Frederique Constant, a young brand that attracts attention with its traditional designs as well as successfully applied soft-complications among entry-level Swiss watchmaker, introduced a pair of new models equipped with 24h display dials.
Complications are one of the indispensable elements of the luxury watchmaking. During the adventure of watchmaking from its early years to present time, the leading role has been often played by the complications. As a matter of fact, complications, which have a great effect on marketing strategies as well as variables like brand positioning and sense of quality, are barely practical in today’s world. However, some complications well deserve to be in the simple but functional group.
It is not difficult to decide which group of 12/24 hour dials are included. At the end of the day, the probability of being in a situation where you can’t differentiate between AM / PM (if you don’t spend the most of your time in a cave) is pretty less likely to happen. Nevertheless, rendering this function readable through bezel or dial mostly end up in visually successful designs. And the Frederique Constant Classics Automatic 24HR is one of these examples.
The new model comes with a 43mm diameter case that doesn’t quite match the name Classic. However, with the effect of the flat bezel and all mirror polished surfaces, I do not think that the watch will look that big on the wrist. The dial is decorated with Clous de Paris pattern and offered in two colors as silver and dark gray. The 24-hour display can be tracked with a fine scale positioned in the center of the dial that is accompanied with Alpha-style hands. Although it doesn’t bother me at all, a 12/24h dial lacking a date display is surely a bit of an interesting choice.
Frederique Constant Classics Automatic 24HR is powered by the ETA or Sellita based Caliber Ref. FC-332. 26 jewels self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph) and offers a 38-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The models are offered on black alligator straps with contrast stitching and with a MSRP of US $ 1,195.
