The 2016 limited-edition Frederique Constant Peking to Paris (ref. FC-303WBRP5B6) may not be revolutionary or groundbreaking in any meaning of the words, but it is still an interesting (albeit a tad overpriced) timekeeper for a person interested in a nice three-hander with a just a grain of sportiness to it. While the “limited edition” part may be a bit gimmicky (in a sense that you can’t seriously expect a piece limited to almost 2900 units to become a rarity in any foreseeable future,) all the rest is legit: it is an expertly designed, solidly built piece that is powered by a robust mechanism.
Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Chronograph (refs. FC-397HS5B6 & FC-397HDG5B4)
Despite its excessively (well, to my taste) long name, the Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey collection makes an impression of a well-designed accessory. While I wouldn’t call it ‘revolutionary’ or ‘groundbreaking’, it successfully combines standard elements of design into an attractive time measuring device. Purists would probably wince a little at the way they use gold-plating to make a stainless steel body look dressier, but I find nothing wrong with it: for those on a tight budget, a gold-plated watch is an excellent choice.
Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture Ladies (ref. FC-703VD3SD4)
The 2015 Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture Ladies (ref. FC-703VD3SD4) is one of the finest timekeepers introduced by the brand so far. It is also one of their (still precious few) models that are powered not by a slightly redecorated version of a run-off-the-mill blank movement made either by ETA or Sellita, but by a new caliber that was developed and built by Frederique Constant on their own production facilities. That says something, right?
Frederique Constant Runabout Chronograph Automatic Limited Edition (Refs. FC-393RM5B4 and FC-393RM5B6)
Available in two versions, each of them limited to 2888 pieces, the new collection of Frederique Constant Runabout automatic chronographs (Refs. FC-393RM5B4 and FC-393RM5B6) is an example of good industrial design with its large, clean dial both easily readable and pleasant to look at. Although its functionality (more on that later, you are going to raise at least one eyebrow) is somewhat limited compared to the previous Runabout Chrono, this model still makes a strong impression.
Frederique Constant Amour Pavee Heart Beat Limited Edition
The 2011 Frederique Constant Amour Heart Beat with its signature heart-shaped dial cutout has been reissued for this year as a limited edition series. Now called Frederique Constant Amour Pavee Heart Beat (refs. FC-310SQPV2PD6 and FC-310SQPV2PD4), the collection features more than a hundred of diamonds adorning its bezel and the mother-of-pearl dial.
Frederique Constant Moon Timer Automatic
The 2012 Frederique Constant Moon Timer (ref. FC-330B6B6) comes equipped with the same automatic movement as their rectangular-shaped Carree Moonphase Date model but is presented in a sportier, medium-sized body that reminds us about pocket watch-based models from the 1930s and perfectly matches its irresistibly vintage-styled dial layout. Curiously, the new timekeeper is more in line with the Heritage (Ref. AL-435B4SH6) model range that was recently updated by their sister brand Alpina.
Frederique Constant Carrera Panamericana Limited Edition (FC-435S6B6 & FC-435V6B6)
During the Baselworld 2012 international trade fair that took place in March, right, 2012, the Swiss brand has present its limited edition Frederique Constant Carrera Panamericana (refs. FC-435S6B6 & FC-435V6B6) collection. Presented in two versions (each limited to 1888 numbered pieces,) it was powered by a hand-wound movement based on a “vintage” pocket-watch caliber.
Frederique Constant Maxime Manufacture Automatic Silicium
This year the Swiss brand has presented a whole plethora of watches equipped with their revised FC-700 in-house automatic movement sporting a lube-free silicon escapement. The new Frederique Constant Maxime Manufacture Automatic Silicium (ref. FC-700SMG5M6) is one of them.
Frederique Constant Heart Beat Manufacture GMT Automatic
The 2011 Frederique Constant Heart Beat Manufacture GMT (ref. FC-938WR4H6) is yet another resolute step of the young brand towards becoming a true Manufacture, which is capable of making its own calibers.
Frederique Constant Junior Ladies Quartz Watches
The new Frederique Constant Junior Ladies (refs. FC-200M1ER6B, FC-200WA1ER6B and FC-200WHD1ER6B) collection a “jump-start kit” for the parents that want to make a nice birthday gift or a back to school present for their teenage kid, but are not yet ready to buy her a really expensive Swiss Made timepiece powered by a fine mechanical movement.