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 guillochédials 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 four variations of its Classics to return to centre stage: the Classics Index Automatic, Classics Quartz GMT and Classics Quartz& Classic Art Deco. 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 Two-part guilloché dials have been replaced by plain matt blue, white or black dials.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.
Classics Quartz GMT: long-distance traveller
In redesigning its “Classics Quartz GMT” range, Frederique Constant has prioritised the needs of frequent travellers in creating functional, easy to read timepieces attuned to the times and to crossing continents.
The three new models make perfect companion pieces for hubs and major airports. All share a 40 mm steel case, a sunray-brushed dial and a quartz movement powering three hands for the hours, minutes and central second time zone, hovering over a date window at 3 o’clock. The luminescent hour hands are complemented by a central GMT pointer finished with a red arrow, showing the second time zone at a glance, anywhere in the world and without the risk of day/night confusion, being calibrated immediately over 24 hours.
In the same vein, any adjustments to the settings can be made using the single crown. When the hands are at midnight, the second time zone can be adjusted by turning the crown in one direction. Turning it the other way adjusts the date. Simple and intuitive!
The first model, with a grey dial and a brown nubuck-finish calfskin strap, is followed by a very stylish second model featuring a blue dial and a blue strap, complemented by the sportier third variation, complete with a black dial on a steel bracelet.
Classics Quartz: the essence of time
With its three new “Classics Quartz” models, Frederique Constant is reaffirming its vision for timeless, affordable and beautifully finished watches. Within a 40 mm steel case housing a silvered dial in blue or black, the super sleek and understated aesthetic focuses attention on the essence of time measurement: two hands for the hours and minutes, along with the date window.
In the absence of seconds hands, there is nothing to distinguish this Classics Quartz aesthetically from a mechanical watch. Indeed, there are more subtle similarities, thanks to its high level of finishing: the sunray-brushed dial, polished case, applied hour markers doubled at 12 o’clock and topstitched nubuck-finish leather strap or three-link steel bracelet.
Classic Art Deco
Theall-newClassicsArtDécowatcheshavetakentheconceptof“affordableluxury,”uponwhichtheFrederique Constant brand was founded, to allow more people enjoy beautiful 100% Swiss madewatches.
Each watch in this new range is powered by the FC-200 quartz caliber movement, with seven jewels and a battery life that will give more than five years (63 months) of unrivalled accuracy. The highly polished and oval-shaped case will fit comfortably on the most petite wrist.
Other features shared throughout the range include the convex sapphire crystal protecting the dial, the hour and minute functions, and the wonderfully delicate Guillochédecoration in the center of the dial.
Retro yet Contemporary
Drawing inspiration from the lavish social parties of the 1920s, the Art Déco collection boasts timeless beauty that gracefully adorns the wrist of the modern women
A balanced combination of modern materials and vintage aesthetics turns this timepiece into a unique fashion accessory. The delicate oval shape of the case emphasizes the intense details of the Guillochédecoration on the white or Blue Navy mother of pearl dial, the elegant rose gold-plated or silver applied and black printed Roman numerals and diamond indexes, are all statements of the vintage look that inspired the Frederique Constant watchmakers. The intricate fluted case band along with the detailing of the crown embellished with a blue sapphire makes this watch the perfect dailycompanion.
Frederique Constant continues to celebrate femininity through a classic and timeless watch with minimalist details that embody grace and style.
Suggested price: starting at 1’150CHF
Feminine and Delicate
A balanced combination of modern materials and vintage aesthetics turns this timepiece into a unique fashion accessory. The delicate oval shape of the case emphasizes the intense details of the Guillochédecoration on the white or Blue Navy mother of pearl dial, the elegant rose gold-plated or silver applied and black printed Roman numerals and diamond indexes, are all statements of the vintage look that inspired the Frederique Constant watchmakers. The intricate fluted case band along with the detailing of the crown embellished with a blue sapphire makes this watch the perfect dailycompanion.
Frederique Constant continues to celebrate femininity through a classic and timeless watch with minimalist details that embody grace and style.
Suggested price: starting at 1’150CHF
About Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant is a Swiss watchmaking manufacture located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Maison was founded in 1988 by a couple of independent entrepreneurs, Aletta and Peter Stas, to offer quality Swiss watches at competitive prices, with the aim of democratising luxury Swiss Made watches.
Frederique Constant creates, develops, assembles and controls a wide variety of mechanical, quartz and connected timepieces at the same time within its 6,200 m2 Manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates (GE). To this day, Frederique Constant has designed 29 Manufacture calibres, including high complications, such as the Tourbillon, Perpetual Calendar and Flyback Chronograph.
In 2015, Frederique Constant launched the Horological Smartwatch, the first Swiss Made connected timepiece featuring a traditional appearance. Powered by a connected module, the Horological Smartwatch represents a new segment in Swiss watchmaking. In 2018, the Classic Hybrid Manufacture succeeded it, combining a mechanical movement with intelligent features and an integrated calibre analysis system. It was followed by the Smartwatch Vitality line in 2020. Equipped with a new generation built-in heart rate sensor, it features a classic dial, combined with a digital display that is revealed on demand.
Frederique Constant is currently present in nearly 3’000 points of sale in 120 countries across the world. In 2016, the Frederique Constant group (Frederique Constant, Alpina Watches, Ateliers deMonaco) joined the Japanese group Citizen, so as to pursue its international development and nurture new synergies.
