Frederique Constant lands at the Time+Tide Watch Discovery Studio

Tom Austin

As we endlessly meander through the time-bending wormhole that is January, it’s easy to forget that it was just 8 weeks ago that we launched our very first collaboration with decorated Swiss watchmaker Frederique Constant. Our Highlife Moonphase Manufacture Onyx Moon not only celebrated a string of firsts for the brand and signified a milestone for us here at Time+Tide, but it also represented the beginning of a beautiful partnership.

This is because we’re now proud to welcome Frederique Constant into the Time+Tide Studio, where, for the first time, you can try on and purchase a limited, curated selection of the brand’s most iconic watches. Let’s dive into some of the watches we’ve selected for you.

Moonphase mania

If the Highlife Moonphase Manufacture Onyx Moon collab wasn’t enough, we have selected a range of alternative watches with moonphase complications to browse through. First of all, the Classics Moneta Moonphase, with its elegant, 37mm proportions and distinctive coin-edged inner bezel. Its beautiful sunburst dial comes in either an understated silver, elegant black or characterful blue, and is paired with 60s-like, sharp, faceted dial furniture. As far as dress watches go, the Moneta strikes a balance that makes it a perfect quartz-powered everyday wearer.

Perhaps you prefer your moonphase to have an in-house, automatic mechanical movement? If so, the Classic Moonphase Date is the model of choice. Powering the watch is the calibre FC-716, visible through the sapphire exhibition case back, which puts the golden automatic rotor, along with côtes de Genève and perlage finishing, on full view. If you do happen to prefer your model without a moonphase, we are offering the date-only version, too, with a stunning salmon sunray dial.

Housed in a 40mm case made from polished stainless steel that sits gorgeously on the wrist, we’ve selected two of the best dial variations for you to choose from. First of all, there’s a ghostly, quintessential silver sunburst, bringing a real classic that has presence without being too attention-grabbing. But if you want something that stands out a little more, there’s a dark forest-green sunburst dial that leans more contemporary while remaining elegant and sophisticated. Both dials feature the stunning moonphase indicator and date wheel at 6 o’clock.

Art Deco archetypes

The Time+Tide x Frederique Constant activation isn’t limited to larger, masculine-centric everyday-dress watches. If you lean more towards smaller, more elegant watches with a hint of Art Deco inspiration, these models are definitely worth a look. First, we have the glam-rock styled Classics Manchette, a cuff-style watch which is both graceful and full of expression at the same time. Offered in either monochromatic black or white dials for an understated look, or alternatively, with a vibrant green malachite dial to add a touch of stunning character and style.

If your preferences lean towards something more classic and timeless, the Art Deco Carree might be the ideal choice. As Frederique Constant’s take on a 1920s-inspired ladies’ watch, the Carree combines an intricately decorated rectangular case, a captivating mother-of-pearl dial with Roman numerals, and a classically styled multi-link bracelet to offer timeless style and sophistication. At 28mm in size, and paired with a sturdy quartz movement and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, it’s an ideal everyday dress watch, even if it looks more delicate than it is.

If more traditional, circular watches are your style, there’s still a sprinkle of Art Deco inspiration to be found while keeping the dimensions smaller. Aptly named the Art Deco Round, it features all the details from the aforementioned Carree, albeit in a coin-edged, round 30mm case, and of course, finished in a two-toned, gold and polished stainless steel finish.

Just because you like some bling doesn’t mean it has to be small. The Carree Small Seconds gives us all the traditional style of a rectangular classic, with a Roman numeral monochrome dial, featuring a tiny small seconds dial at six. The difference is that it’s housed in a 37mm stainless steel case, which is adorned with pavé diamonds, stretched across the entire front face of the case, taking the Carree to the next level in terms of luxuriousness.

The heavy hitters

Frederique Constant isn’t just about choosing a watch for stylistic purposes; our curated selection picks out some of the other, more dramatic and complicated pieces, too. Most notably, the earthy brown tones of the Worldtimer Manufacture, which brings class and complication to the Highlife collection.

The dial may look complex, but it’s with good reason, as it highlights day and night with a GMT ring, along with all the usual cities across the world, finished with an oversized date wheel at six. The combination of different brown tones gives it a retro feel, while inside, the in-house FC-718 calibre brings it bang up to date as a complicated, reliable automatic mechanical adventure companion.

Last but absolutely no means least, there’s the combination of tradition and elegance that is, the Classics Premiere. Available with strikingly textured blue dials, either with Breguet-style or Roman polished numerals, it features a perfectly-sized 38.5mm diameter stainless steel case, which is just a hair over 10mm thick. Available in either a jubilee-style multi-link bracelet or alligator-patterned leather straps, the Classics Premiere gives off a vintage vibe while remaining contemporary at heart.

Closing thoughts

These Frederique Constant novelties have been selected for their varied styles and design elements that we just know you will love. They represent everything the brand is capable of, both technically and stylistically. But, you’ll have to be quick, as they will only be with us in the Time+Tide London Watch Discovery Studio for a limited time and in limited numbers. If you can’t make it to the Studio, then we have you covered, because the full curated range is also available at the Time+Tide Shop.