The Frederique Constant Moonphase Date Manufacture is packed with characterful, simple details
Buffy AcaciaFrederique Constant have spent the last couple of years raising our expectations. Moving away from the “affordable alternative” side of the Swiss marketplace to reiterate its higher-end lines, watches like the Slimline Perpetual Calendar Manufacture and the Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture have reminded us of the brand’s capabilities. Now that their reputation truly precedes them, the new Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture is a return to the simple and elegant timepieces for which most people fell in love with the brand, carrying a fresh in-house movement.
The case
When you’re working within the realm of minimalist designs, every tiny detail counts tenfold. Case design can easily be overlooked, but when the dial doesn’t suck you in with intense colour or texture, then it’s necessary to ensure a holistic package. Here, the case of the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture has been fuelled with subtle but powerful character. Made from stainless steel, the front-on silhouette of the watch is surprisingly stocky. The bezel is relatively chunky, evoking a 1950s feel, and the lugs have blocky tips with slivers of chamfering on the edges. The jumbo onion crown also brings a distinct antique charm.
At 40mm, there’s no mistaking this model for a vintage watch, but many of the visual cues are there. The case is assembled in three parts, which gives a slight stepped appearance to the bezel, a look which goes back to the ‘20s and ‘30s. It’s 12.4mm thick, which isn’t exactly slim, but it’s not overly bulky for its style or for a dress cuff. Of course the stainless steel is entirely polished, maintaining a firm barrier against any inklings of sportiness. That’s not to say that the Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture is exclusively a dress watch, because it’s definitely still capable of being worn casually, but an inherently dressy watch can always be dressed up or down, and sporty watches are not the same.
The dial
It would be all too easy to describe a dial as clean as this one as clinical, and yet there’s certainly a soul on display here. The Saxon-style alpha hands match the character of the faceted arrowhead indices perfectly, with their tips falling just shy of their respective markers, and the second hand reaching further into the minute track. The logo printing is entirely capitalised and highly formal, balancing a nice amount of negative space. The obvious star of the show however is the centrepiece at 6 o’clock, with a moonphase display tucked within a pointer date.
The pointer date’s hand is curved, echoing the shape of the moonphase and contrasting against the sharp lines of the rest of the dial, with a captivating silver moon amongst a deep blue and starry sky. The typeface used for the numerals is evidently vintage in style, with open sixes and nines. Surrounding all of this is a silky-smooth sunburst finish, exploring the various dynamic tones of silver, navy blue, and dark forest green.
The movement
Frederique Constant have been producing true in-house movements for far longer than most people realise, and the FC-716 is one of its newest efforts. A moonphase and pointer date are not the most outlandish of complications, but they are some of the most elegant. It’s also loaded with a 72-hour power reserve at a full 4Hz beat rate, providing a smooth sweep to the seconds hand. There is a sapphire display caseback which lets you view the golden automatic winding rotor, an enchanting central plate with a twisting côtes de Genève texture, and perlage on the bases around the edge.
The strap
A colour-matched strap made from alligator leather is the perfect choice for a watch like this, remaining understated but noticeably luxurious. There’s also a milled folding clasp for security and ease of wear. The lug width is 20mm, so you can easily play around with other straps if you would like, but there is no quick-release system so you will need to be careful not to scratch the metal with a spring bar tool.
The verdict
It is incredibly easy to make a very boring watch which doesn’t look too different from this, and someone who isn’t into watches may even say they look the same. But, attention to detail and the clever use of characterful design has elevated the Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture to a beautiful level. The brand hasn’t put a single thing out of place, and its beauty is backed up by a quality in-house movement. What more could you want?
Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture pricing and availability
The Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture will be available from Frederique Constant retailers. Price: US$4,095
| Brand | Frederique Constant |
| Model | Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture |
| Reference Number | FC-716S3H6 FC-716N3H6 FC-716GR3H6 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 12.4mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Silver, blue, or green sunburst |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Colour-matched alligator leather |
| Movement | Calibre FC-716, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, moonphase, pointer date |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | US$4,095 |