GENEVA WATCH DAYS: Frederique Constant and Alpina refine two of their classics
Ricardo SimeFrederique Constant and Alpina are two brands that have existed under the Citizen Watch group umbrella for some time. Each bring something special to the table, whether it be through the movement innovations and timeless designs supplied by Frederique Constant or the bold, adventure-driven watches presented by Alpina. With Geneva Watch Days, each brand continues this story, but this time adding a welcome dash of refinement.
Here’s what’s new with both brands.
Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic
Created to bring the accuracy of regulator watches to the alpine climbers and adventurists Alpina normally serves, the Avalanche Extreme Regulator was initially released in 2005. At 48mm, it had quite the wrist presence. However, in bringing this watch back at Geneva Watch Days, Alpina has put it on an extreme diet. One that now sees this sporty piece shrunk down to a more wrist-friendly 41mm. And it’s not just there the brand made changes. The case is now more refined with sharper facets and cleaner vertical brushing. We also have beautiful polished chamfers on all four sides of its cushion shape. Furthermore, the dial’s triangle pattern no longer graces just its centre, but the whole dial. The perfect exclamation point to it’s sporty appeal.
To celebrate its return, Alpina has limited production to only 888 pieces.
| Brand | Alpina |
| Model | Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic |
| Case Diameter | 41 mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres (screw-down crown) |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystals |
| Dials | Grey with Alpina triangle pattern |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | Dark Blue Rubber with deployant clasp |
| Movement | Unitas-based AL-650 (hours, minutes, seconds) |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Availability | Available October |
| Price | $2,195 USD |
Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Manufacture
When I think of Frederique Constant, classic designs tend to be the first thing on my mind. Dressy watches and manufacture chronographs tend to grace their catalogue.
So it was no surprise to me when they announced for Geneva Watch Days that a Classics Heart Beat Manufacture would be released. It wasn’t until I got to see these new pieces that I realised and appreciated what the brand was doing. From the use of the “heart” and “leaf” hands instead of Breguet to the perfectly circular, large aperture used to display the escapement. And even the use of a 39mm case when the brand tends to do 42. These all create a more refined dress watch interpretation from the brand. One I hope continues.
The rose-gold version of this dress watch will be limited to 93 pieces while the more accessible stainless-steel version will be limited to 930.
| Brand | Frederique Constant |
| Model | Classics Heart Beat Manufacture |
| Case Diameter | 39 mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel or Polished 18K Rose Gold |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres (Stainless Steel) 30 metres (Rose Gold) |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystals |
| Dials | White Laquered |
| Lug Width | 20 mm |
| Strap | Black Alligator (Stainless Steel) Brown Alligator (Rose Gold) |
| Movement | Manufacture FC-930-3 (hours, minutes, seconds) |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Availability | Available December |
| Price | $4,395 USD (Stainless Steel) $17,995 USD (Rose Gold) |