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Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture

An iconic model from Frederique Constant’s Manufacture, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture has been given an 18-carat rose gold case for the first time, produced in a limited edition of 88 pieces only. For the occasion, this collector’s timepiece features an exclusive, modern dial for the frequent traveller. Success is no accident. Achievements made in watchmaking come down to a combination of elements that Frederique Constant has been fine tuning for over 30 years. Element number one: a useful complication. In this regard, the ability to permanently display world time is an undeniable asset for those who travel internationally. Element number two: ease of use. For an everyday watch, everything has been designed so that the latter and its complication can be adjusted quickly and intuitively, without risk of error. Element number three: the movement. The part most prized by collectors gains considerable value when stamped “Manufacture”. Frederique Constant, a fully integrated manufacture, has already brought out 29 calibres, all of them developed, produced, assembled and inspected within its workshops. Finally, element number four: design. The simple, classic and timeless design of a timepiece allows it to stand the test of trends and time. Frederique Constant has been synonymous with Swiss Made elegance from the very beginning. A Classic that lives up to its name The new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture illustrates this delicate balance. It was added to the Maison’s collections some 10 years ago. The balance struck between the technical, aesthetic and practical immediately impressed watch enthusiasts from all over the world. In a few short years, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture has established itself as one of the most important timepieces by Frederique Constant. A landmark limited edition The version unveiled today is aimed at discerning collectors. Beyond the balance it embodies, the new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture stands out for its 18-carat rose gold case, with no more than 88 limited edition timepieces on offer. Such preciousness is rare at Frederique Constant. Incidentally, this is the first time in the history of the Manufacture that such a case has been offered for this timepiece. A sophisticated look For this latest version, Frederique Constant has opted for an intense blue dial reminiscent of the ocean and in keeping with the distinguished rose gold case. The continents emerge from the dial in relief, their anthracite grey outlines carved with the greatest precision. The date counter at 6 o’clock is decorated with a sunray guilloché pattern, a traditional finish in Fine Watchmaking. Hovering over it are four hands coordinating with the rose gold; the hour and minute hands and index hour markers are tinged with luminescent material to make them easier to read in low light. Around this miniature world map unfolds the Worldtimer flange, indicating the 24 world time zones and their 24 principal cities. To ensure the dial can be easily read, the 12 daytime hours appear in red, while the 12 night-time hours appear in grey. Carefully preserved DNA The ease of setting and using Frederique Constant timepieces is intrinsic to the Brand. All the features of the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture can be adjusted using the crown, (hours, minutes, date, Worldtimer) eliminating the need for push buttons that could detract from its sleek 42 mm case. As for all Frederique Constant Manufacture collection timepieces, the FC-718 movement in the new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture has been decorated with fine perlage decoration visible through a sapphire crystal caseback that is guaranteed water-resistant to 3 ATM. The informed observer will admire the blued screws in the movement and the rose gold-plated hollowed-out oscillating weight adorned with vertical satin-finishing and “Frederique Constant Manufacture” engraving.
Frederique Constant introduces a new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture variation in a dark grey dial. The Worldtimer timepiece is a must-have for many watch aficionados allowing them to keep track of time everywhere in the world at once. After the first Frederique Constant Worldtimer launch in 2012, the watch stood proudly as one of the brand’s best-selling Manufacture watches. Since then, the Worldtimer has come in a range of 11 models featuring a wide color palette.
In 2019, yet another color variation of this elegant and sophisticated traveling watch is unveiled: a dark grey design of the world map finely etched onto to the dial and the twenty-four cities on its outer rim make one wish for globe-trotting. The date by hand at 6 o’clock makes the perfect addition to the Worldtimer function and further enhances the aesthetic of the watch. The indexes on each hour add to the dial’s readability, offering additional comfort when glancing at the time.
Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture
The new Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture comes in two models featuring a 42mm case in rose-gold-plated stainless steel or in stainless steel both limited to 718 pieces each. The FC-718 caliber is an extraordinary piece of machinery; not only is it in-house designed, developed and produced, but its Worldtimer functions as well as the date are all adjustable via the crown, with no additional push-buttons. To easily set the watch, one must choose between three settings; the first lets the user wind the watch by turning the crown upwards; the second allows to set the date and city by turning the crown upwards and downwards respectively; and the third position enables the user to set the time by turning the crown downwards. The timepiece displays two separate discs, one featuring a 24h day-night indicator and a second one with the twenty-four cities. As a Manufacture movement, the FC-718 caliber is decorated with Perlage and circular Côtes de Genève and holds a 42-hour power reserve. The dark grey timepiece is complete with a dark grey alligator leather strap with white stitches.