Posted on by

Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral Paradise

This is one of those Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral Paradise watches that really started with a movement and was built out from there. The new CFB T3000 caliber is the latest in-house movement from Carl F. Bucherer and it’s a relatively large movement that has both a peripheral rotor for automatic winding and a tourbillon that is mounted with a peripheral cage, making it look like it’s floating without any bridges (essentially one-upping the single-bridged flying tourbillon). As if that wasn’t enough, the movement also has a stop-seconds mechanism for the tourbillon so you can set it precisely to the second.

To house this movement, CFB has created the aptly-named Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral Paradise. It takes the familiar styling of the brand’s Manero collection, with its sharp hands and markers, clean dial layout, and relatively traditional case shape, and uses it as a way to present the T3000 with minimal intrusions.
My favorite thing about this watch is that, at first glance, you might not realize it’s anything particularly special. I mean, sure, it’s a tourbillon, but most brands are making those in some fashion or another these days. It’s only when you look closer and start to learn a little about the movement’s idiosyncrasies that you start to discover the most interesting bits about this latest Manero.

However, despite the technical brilliance and the appealing style, this watch is much larger than I’d hoped it would be at 43.1mm across and 11.57mm thick. The Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon Double Peripheral Paradise movement is on the wide side, especially with the peripheral rotor, so it fills the caseback nicely, but on the wrist I have a hard time believing this one isn’t going to wear large.

Posted on by

Carl F. Bucherer Manero Minute Repeater Anniversary

While, globally, it is probably fair to say that the Carl F. Bucherer name is more associated with the Bucherer chain of retailers (especially since Bucherer’s strategic 2018 purchase of Tourneau in the United States), the company has been producing its own watches for the majority of its 135-year history.

Founded in Lucerne in 1888 by Carl F. Bucherer Manero Minute Repeater Anniversary, the brand began producing watches for ladies in 1919. Five years later, Bucherer forged an enduring retail partnership with Hans Wilsdorf’s Rolex. That relationship continues to this day and is what many people think of when they first hear the name Bucherer.

But for more than 100 years now, the brand has been making extremely covetable watches, specializing for decades in highly complicated movements, especially those in the chronograph, calendar, and striking categories. Here we have three unique minute repeaters released to mark the company’s 135th anniversary and designed to showcase the very best of what the brand has to offer.
The Carl F. Bucherer Manero Minute Repeater Anniversary watches feature my very favorite technical calling card of the Bucherer brand: the peripheral winding weight. These orbital rotors perform exactly the same function as a traditional, centrally-mounted oscillating mass, or a small, off-set micro-rotor, but they do so without impinging upon the pure aesthetic beauty of the movement.
But as much as I think peripheral rotor weights offer an enhanced aesthetic, there’s more to them than that. Upon its release in 2008, the CFB A1000 movement was heralded as the world’s first “reliably functioning” peripheral-rotor-driven caliber. The theory underpinning the development suggested that having an extremely dense mass rotating around a greater radius would not only facilitate the production of slimmer automatic watches but would also result in more efficient winding. Additional benefit is the unobstructed view of the movement.

Eight years later in 2016, the brand released the CFB A2000, which has an increased operating frequency (up to 4Hz from 3) and a free-sprung balance, improving the movement’s isochronism when subjected to shock.

In 2018, the CFB T3000 appeared, adding a tourbillon to proceedings. With this caliber, Carl F. Bucherer broke new ground. It became a signature movement for the brand. Today, the CFB T3000 and its close relatives such as the CFB T3001 (with an additional power reserve gauge, date, and 24-hour indicator) and the CFB MR3000 (the same watch but with a minute repeater complication) feature in 15 watches in the brand’s catalog.

The latter, the CFB MR3000, is the caliber that powers these three unique anniversary pieces, and it is, without a doubt, a watchmaking tour de force.
This release sees three wildly different colorways hit the market. There is an 18K yellow gold case with an olivine dial and fetching “moss” green nubuck strap (Ref. 00.10925.01.93.01), an 18K white gold model with a serene, light blue Mother of Pearl dial (Ref. 00.10925.02.83.11), and a thoroughly bonkers 18K rose gold model with a deep black gem-set dial and a gem-set bezel decorated with tsavorites, sapphires, and rubies (Ref. 00.10925.03.39.11). Each has a diameter of 43.8mm, a height of 12.47mm (making full use of that peripheral winding weight), and a paltry water resistance of just 1 bar (10 — yes, ten — meters).
As the year began, so it has ended: in early 2023, Carl F. Bucherer Manero Minute Repeater Anniversary launched three unique minute repeaters to kick-start the brand’s 135th birthday celebrations; now, as its anniversary year comes to a close, the Swiss watchmaker reveals an additional collection of three one-of-a-kind minute repeaters that epitomize its embrace of contemporary style and modern materials – Carl F. Bucherer Manero Minute Repeater Anniversary.

This second expression of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Minute Repeater Anniversary not only represents the pinnacle of Carl F. Bucherer’s technical finesse – with each watch powered by its most intricate movement, featuring three peripherally mounted high complications – but also its progressive spirit as it seeks to remain at the heart of the zeitgeist.

Posted on by

Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration

Sometimes, it’s about keeping it simple. As the gaze of the masses turns toward Monaco and the eye-popping carnival of color that is Only Watch 2023, Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration watches sneaks in a classy and understated release in the form of the Heritage Chronometer Celebration watches.

Anyone taking their first steps in the world of Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration watches watchmaking is effectively a blank canvas. Yes, each individual will arrive at the threshold of our universe with a different level of exposure and forethought, but, frankly, most are empty vessels, just waiting to be filled with the wonder of our world.

And then that happens: complications appear on the radar, artisanal handcrafts, long-forgotten techniques brought back to life, ever-wilder and more exotic materials, collaborations that make perfect or perfectly no sense at all start to fill the mind of the young enthusiast and one’s cup runneth over…

Years down the line, the nonsense is stripped away by experience. We revert to a timeless median. There is a reason many men chose to buy their first gold watch at 40 years old. It isn’t just a milestone in life; it’s a milestone in this game. It, roughly, represents a point of maturity in attitudes to life but also collecting. It’s at this point — let’s call it the “Golden line” — that the truth is illuminated clearly: what we were searching for all along was class. What we were searching for, was something like the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration watches.

These four references, two in 18-karat rose gold and two in stainless steel, are directly inspired by a popular model from the CFB lineup in the 1960s. The parallels are clear. This is one of the most period-correct re-editions one could hope for, and it must be said that Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration watchess execution here looks to be top-notch.

Posted on by

Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39 Titanium

In collaboration with Hodinkee, Swiss watch brand Longines presents the new limited edition Longines Spirit Zulu Time model made entirely of Grade 5 titanium. Limited to 500 numbered pieces, this 39mm automatic watch comes with chronometer certification by COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres).
Available in 42mm and 39mm versions, the Longines Spirit Zulu Time owes its name to the first Longines wristwatch with dual time zones, produced in 1925 and featuring the Zulu flag on its dial – Zulu referring to the letter Z which designates the universal time used by aviators and members of the armed forces.
The name and number of the piece are engraved on the screw-down back. Its bi-directional, circular-brushed titanium bezel features a laser-engraved 24-hour scale. The screw-down crown, also in titanium, allows the time zone and time setting to be set independently. The Longines Spirit Zulu Time Limited Edition for Hodinkee features a 39 mm diameter case, crafted from Grade 5 titanium – an alloy both lighter and tougher than steel. Beating inside this watch is the exclusive Longines L844.4 calibre. Equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components, it offers a magnetic resistance ten times greater than the ISO 764 benchmark standard. Providing a power reserve of up to 72 hours, this self-winding mechanical movement is chronometer certified by COSC. Topped by a domed sapphire crystal, the sandblasted anthracite dial is flanked by a date window at 3 o’clock. The applied hour-markers and Arabic numerals, as well as the hands, are in polished PVD-titanium. For optimum legibility, these components are coated with Super- LumiNova light old radium. The matt black GMT hand has an orange tip with a luminescent arrow in the same colour as the “ZULU TIME” inscription on the dial. Water-resistant to 10 bar (100 metres), the Longines Spirit Zulu Time Limited Edition for Hodinkee comes on a new Grade 5 titanium bracelet with double-safety folding clasp.

Posted on by

Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Verde

With the addition of the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Verde, a beefy, no-nonsense professional diver’s watch (complete a beautiful green lacquered wave dial and helium escape valve) Carl F. Bucherer continues their support of Manta Trust, a UK based organization which endeavors to research and protect Manta Rays the world over.

Each year, in the waning summer months of August and September, massive schools of Manta Rays numbering over 22,000 are found along the shores of Isla de la Plata in Ecuador. Floating through the clear, warm, aquamarine waters like oceanic angels, the majestic and somewhat mysterious spectacle draws thousands of tourists to this paradise each year. But the onslaught of threats against marine wildlife is ever present and unrelenting, and the ethereal manta ray is no exception. For with those well-meaning visitors brings a myriad of ecological pressures, the impacts of which are just now beginning to be understood.

In the continuation of a philanthropic partnership spanning the past decade, Carl F. Bucherer has released their latest dive watch, the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Verde, in support of Manta Trust. The Patravi Scubatec is the most robust and capable diver that Carl F. Bucherer currently produces and joins the collection now in a vibrant green colorway – the undulating wave pattern upon its lacquered dial mirroring the pulsing motion of the warm, tropical, Ecuadorian waters.

Rated to a depth of 500 meters, the muscular 44.6mm stainless steel case is no mere desk diver. On the contrary, in addition to the normal trappings of a proper, professional dive watch (ceramic green bezel insert, sapphire crystal, screw down crown and water-resistant gaskets throughout) the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Verde also boasts an automatic helium escape valve. In keeping with the environmental spirit of this collaboration, the matching green rubber strap, which comes complete with a folding clasp and fine adjustment along with a dive extension, incorporates recycled PET plastic into its construction. Make no mistake – Carl F. Bucherer intends these COSC certified watches to be used diving to the depths and preferably marveling at the miraculous marine wildlife that calls our oceans home.

Upon the screw down caseback is a serene engraving of two manta rays, symbols of the collaboration between Carl F. Bucherer and Manta Trust. Formed in 2011, Manta Trust was established with the goal of conducting global research projects focusing on manta rays and their natural environments in the furtherance of conservation efforts. During its over ten years of existing, Manta Trust has been instrumental in creation of multiple international protections for manta rays under the CITES treaty. In furtherance of the goal to better understand and protect manta rays, the Patravi Scubatec Verde’s announcement coincides with an exciting undertaking – a two-week, in-depth study of the manta ray gathering off the coast of Isla de La Plata. This study, which will be conducted with researchers from Manta Trust and Proyecto Mantas Ecuador, will be fully funded by Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec Verde.

The world of luxury, with its craftsmanship, artistic intention, and fine, opulent details, is all well and good. Sometimes, beautifully made things exist for the sake of themselves – beauty for the sake of beauty. Indeed, this is among the core reasons for many an artistic endeavor. But, in a day and age when the world is teetering upon the precipice on utter ruin on multiple fronts – economic, geo-political, and perhaps most urgently, environmental – it is not enough for companies to relish the fruits of fortune and wealth. No, companies must endeavor to do good as well. This can, of course, come in many forms, from offsetting the impact of their production through responsible manufacturing practices, to using their not so insignificant presence to amplify the messages of a meaningful cause.

Posted on by

Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral Perpetual Calendar

The new Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral Perpetual Calendar from Swiss luxury watch brand Carl F. Bucherer is available in striking colorways ideal for contemporary urban lifestyles. This high-end mechanical timepiece combines a perpetual calendar, a moon-phase display and a peripherally mounted automatic winding system.

The Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral Perpetual Calendar displays the leap year, date, day, month and moon phase in a small window and four sub-dials. The moon-phase complication is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship in itself. It is comprised of hand-engraved hemispheric rose gold moons on aventurine.

As the name suggests, this watch incorporates a peripherally mounted automatic winding system. With a bidirectional oscillating Weight that turns on three frictionless ceramic ball-bearings housed in shock- absorbing mountings, this ensures that the view of the movement from the caseback is never obscured. Integrating all these components and boasting a 55-hour power reserve, the self-winding CFB A2055 Calibre exemplifies the watchmaking finesse of Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral Perpetual Calendar Dressed in an 18K rose gold case, the CFB Manero Peripheral Perpetual Calendar is available in four dial versions: Black, green, taupe and rose.

Each Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral Perpetual Calendar features a sunray-brushed dial center and opaline index zone, with rose-gold-plated wedge index marks to complement the case. Dials are color-matched to calf skin straps that feature a Milky Way texture, quick release system and 18K rose gold pin-lock folding clasp.

Posted on by

Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS 44mm

When Ulysse Nardin introduced the Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS earlier this year in 2023, the brand chose to debut an entirely new generation of its signature timepiece in the form of just one single watch. Given the notable updates to company the Freak ONE, it only seemed like a matter of time before we would see a follow-up model that expanded upon this new-generation concept, and for Dubai Watch Week 2023, Ulysse Nardin has introduced the Freak ONE OPS, which takes the core design of the Freak ONE, and gives it the khaki green and black tactical treatment that first debuted on the recently-released Freak X OPS from earlier this year.

As the new Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS (ref. 2403-500-8A/3A) is essentially a new rendition of the Freak One, it also features a 44mm black DLC-coated titanium case. However, rather than being fitted with a 5N red gold bezel like the inaugural model, the bezel on the new Freak ONE OPS is crafted from Carbonium, which is Ulysse Nardin’s carbon-based composite material that uses carbon fiber sourced from the production of aircraft wings and fuselages to reduce its environmental impact by 40%. A pair of sapphire crystals are fitted to both the dial side of the watch and its display-style caseback, and unlike the simplified Freak X series that uses a standard winding crown at 3 o’clock, the Freak ONE is a true Freak model that follows in the footsteps of the very first Ulysse Nardin Freak from 2001, which means that it features a completely symmetrical case profile and lacks any type of winding crown whatsoever.

Just like the original Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS that debuted earlier this year (and the original Freak watch from 2001), setting the time on the Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS is achieved by rotating its external bezel, and the bezel system features a locking mechanism between the lugs on the 6 o’clock side to prevent accidental adjustments. Additionally, while the movement inside the watch is self-winding, the Freak ONE OPS can also be manually wound by rotating the outer frame of the caseback. Just like the original Freak ONE, water resistance for the new Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS comes in at 30 meters to protect against incidental contact, and to maintain the khaki green tactical appearance of the new model, the watch comes with two different black and khaki green rubber straps that are produced using 30% recycled material and completed by folding clasps made from black DLC-coated titanium and ceramic. The tactical black and khaki green colorway extends onto the display of the Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS, which in true UN Freak watch fashion, forgoes a traditional dial and handset altogether. Taking the place of both the dial and hour hand is a rotating disc in khaki green that is decorated with a radial sunray pattern and fitted with a V-shaped luminous indicator that essentially functions as the tip of the hour hand for the watch. The disc-shaped barrel cover rotates once every 12 hours, and the V-shaped indicator points out the current hour against the separate hour and minute track frame that sits above the disc along its outer perimeter. Meanwhile, the minute hand on the Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS is represented by the large mechanical assembly that sits above the barrel cover and rotates around the display once every hour. The minute bridge assembly consists of the balance, escapement, and gear train for the movement, and it features a second V-shaped indicator at its tip to indicate the current position of the minute hand. Additionally, because the entire balance and escapement assembly is mounted on the minute bridge and constantly rotating, the minute bridge also functions as an orbital 60-minute flying carousel tourbillon. Powering the Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS is the brand’s in-house Caliber UN-240 automatic movement, which consists of pretty much everything inside the case that resides between the two sapphire crystals (aside from a few pieces like the hours/minutes flange and the small V-shaped indicators). The Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE OPS Cal. UN-240 consists of 229 components, and it runs at a frequency of 21,600bph (3 Hz) while offering users a rather generous power reserve of approximately 90 hours. The oversized oscillator, balance spring, and escape wheel all appear in blue silicon, while automatic winding is carried out by the brand’s proprietary Grinder winding system, which swaps out a traditional rotor-style setup for a rotating frame with four blades that creates twice the angular stroke to increase the winding efficiency of the movement.

Posted on by

tudor pelagos fxd chrono

Big news today from Tudor as the brand has launched two new Tudor Pelagos FXD variations in celebration of its partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, an America’s Cup yacht racing team. With a new chronograph and both models rocking carbon composite cases, it’s a big change from the Tudor Pelagos FXD‘s original military-derived intent, so let’s get to the details.
With one time-only model (ref 25707KN) coming in at 42mm and a brand new chronograph (25807KN) – a first for any Pelagos model – coming in at 43mm, both of these new FXDs have matte blue dials with red accents (think: Red Bull). Additionally, both use matte black carbon composite cases and have matching 120-click bi-directional titanium bezels set with carbon inserts that have fully-luminous 60-minute countdown scales.

The crown – and for the chrono, the pushers – are done in titanium, and the time-only model uses the Tudor MT5602 (the same as the standard FXD) while the Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono uses the MT5813 (which we’ve seen used in all manner of Black Bay Chronos). Both movements are COSC-certified chronometers, have 70 hours of power reserve, and beat at 4Hz). Those of you who prefer a date function will be happy to see one included at six o’clock on the chronograph.
Aside from the coloring, the direct references to the racing team are kept to a small nameplate at 12 o’clock on the rehaut (the minute marking ring that surrounds the edge of the dial), and a stainless steel case back featuring an engraving for the Alinghi Red Bull Racing team.

Similar to the original Tudor Pelagos FXD, both of the Alinghi models have fixed bars and come on a one-piece fabric strap that uses a hook-and-loop closure system. The time-only model costs $3,675, while the chronograph has a price tag of $5,075. Call me surprised, but I definitely didn’t expect this evolution of the FXD. Carbon cases? A chronograph? It’s a wild move that represents the most tech-forward evolution of the Pelagos since the model was introduced. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I’m here for it.
The watch world has long been fascinated by yacht racing, and that fascination has led to some really great watches made in conjunction with the various teams that battle for America’s Cup. Tudor started its partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing in 2022, and if you want a tough yacht racing-ready watch that can pull direct inspiration from the boat raced by the team, a carbon-cased Tudor Pelagos FXD chronograph seems like a great way to go about the task. This is also the first time that the material has been used for a production watch from Tudor (or a certain other sister brand).

The longer I look at the photos, the more I like the raw technical impression of the matte blue dial surrounded by the dark matte black of the carbon case. Additionally, I really dig the contrast of the titanium pushers/crown alongside the subtle carbon finish of the bezel insert. As for the weight figures, I have asked for the information and will update this story as soon as I can.
With or without the Alinghi Red Bull Racing connection, I can see both of these new FXDs being very popular among the Pelagos set. And despite the larger sizing (which should be in part mitigated by the case material), the chronograph feels like the stand-out from this racy new pair of Tudor Pelagos FXD. It represents another considerable evolution in the bloodline of the Pelagos as the line continues to represent the cutting-edge of Tudor’s work in truly modern sports watches.

Posted on by

Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358

If you’ve ever delved deep into Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 catalog, you may have noticed a fascinating assortment of high-jewelry watches, some of which include “mobile setting” whereby diamond-set petals sway to mimic floral nastic movement. I’ve seen one of these Breguet Crazy Flower watches in action, and the crazy part of the name is apt. I bring this up to emphasize that Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 takes its gem-setting very seriously; I’d say as seriously as the intricate watch complications it’s famous for. So, just in time for sparkle season, Breguet adds two new gem-set tourbillon models that merge high jewelry and high horology in dramatic fashion. Available in white gold or rose gold and blanketed in diamonds, the new Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 watches showcase the complex whirling mechanism that founder A.-L. Breguet was responsible for inventing, along with other design details that have become signatures of the brand. The first of the dazzling diamond pair is the Starlit Night, which features a white gold case, a varnished midnight blue mother-of-pearl dial, and a midnight blue alligator leather strap. The dial is decorated with a shower of diamond-set white gold stars while the shooting star-shaped tourbillon bridge is embellished with 45 snow-set diamonds and punctuated with a blue spinel at the center that serves as a pivoting stone for the Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 carriage. The other new Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 watch is the Stunning Sight, furnished with a rose gold case, a dial set with 281 diamonds, and a crimson-red alligator leather strap. There’s also the natural white mother-of-pearl chapter ring that frames the off-centered time display and its smile-shaped rose gold tourbillon bridge is set with 14 diamonds. Both models include an oval-shaped aperture at 6 o’clock for a view of the one-minute tourbillon, a rose-cut diamond set into the crown, diamonds set into the bezel and lugs, and triple folding gold clasps set with 42 diamonds. As is customary for almost all Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 watches, there are the Breguet-style hands, Breguet-style numerals, and fine fluting on the case sides. The cases measure 35mm in diameter (water-resistant to 30 meters) and are fitted with sapphire casebacks for a view of the magnificently engraved hand-wound 187 D movements powering the watches. Caliber 187 D oscillates at a frequency of 2.5 Hz and supplies 50 hours of power reserve.
Petite yet punchy, these high jewelry tourbillons are designed for the maximalist who adheres to the “more is more” philosophy. And to that, I say, why not? When executed to the level of excellence that Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 has achieved here, a women’s diamond tourbillon watch is a spectacular style choice that few can pull off. Clearly, these are not everyday watches for everyday folks, but if you are the type to get invited to events where a diamond tourbillon is appropriate, then Breguet would be the go-to source.

Posted on by

Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener

Launched just three years ago, Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener collection is the brand’s luxury sports watch collection with a fresh, contemporary design. Ranging from an affordable perpetual calendar with manufacture movement to automatic time-and-date models, the Highlife targets a younger audience. In 2022, Frederique Constant teamed up with the contemporary French musician and producer The Avener to promote the Highlife collection. Today, Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener and The Avener present two 39mm limited editions of the Highlife Automatic time-and-date with dials depicting the frequencies monitored on a recording studio console.
Tristan Casara, aka Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener, is a phenomenon on the deep house and electro-music scene and has sold over one million albums. As an ambassador for the Highlife collection, The Avener has put his personal seal on the two Highlife Automatic models. Presented in 39mm stainless steel cases with a thickness of 10.34mm, one is fitted with an integrated steel bracelet, while the second has a black sandblasted DLC coating with a matching rubber strap. The identity of the 100m water-resistant, barrel-shaped Highlife case with its half-moon facets is intact, and the steel version displays the characteristic brushed and polished finishings. Limited to 432 editions in each variant, this number corresponds to 432Hz, which is considered the perfect frequency, producing absolute harmony and promoting mental clarity and calmness.
The dials are decorated with a pattern that evokes the sound waves of studio monitors. On the stainless steel edition, the blue sound waves traverse the dial against a black background, the shade of blue being the same colour The Avener used on the cover of his first album. The black PVD model differs in that the sound waves are depicted concentrically. ‘A tempo’ is printed just above the date window at 6 o’clock, reminding musicians to recuperate a normal tempo after a slow or fast section. Although both models feature applied steel indices, the twelve hour markers on the black dial are filled with black luminescent material matching the hour and minute hands; the blue dial, however, has fewer indices (12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock) and the luminous material on the hour markers and hands appears to be white.
Powered by the automatic calibre FC-303 (base Sellita SW 200-1 without COSC chronometer certification), the movement can be seen on the reverse side of the case with its gold-coloured rotor delivering energy to the barrel for 38 hours.
The stainless steel Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener comes with a fully interchangeable integrated 3-link stainless steel bracelet with a folding buckle as well as an additional black rubber strap. The black DLC features a fully interchangeable black rubber strap and an additional black Nubuck leather strap with a pin buckle.