The top three Frederique Constant releases of 2022
Ricardo SimeLast year saw many brands reinvent themselves, create completely new collections, or try to grab hold of the latest hype train for dear life. Yet some brands doubled down on their sensibilities and reminded us what it is they stand for. One of those being Frederique Constant, who continue to grow as a company on the foundation of affordable luxury. Here are my top three Frederique Constant releases of 2022 that really drove that message home.
Naked Watchmaker x Frederique Constant
Everyone loves a good collaboration. Which is what we got here with the Naked Watchmaker x Frederique Constant.
The watch uses the brand’s Perpetual Calendar Manufacture as its base. From there, the Naked Watchmaker, Peter Speake-Marin, stripped back the design. The dial was skeletonised. Blue movement parts played background to the brown of the dial. A brown that continues with the accompanying textile strap.
My favourite part of the design though has to be vibrant green lume. It shouldn’t work. But somehow, someway, it does.
| Model | Naked Watchmaker x Frederique Constant Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Limited Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm x 11.3mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Skeleton Dial |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Brown Textile Strap |
| Movement | Manufacture FC-755 |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, day, date, leap year, moon phase |
| Availability | Sold Out – 99 pieces |
| Price | EUR 9,995 |
Highlife Chronograph Automatic
Frederique Constant quietly released its Highlife Chronograph this year. And if you haven’t got a chance to try one on, I highly suggest you do.
While other chronographs have gone for a more sharp and faceted approach for their chronographs, the smooth curves of the Highlife case create a different experience here. On the wrist, this means a casual/ dressy experience that allows the watch to work in more situations than not.
And of the Highlife chronographs, the one that really stood out was the blue panda pictured above. When coupled with the blue leather strap, the package presents as the best chronograph they have in their catalogue.
| Model | Highlife Chronograph Automatic FC-391WN4NH6 |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm x 14.22mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Blue and White Panda Dial |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Blue Leather |
| Movement | FC-391 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, Seconds, Chronograph Seconds, 30 minute and 12 hour Chronograph Counter |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$3,795 |
Classics Worldtimer Manufacture Globetrotter Edition
One of my favourite complications is the worldtimer. The visual of some of the most well known cities in the world, on the dial, inspires dreams of visiting these faraway places.
With the Classics Worldtimer Manufacture Globetrotter Edition, Frederique Constant trades in that romanticism for the everyday appeal of a purpose-built tool. All by replacing the city names with that of airport codes and giving the titanium case a black PVD treatment. It results in a watch many a pilot would enjoy wearing. Whether in the cockpit of an airliner or a jet fighter.
Or on the wrist of someone who wishes they were flying in either one.
| Model | Classics Worldtimer Manufacture Globetrotter Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm x 12.1mm |
| Case Material | Black PVD Titanium |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Dial | Black and White |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Black Alligator |
| Movement | FC-718 |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Worldtimer |
| Availability | Now – 300 pieces |
| Price | US $4,495 |