Last year, Frederique Constant had celebrated the 35th anniversary of the brand and the 15th anniversary of its tourbillon calibre, marked by the release of two models. At Geneva Watch Days 2024, the brand has upped the ante on the line, and introduced a white gold version with an aventurine dial – the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture (Ref. FC-980AV3H8).
Aventurine or goldstone is a mineral rock that belongs to the quartz group and stands out due to its characteristic, shimmering appearance. This shimmer, also known as aventurescence, is caused by tiny platelets of mica, hematite or other minerals enclosed in the stone. They reflect the light and give the stone its typical shine. In the 39mm Ref. FC-980AV3H8, this mineral is combined with a tourbillon. The goldstone dial’s sparkling, star-like appearance underlines the connection between watchmaking and astronomy and reminds us that precise timekeeping originally emerged from the study of the stars.
In the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture, each dial is made from a single piece and finished entirely by hand. No two dials are identical. The large cutout at 6 o'clock in the brand's typical heart beat opening highlights the filigree tourbillon cage and its choreography. The escape wheel and the anchor are made of silicon. These shimmering violet parts, together with the rest of the escapement, the regulating organs and the tourbillon cage, weigh just 0.59 grams, which means the drive requires very little energy. The hand positioned above the cage indicates the seconds.
The FC-980-4 automatic winding caliber also impresses with its details. It features hand-made beveling, perlage on the bridges and a fine mirror polish. In technical terms, it impresses with a silicon escapement. This advanced material stands for performance and precision and protects the escapement from rate deviations that can be caused by temperature fluctuations or magnetic fields.
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This exclusive model is worn on a dark blue alligator leather strap, which complements the elegant character of the watch. The Classic Tourbillon Manufacture will be available from November 2024 at a price of 39,995 euros .
Frederique Constant Classics Carrée Small Seconds
The brand also also introduced the Classics Carrée Small Seconds, a feminine timepiece with Art Deco inspirations at Geneva Watch Days. The rectangular quartz watches, have a silver-finish dial with two central hands, an off-centre seconds hand above over the "sector dial" minute track, and large Roman numerals.
There iterations of the 36mm x 25.2 mm watches have been released. There is a fully diamond-version (158 diamonds totalling 1.185K), a steel with a bracelet with a seven-link, and a steel with a calfskin strap. The quartz calibre has a battery life of two years.
Image: Courtesy brand
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