Frederique Constant, who managed to make a name for itself with its successful breakthroughs in the name of luxury watchmaking as well as its brilliant price/performance ratio products, offers a stylish alternative to boat lovers with its Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown, a model specially designed for yacht races.
Frederique Constant once again gives life to the Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown model, which was introduced in 1997 for the first time. This unique complication, which is used to calculate the countdown process ranging from 5 to 15 minutes in yacht races, meets the simple yet stylish design philosophy of the brand.
The model we put under the spotlight comes with a 42mm diameter stainless steel case. The case, which has a convex sapphire crystal on the front and a cover with a sapphire crystal display on the back, is resistant to water pressure up to 100 meters.
The model's dial is home to a stylish anthracite-tone background. Baton-style applique indexes and leaf-shaped hands accompany the dial, which has gained dynamism with the Guilloché pattern added with the printing method. The indicator, located at 12 o'clock and designed in the form of a crescent, consists of windows that will show the countdown time required to start the race.
Now let's take a look at how this complication that gives the model its name works. Each dot on the top of the dial represents 1 minute. Pressing the top button starts the first countdown and gradually turns all dots from gray to white. When all 5 dots are white, 5 minutes have passed. The second countdown is done for the last 5 minutes before the start signal and starts automatically after the first countdown. This time, the 5 dots gradually turn orange. When the 5th/final dot has turned orange and the second's hand is at 12 o’clock, the regatta is officially underway. The pusher at 4 o'clock on the case resets the countdown process.
Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown works with the Caliber FC-380, which is designed by adding the Regatta Countdown module on the Sellita SW-500 movement. The automatic movement, operating at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph), offers up to 48 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The model comes with an integrated stainless steel bracelet, which is secured by a Frederique Constant signed push-release butterfly clasp. The model’s box-set includes an additional rubber strap for an even sportier look. Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown Ref. FC-380GT4H6B is featured on the brand's global website with a price tag of CHF 3,695.00.
