Frederique Constant from the young and successful brands of the watch industry introduced the new generation of its highly acclaimed Slimline Moonphase Manufacture model. Offering an exceptionally successful price/performance rate, the new model draws attention with its refined movement as well as its updated look.
As mentioned in the video where we shared our impressions about the Baselworld 2017 exhibition, a new price structure is bouncing across the watchmaking industry in general. The entry and mid level brands try to create demand with new models aiming upper segments, the luxury watchmakers launch new products which belongs to lower price ranges. This situation, which emerged as a reaction to the recessing watchmaking industry which became obvious especially last year, ends up creating more alternatives for the end users as well as nicer prices.
The "affordable price" may be a new concept for some brands as its been emerged due to the compulsory requirements of the market, it’s not the same for Frederique Constant as the young brand always focused on high price / performance ratio since its establishment.
Frederique Constant was acquired by the giant far eastern watchmaker Citizen –which was an unusual management change for a Swiss origin brand. It is not easy to assume the results of the synergy between two brands by now however, seeing new Frederique Constant models created with the same value proposition products undoubtedly makes many watch enthusiasts happy. The new generation Slimline Moonphase Manufacture, which the brand introduces recently, is again confronted as one of the models following the same path.
The first-generation Slimline Moonphase Manufacture, which attracted a lot of attention when it was debuted, had a moon phase indicator and a pointer-style date display in the same sub-dial. The new generation Caliber Ref. FC-702, which was developed in-house in the Plan-les-Ouates production facilities that the brand has recently expanded and modernized, in the new Slimline Moonphase Manufacture, these two functions are shown in symmetrically placed sub-dials that reminds us the Bi-Compax chronograph lay-out.
The new movement, which can be enjoyed through the sapphire crystal display caseback, beats at 28800vph and offers a 42 hour power reserve when fully wound. The self-winding movement is decorated with classic Côtes de Genève motifs and all its functions are operated with a single winding crown like its predecessor.
The upgrades in the new model are not limited to the movement and dial lay-out only. Frederique Constant designed a brand new case for the Slimline Moonphase Manufacture model. Unlike the first generation model’s case measuring 42.5mm in diameter, the new version’s case is designed with a diameter of 38.8mm which suits better with the classic dress complication of the collection.
Slimline Moonphase Manufacture offers a pair of case options as stainless steel or pink gold plated. There are also two dial colors to choose from as silver or black. While the silver dial is available with both case options, the black dial is offered with the pink gold plated case only.
Both versions are priced modestly as expected as € 2695 for the stainless steel versions and € 2995 for the pink gold plated models.
