Classic Tourbillon Manufacture
An arrival in steel
Following the success of a first anniversary limited series in rose gold launched at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2023, Frédérique Constant now unveils its Classic Tourbillon Manufacture in steel. Presented on a 39 mm-diameter case, this timepiece features a silver or blue dial, subtly blending contemporary spirit with classic design. Showcasing the watchmaking expertise of the Geneva-based Manufacture with its tourbillon visible at 6 o’clock, these two original variations remain in limited editions of 350 pieces each.
Two anniversaries, two creations
Founded in 1988, Frédérique Constant celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2023. But this year also coincides with the 15th anniversary of its first Manufacture Tourbillon movement, launched in 2008. Now one of the company’s flagship developments, the FC-980 powers the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture.
With these two new iterations, the Swiss watch brand continues on the path of its original success in democratizing Swiss Made luxury watchmaking. Indeed, the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture in steel currently represents one of the most interesting offerings on the market in terms of watch complications expressed in a classic design.
A new case diameter
Both models share the same DNA, one that honors the noble tradition of watchmaking. The case has a very restrained diameter of just 39 mm. This has long been the most popular size with collectors, especially for a classic Haute Horlogerie timepiece such as a tourbillon. It’s also a contemporary diameter, perfectly suited to both men’s and women’s wrists, to which the Maison is returning for all new Classic Manufacture models (previously 42 mm).
A dial with a refined aesthetic
This Classic Tourbillon Manufacture comes in blue and silver variations, giving it a highly contemporary character. The first version offers a midnight-blue sunray dial, set in a fully polished steel case and worn on a blue matte alligator strap. The second plays a different score, with a silver sunray dial on an identical strap.
The decoration is minimalist and modern, with tapered hour-markers, hand-applied flush with the dial and diamond-faceted, just like the hands – a technique that guarantees absolute brilliance. Opposite the sober “Frederique Constant – Genève” signature at 12 o’clock, at 6 o’clock is the opening for this timepiece’s queen complication: the tourbillon.
An age-old watchmaking complication, but modernized
Conceived at the end of the 18th century and patented in 1801, the tourbillon aims to compensate for the effects of gravity on the movement by shifting the positions of its escapement through a multitude of positions, in order to establish an ideal running average. The meticulous process provides the timepiece with enhanced running precision – the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture’s running precision is guaranteed for 38 hours.
However, Frédérique Constant has not contented itself with reproducing this 220-year-old complication. The Manufacture has enriched it with a silicon escapement wheel and anchor, and has been doing so for the past 15 years. This choice offers the owner a movement that is more resistant to the effects of magnetism and temperature variations, and consequently more precise, in keeping with the tourbillon’s original vocation.
Finally, a final detail in terms of precision, the tourbillon also features a central seconds hand – with stop-seconds function. At 6 o’clock, the tourbillon benefits from a large, encircled aperture that offers an unobstructed, exhaustive view of the precious escapement – a view complemented on the back by a sapphire crystal that lets you admire its intimacy.
Each piece is individually numbered on the tourbillon cage, as well as on an engraving on the back, where the discerning aesthete can admire the Manufacture FC-980 movement’s finishes – bevelling, circular graining, strapping, drawn flanks and mirror polish – in the purest tradition of Swiss Haute Horlogerie.
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