New Editions of the Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture

Frederique Constant’s mission statement to provide high-quality timepieces at accessible prices has never veered since the brand was founded in 1988. With the launch of its fully integrated manufacture in 2004, the brand was able to go even further up the mechanical complications ladder without betraying its philosophy of affordable luxury. Although there are still some quartz models in the women’s line-up, Frederique Constant has understood that there are plenty of women who appreciate mechanical movements. The Slimline collection, which includes men’s and women’s watches, combines elegant cases with complications ranging anywhere from the unbeatable value of the Slimline Perpetual Calendar or the groundbreaking Slimline Monolithic Manufacture to more poetic moon phase models for both sexes. The latest women’s moon phase to join the collection now adds s a pointer date function to the mix.

Although the watch is new to the women’s collection, it is identical to the men’s 38.8mm Slimline Moonphase Manufacture presented in 2017. In response to customers who thought the 42mm moon phase was too large, Frederique Constant came out with this 38.8mm model powered by automatic calibre FC-702, which split the moon phase complications and date into two different counters aligned horizontally across the centre of the dial.

Symmetry

Compared to the 2018 women’s model with its moon phase counter at noon and starry dial, the latest Slimline Moonphase Manufacture watches feature a more symmetrical layout with a pointer date counter at 9 o’clock and a moon phase indicator at 3 o’clock. Although the name “Slimline” of the watch would indicate a slim case height, the name refers to the rounded, almost bowl-shaped case structure that tapers to a smaller diameter on the reverse side.  Like the men’s version, the case is entirely polished to emphasise its appealing curves.

Available in 38.8mm stainless steel or rose gold-plated cases, the women’s models stand out with their feminine sprinkling of diamonds on the bezel and dial. The three-part case is polished and set with 60 diamonds (0.46 ct.) on the bezel. Like the men’s version, it has a large onion-shaped winding crown with deep grooves to set the time and moon phase functions.

The rose gold-plated models come with either a curved grey or a silver-coloured dial, while the stainless steel is only available with a silver dial – for the moment. Eight brilliant-cut diamonds and four slim applied baton markers represent the indices on the dial (rose gold-plated or silver). The hand-polished central hour and minute hands match the colour of the indices and are slightly curved to follow the curvature of the dial. Aligned symmetrically across the mid-section of the dial, the moon phase indicator on the right has a blue starry background and a golden moon, while the pointer date at 9 o’clock is slightly recessed and displays a snailed interior and dark Arabic numerals.

Quick Change straps

All three models are equipped with a quick-change system to change the dark blue or grey alligator leather strap in the comfort of your own home and come with an additional navy blue rubber strap.

In-house automatic

Visible through the sapphire caseback is Frederique Constant’s in-house automatic FC-702 calibre. Beating at 28,000vph, it delivers a power reserve of 38 hours. An openworked golden rotor reveals the perlage and circular Côtes de Genève decorating the movement along with the blued screws.

Price

The rose gold-plated Slimline Moonphase Manufacture models retail for EUR 4,595 and the steel model retails for EUR 4,295. For more information, please visit Frederique Constant’s website.