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Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Chronograph

Here at HODINKEE, we cover a lot of different watches, from breathtaking vintage pieces to cutting-edge marvels of high technology. We strive to show you only pieces that represent value – whether monetary, aesthetic, or technical – though often these watches fall outside the range of financial accessibility for a large segment of the population. With this in mind, we offer you The Value Proposition, a weekly column exploring watches under $3,000 that we believe offer true value without compromising technical or aesthetic quality. The first watch we’ll look at is the Frederique Constant Classics Manufacture in stainless steel.

Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Chronograph is a relatively new Swiss brand, founded in 1988 by Peter Stas and Aletta Bax (the brand name is derived from Peter and Aletta’s respective middle names). From the beginning, the firm was focused on producing mechanical wristwatches made in Switzerland at an affordable price point, and the Classics Manufacture fully embodies this ethos.
At first glance, the watch appears elegant with its classic silver hobnail guilloché dial and simple 42mm stainless steel case. The black hour, minute, and second hands are all hand-polished and made of black oxidized metal that complements the Roman numerals surrounding the main dial. With the black alligator strap, this is the type of watch that works very well on a daily basis for business while still packing a punch for even more elegant occasions.

At 6 o’clock, you’ll find the watch’s only complication, a date function with sunray guilloché decoration. With the exception of the “31” and “1” being set too close together, the dates are legible around the dial. The sunray guilloché pattern on the dial contrasts nicely with the main dial’s hobnail guilloché decoration, creating visual texture that is dynamic, yet still subtle due to the monochromatic color scheme.
The date sub-dial bisects the words “Swiss made” – a designation taken very seriously by Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Chronograph. There is no outsourcing for its in-house movements; all components are made in Switzerland, primarily in the manufacturer’s Plan-les-Ouates factory.

Early on, the brand used ETA movements and then later used ETA components in its “in-house” movements. However, now everything is custom made for the manufacture movements. Certain parts like rubies and wheels are produced in collaboration with other production facilities in Switzerland, though all these facilities utilize procedures developed by Frederique Constant.
The Classics Manufacture is powered by calibre FC-710, an in-house automatic movement with 42-hour power reserve. While a portion of the movement is decorated with perlage and Côtes de Genève, the brand forgoes decoration on the underside of components to further support an accessible price point. For the money though, the finishing is nice and clean instead of going for a faux-luxe look.

The Frederique Constant Classics Manufacture is priced at $2,795, coming in just under our $3,000 bar. At this price however, it’s certainly one of the few watches in its class with an in-house, Swiss-made calibre and solid finishing across the dial, case, and movement.

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Glashuette Original Senator Excellence Panorama Date

Sometimes a classic watch is anything but ordinary. Let’s take a close look at a watch with a timeless design from a German watchmaker who has held his own against most luxury Swiss watchmakers.

From the Saxon region in Germany, Glashuette Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date shares their little watchmaking town with a few more watchmakers par excellence such as A. Lange & Sohne, and the most recent major player in the German watchmaking arena; Nomos. Let’s take a close look at their Glashutte Senator Panorama Date to explain what makes this wristwatch the special timepiece that it is.
As part of Glashutte Original’s Quintessential collection, the Senator Panorama Date series has a special place. Most of the other watches in the Glashutte Quintessentials collection have busier-looking dials which include sub-dials, power reserves, and such.

However, the Glashuette Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date is a three-hand watch that has a stronger semblance to the watches found in the Senator Excellence collection and was designed with a clean and lean classic-looking off-white/cream colored dial. The black Roman numerals are finely printed and seem to hang from the railroad seconds track which wraps around the perimeter of the dial.

One of the most striking features of this watch is its elegantly shaped hands. The hour hand has an elongated spade shape while the minute’s hand has an oblong hourglass shape. The second hand is slender and has a Glashutte Original logo as a counterweight on the other end. The same hand design combination can be found in the Glashutte Original Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar.

Even more striking than the carefully crafted shapely hands is the hue of blued steel. This beautiful shade of blue is achieved through a thermal reaction wherein which the steel is evenly heated using a process that changes its color.
Between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions on the dial, there is the date aperture which displays the date using a stately bold serif font. The date mechanism uses a double-disc to function. The solid 18kt rose gold case has a diameter of 40mm which is a conservative men’s size for today’s growing trend of larger watches. The rose gold case is 11.52mm thick and tucks away nicely underneath a shirt cuff. One nice feature that the GO Senator Panorama Date offers is a recessed seconds-reset button which is discreetly located on the side of the case at the 8 o’clock position and can be pushed using a special stylus tool that comes with the watch.
This watch is powered by an in-house Glashuette Original Senator Chronograph Panorama Date caliber 100-03 movement which beats at 28,800 VpH, contains 51 jewels, and has a power reserve of about 55 hours when fully wound.

As with just about every Glashutte caliber you can expect some impressive craftsmanship and skilled finishing on the movement which you can see through the transparent sapphire crystal case back. The rotor that provides the bi-directional automatic winding has a skeletonized emblem with the letter G back-to-back in gold. There is also a weighted 21kt gold strip at the edge of the rotor which is beautifully finished with striped finishing which can also be found on the 3-quarter plate. Below is a photo of the 100-03 caliber as seen through the sapphire crystal transparent case back of the stainless steel model # 100-03-32-42-04. Pay attention to how the striped finishing causes light to refract off the movement and light it up. It really adds to the magnificence of the caliber.
One of the things that I have always found fascinating about mechanical watch calibers made in Glashutte is the flashes of vibrant colors that are found on the caliber. The blued screws to the pink ruby jewel bearings and even the polished and finished steel and gold. It all provides for a movement that looks more like a piece of fine art and less like a micromechanical engine.

The rose gold model depicted at the beginning of this post is the reference number 100-03-32-45-04 and comes on a black alligator leather strap with a folding buckle in a matching 18kt rose gold. This model has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $19,500 but can be purchased here at a discounted price.

There is also a stainless-steel model that has reference number 100-03-32-42-04 which is hard to come by these days since this series is being phased out and replaced with a newer version which is now being placed in the Senator Excellence collection called the Senator Excellence Panorama Date. It has a slightly different look to the dial which uses both index hour markers and Roman numerals and is powered by a newer movement, the 36-03, which has a better power reserve.

The 100-03-32-42-04 had an MSRP of $8,900 and we happen to have one left in unworn/brand new condition and is currently selling a few thousand less than the MSRP. Both models (the stainless steel 100-03-32-42-04 and the rose gold 100-03-32-45-04) use the same exact spectacular 100-03 self-winding movement. The only difference between the two watches is the case material. One is stainless steel while the other is rose gold.

In summation, this collection has some very beautiful watches and no matter which model you choose, you will own a piece of fine horology, German precision engineering, and artisanal craftsmanship.

Click here to read more about Glashutte Original watches or browse their various collections, click the button below.
Irecently had an excellent opportunity to try out a brand new timepiece from German-based watchmaker Glashütte Original. The brand introduced the Senator Excellence collection back in 2016, and at Baselworld this year it added more options which are less formal than the first editions. It was apparent to Glashütte Original that, while very handsome to look at, the first watches with their imposing Roman numerals were a lot less appealing to the younger market. To change this, they created a watch which has become one of my personal favourite dress watches, here’s my take on the Senator Excellence Panorama Date Moon Phase. While those Roman numeral versions are also available in 18K red gold, these new pieces are only available in steel for now, though I suspect a gold version may come along in the future, even white gold perhaps.
The first thing I noticed about it upon taking it out of the FedEx box was just how light it is for the size of the case. The watch weighs in at 86 grams on our patented VSS (Very Scientific (kitchen) Scales), despite this, the stainless steel case is 42mm in diameter, polished on the bezel and lugs and brushed on the sides. It would be interesting to see what the watch is like when put on the stainless steel multi-link bracelet, but then I would have missed out on the awesome leather strap. There’ll be more on that in a bit.
The dial is very clean, legible and oh-so German in design. Only the bare essentials here, there’s not much writing, and the Glashütte Original logo is quite small. Above that logo is the moon phase display. The moon phase itself is very accurate, requiring a reset only once every 122 years. It contrasts with the blue of the dial quite well, as the disk is silver, but this does make the tiny stars quite hard to make out, I know they are microscopic, but collectors of such fine timepieces enjoy examining them with a loupe. The moon itself is brilliantly polished and inverse domed in shape, this isn’t visible to the naked eye, but it does show up with a macro lens.

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Glashuette Original Sixties Chronograph Annual Edition

Glashuette Original Sixties Chronograph Annual Edition Replica Watch 1-39-34-05-22-04
Stainless steel case
Ultra-slim case in polished stainless steel
Handmade dial
Domed and embossed dial with dégradé effect, incised indexes, printed Arabic numerals and Super-LumiNova luminous dots, hands with Super-LumiNova inlays, auxiliary dials for small second and 30-minute display
Strap
Grey-brown nubuck calfskin strap with pin buckle
Custom-made for the modern dandy
Like the trendsetters of the Swinging Sixties, this latest addition leaves nothing to chance when it comes to looks and rhythm. The new chronograph features a dark green dégradé dial, a handmade automatic movement and charisma as cool as anything the music and fashion of the sixties had to offer.
A bright green dial
The stainless steel case leads the eye to a handmade retro dial. The dégradé effect travels from a bright green at the centre to a darker shade at the edge. The dial also features a finely textured surface made using the original tools and methods of the time
Shaped for a perfect fit
A specially-formed sapphire crystal case back ensures optimal views of the traditionally finished automatic movement and offers excellent wearer comfort as well, so the watch can fit snugly around the wrist.

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Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer

A quartz moonphase makes sense for most people that want a moonphase complication. I know a lot of people that have gone for a mechanical moonphase that don’t leave it on a winder.

I don’t judge, I do the exact same thing- my Longines Master Collection Moonphase isn’t on a winder, either. D’oh!

In any case, a moonphase is a nice complication to add to a dressier watch. It adds something interesting to the watch, as well as a bit of color to the dial. To enjoy the complication the most, I’d get mine with a quartz. Set and forget – at least for a good long while – and always in sync with the Earth’s largest satellite. Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer

In December, I had the unbelievable luxury of being able to pick any watch I wanted to photograph and review. So, I thought it’d be nice to check out another Frederique Constant and picked the FC-270SW4P5 Business Timer. This upscale quartz is packed with the usual trimmings (sappphire/etc.) and three subdials: day/date, and moonphase.

Certified Watch Store delivered this to my door on December 19 and currently has it available for Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer. It is also currently available on Amazon for Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer.
As far as notable Swiss watchmakers go, Frederique Constant is relatively young. Founded in 1988, the roots of the company reach as far back as 1904 (you can learn more about their heritage here). They are based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva and have successfully competed toe to toe with many other entry-level luxury watch manufacturers since the launch of their first collection in 1992.

In 2002, the company acquired Alpina watches – another brand I’ve been itching to get some face time with – and have been heavily invested in the entry-level luxury watch market. Accessible luxury is a pillar of their brand identity, as is in-house manufacturing and handmade quality.
Several weeks ago I reviewed the Mido Commander II, which I thought was an awesome looking watch that was held back a bit by its gold PVD bracelet and case. Like the Mido, this Frederique has a gold case. However, unlike the Mido, the gold on this case appears to be better able to withstand the rigors of daily wear.Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer

That’s a great thing, too, because it’s absolutely posh in yellow gold. It’s elegant yet and subtle – its 40mm diameter case and cream/gold dial limit just how much gold the watch can project.
A brown Crococalf leather strap also goes a long way in toning down the impact of the gold and is a nice complement to the color scheme.

The strap is comfortable to wear, and it molded to my wrist quickly.

I find it interesting that they opted for a classic buckle on the Business Timer. A deployant clasp would suit the watch well, especially because it’s likely to get a fair amount of wear. Considering the MSRP is north of $1,000 (even if only just), it also seems price appropriate.

Deployant or not, the buckle shows the same quality as the rest of the watch. The logo engraved on the buckle is even and free of defects. It looks quite regal.
I am a sucker for a classic dress watch, and the Classics Business Timer (appropriately named) jives with my tastes. I especially love the week counter, which surrounds the dial and is referenced by a black arrow with a red head.Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer

The day and date subdials are both finely grooved, as is the covered 2/3’s of the moonphase display. The rest of the dial is textured – like thick cardstock paper – and luxurious. The golden applied indices are free of defects and looks great. Aside from the gold hour/minute hands, the only other touch of gold on the dial is the moon and the stars in 6 o’clock moonphase display.

Without question, the Business Timer is a fine looking dress watch and an excellent example of how Frederique Constant can deftly execute on a classic look.
The Business Timer pairs with just about everything and looks great doing it. It’s sized perfectly and isn’t too tall. It tucks under a cuff and doesn’t tower off of your wrist.

For the $475 – $600 grey-market price it sells at, you have plenty of options from both large and microbrand manufacturers with an auto or mechanical that offer a similar combination of functions and styles. However, this Frederique Constant will be one of the only Swiss brands you’ll find, and it is one of the best looking options you’ll find, too.

Compared to the Slimline that I reviewed a few weeks ago, this FC is more upscale, complicated, and attractive. If I wanted a gold watch with an interesting complication to wear regularly, this would be on my list.
Our friends at Certified Watch Store sent us this Frederique Constant for my review. I wore the watch for a period of 2.5 weeks before writing this review.

We have an affiliate relationship with CWT. If you purchase the watch after clicking on a link to their site from ours, we will receive a small commission from that transaction. This is the primary method that we use to monetize the website and fund our costs (which, to date, has included nearly $5,000 in camera/lighting equipment, $50/mo software/hosting fees, etc.).

We understand that this may skew your perception of our review. We do not slant our reviews based on this relationship. If this makes you uncomfortable but you still want to buy the watch, simply do so from a non-affiliated store. However, we would sure appreciate if you supported WYCA – one of the only real hands-on review sites on the web – by shopping at our affiliate partners.

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Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT

Last month, we were given word that the entirety of the Frederique Constant Classics lineup was getting a bit of a freshening up. Across the line, these are clean and competent pieces. However, for me, there was just one that jumped out and made me take notice – the Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT.
Now, long-time readers will know that I’m a big fan of a Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT watch. Which, in some regards, is a bit absurd. While I travelled occasionally, it’s not like I was some business jet setter. And of course, over the last year, I’ve not gone more than a single time zone away, and that was by car. So, whither the GMT? For one, I still just like it, as it’s a handy indicator of whether the watch is in the first 12 or second 12 hours (handing when setting a mechanical). Secondly, at work, our servers keep themselves on UTC time. So, a watch like this can help me to translate the server logs when I need to look at them.
Whatever the reason, it’s a handy complication to have, and one that shouldn’t add a tremendous amount to your servicing costs (I mean, it’s another gear, not a whole seperate module, basically). And, like a date window, you may not always need it, but you’ll appreciate it when it’s there. From my experience with prior FC watches, the case, dial, and handset all say to me, very much, that this is a Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT watch. It’s well-sorted, legible, and gives a subtle elegance to things.
Now, these are indeed powered by a quartz movement, but that’s no need to resort to hand-wringing. In fact, it helps keep the costs down, which is something we’ve seen rising over the past few years with their mechanical movements. The 40mm case should fit a variety of wrists, and the overall styling lends itself well to the office as well as dressier occasions, particularly on the steel bracelet. The leather straps, on the other hand, helps to get things a little more casual.
Interestingly enough, the Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT does NOT appear on the US site for whatever reason. It is there on the global site, so that’s what we’ve linked at the end of the article. That site lists things at 790 CHF, which is about $850. A little spendy for a quartz, but it’s what we have for entry level from FC (if you want sportier, go for stablemate Alpina) these days. For me, I rather like the look (blue dial all the way), and certainly wounldn’t – as John puts it – kick it out of bed for eating crackers.

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Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Men watch

Frederique Constant is a Swiss company that specializes in selling and manufacturing affordable, luxury watches. Compared to many of the most famous Swiss watch manufacturers – such as Patek Phillipe – it is a very new company, as it was only founded in 1988 by Aletta Francoise Frédérique Stas-Bax and Peter Constant Stas.

Frederique Constant was purchased by Citizen watches in 2016, but even though the owner is now Japanese, Frederique Constant watches continue to be manufactured and designed in Geneva, which means that they are still very many Swiss watches.

If you look at a Frederique Constant watch, then it is apparent that the core values of the company have been represented in every level of design and construction. Frederique Constant is a watch company that has a clear ethos. The four most important elements that you will find in all Frederique Constant watches are attention to detail, cutting-edge innovation, precision design, and optimal quality.

Frederique Constant watches are available for men and women. When it comes to men’s watches you can purchase a wide variety of styles, including dress watches, as well as horological smartwatches. There is a huge choice of beautiful women’s watches too, and if you are seeking a luxury watch as a present for someone special in your life, then Frederique Constant watches are a superb choice.
Frederique Constant is a company with a conscience. Frederique Constant works most closely with heart-related charities, and it has been known to donate considerable amounts of money to these charities. It is a close partner with the World Heart Federation. Frederique Constant is known to run regular fundraising events in conjunction with the World Heart Federation which also raises awareness about heat-related illnesses.

What Makes Frederique Constant Watches so Special?
Frederique Constant manufacture luxury watches that have gone through a tremendous amount of quality control from each level of production, beginning at the design stage. This focus on design means that Frederique Constant watches are made with a lot of forethought, which often leads to a desire to innovate, leading to cutting-edge watches, just like the Frederique Constant horological smartwatch which was the very first smartwatch of its kind.

Unlike other smartwatches, the Frederique Constant horological smartwatch is able to monitor your movement and sleep through an analog dial, which means that it doesn’t feature a digital face, like most other smartwatches.

The fact that Frederique Constant watches manufacture affordable, luxury watches means that there is a lot that makes these Swiss watches so special. A signature design feature that has won countless awards for Frederique Constant is the Heart Beat movement that was first developed in 2001 but wasn’t featured in a Frederique Constant watch until 2005.

It isn’t the only innovative movement that you’ll find in Frederique Constant watches. In fact, there are more than fourteen original movements that are available on Frederique Constant watches. Worldtimer is another of the great movements that you might find on Frederique Constant watches.
Frederique Constant watches are also likely to contain some variation on the silicon escapement wheel that was first created by another manufacturer of Swiss watches, Patek Phillipe. This mechanism allows for a much more accurate and precise watch that will never lose time. Frederique Constant has also created a tourbillon that includes its innovative silicon escapement wheel.

The brilliance of Frederique Constant watches isn’t simply reliant upon the quality of the mechanisms or the attention to detail that is paid at every level of design and manufacturing. No, Frederique Constant watches are also extremely beautiful to look at, and they make a wonderful addition to anyone’s wrist.
These beautiful, Swiss watches aren’t just the preserve of men seeking dress watches either – which often the case with luxury watches. Frederique Constant sells both men’s and women’s watches, which means that you are able to purchase affordable, luxury watches made by Frederique Constant whoever you are.

Where Can I Buy Frederique Constant Watches?
Frederique Constant is a manufacturer of luxury watches, for that reason its watches are only available at official retailers. If you visit the Frederique Constant website, then you are able to purchase Frederique Constant watches direct from its online store. You will also find a page on the Frederique Constant watches website where you can put in your postcode and find the nearest retailers of its watches. There are also a number of online retailers where you can purchase Frederique Constant’s affordable, luxury watches at a lower price than the official retailers.
Frederique Constant watches come in a wide variety of styles. Not only can you buy dress watches or sport watches, but you can also purchase beautiful women’s watches too.

The top Frederique Constant men’s watches include the Classics Index Automatic which features an FC-316 automatic movement, as well as a solid gold case and a silver color dial.

Another top Frederique Constant men’s watch is the Classics Heart Beat Moonphase watch, which is an outstanding luxury watch with an automatic movement and water resistance up to 40atm.

The Classics Delight Automatic is another one of the top Frederique Constant watches that looks incredible due to the 25 jewels encrusted into it.

When it comes to women’s watches, there is a lot to choose from at Frederique Constant.

The Classics Art Deco oval is a top choice for women looking for a beautiful Swiss watch that keeps truly accurate time.

Another of the best Frederique Constant women’s watches is the Classics Carree, which is stunning in design, especially the model that features a gorgeous red leather strap. It is splashproof, has a silver dial, and has a stainless steel case.
There are so many amazing Frederique Constant men’s watches to choose from, that it is difficult to pick a single Frederique Constant watch that is the very best. The Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Quartz came very close to being the top pick. But when it comes to Frederique Constant men’s watches, then the Classic Hybrid Manufacture is simply the best.
It features an FC-730 Manufacture Caliber movement that is automatic and dates adjustable. The case is made from stainless steel but it has been given a rose gold polish to give it a stunning look. Overall, it is a beautiful watch that is a pure luxury at an affordable price.

Best Frederique Constant Watch for Women
When it comes to women’s watches, there is one Frederique Constant watch that towers about all others. It is the Double Heart Beat watch. Everything that the world loves about Swiss watches is evident in this timepiece which is a thing of beauty, as well as an accurate watch with an FC-303 movement.

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Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Automatic

There are some powerhouse names in the Swiss watchmaking industry, and each has its own implied level of quality and design. Everyone knows brands like Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Patek, and Audemars Piguet have an understood level of craftsmanship.

But what about a smaller brand like Frederique Constant Classic Heart Beat Automatic? Are Frederique Constant watches good?
That’s precisely what this article will figure out. We’ll go over some of the history of Frederique Constant, the pros and cons of the brand, and some of the most popular watches. By the end, you’ll be able to decide if Frederique Constant watches are good.
Frederique Constant is a relatively new company as far as Swiss watch manufacturers go. The company saw its beginning in 1988 when Aletta Francoise Stas-Bax and Peter Stas created the company.

As legend has it, the company name is a combination of both founder’s grandfathers’ first names: Frederique Schreiner and Constant Stas.

While the company might not have 150 years of watchmaking history to claim, it’s certainly been busy for the last few decades. In 1992, Frederique Constant launched its first collection of six Geneva-assembled watches consisting of Swiss movements.
Two years later, it produced its first “Frederique Constant Classic Heart Beat Automatic” model, which featured a window on the face of the dial to allow a clear view of the pulsing balance wheel. At the time, this was quite an innovation. Frederique Constant’s focus has always been on creating affordable luxury, and many of their watches use modified ETA movements to achieve it. But, the company also designed its own high-end hand-wound movement, the FC-910 caliber, in 2004.
Even more impressive is the 2008 introduction of a tourbillon. In 2015, the brand introduced a hybrid smartwatch model that meshed traditional watchmaking with cutting-edge tech.

The year 2016 saw the introduction of an in-house perpetual calendar. And, most impressively, a perpetual calendar tourbillon in 2018.

It’s also worth noting that when the company was just 14 years old, it acquired the much older Alpina brand name, bringing the two companies (along with Ateliers DeMonaco) under the Frederique Constant Group.

In 2016, Citizen Watch bought the group, and the brands now operate under the Citizen umbrella.

The company’s headquarters are in Plan-les-Oates, Geneva, Switzerland, in a 3,200 square meter factory shared with Alpina.
With a better idea of the company history and its pros and cons, you might want to compare some of Frederique Constant’s best watches.

These four watches are some of the best representations of the company’s value in design and materials.
Frederique Constant Classic Heart Beat Automatic
Guys looking for one of the best values in the Frederique Constant catalog should consider the Classic Heart Beat Automatic. This part-casual, part-dress watch will work for most occasions, and it’s a relatively affordable way to get into Swiss luxury timepieces.
The Classic Heart Beat features modest dimensions and a classic look. The polished stainless steel case measures 40 millimeters across, and the lug-to-lug measurement of 20 millimeters.

The case measures 11 millimeters thick, so it still has some wrist presence without taking up too much real estate. This iteration features a silver textured dial and black applied Roman numeral indexes, and it comes on a black leather strap.

The convex sapphire crystal and see-through case back combine to give this piece 50 meters of water resistance. And with the Heart Beat window at 12 o’clock, there’s a lot to look at.

The Heart Beat Automatic uses the FC303 automatic movement. This movement is an improved Sellita SW200-1, so it’s reliable and affordable to service.

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Frederique Constant Classics Automatic

Available online for around $550 – $650, the Slimline Classics is an affordable entry into the Swiss watch market. Frederique Constant is a fairly popular brand, though you don’t see them in as many brick and mortar retail locations as you do Bulova, Citizen, Hamilton, and Tissot.

The Slimline Classics is the first Frederique Constant I’ve reviewed on WYCA, and when I received it I was quite excited to get some wrist time. At this price point, Frederique Constant competes directly against brands I’ve gotten plenty of hands-on experience with (Hamilton, Tissot, and Seiko) and I was curious to see how it compared.

The model I have here is among the lease complicated in the collection, featuring a guilloche dial and a date display at 6 o’clock. Other models in the range feature small seconds, moonphase complications, and an assortment of styles. Regular readers know that my style is conservative, and the one I have here is my preferred version.
As far as notable Swiss watchmakers go, Frederique Constant Classics Automatic is relatively young. Founded in 1988, the roots of the company reach as far back as 1904 (you can learn more about their heritage here). They are based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva and have successfully competed toe to toe with many other entry-level luxury watch manufacturers since the launch of their first collection in 1992.

In 2002, the company acquired Alpina watches – another brand I’ve been itching to get some face time with – and have been heavily invested in the entry-level luxury watch market. Accessible luxury is a pillar of their brand identity, as is in-house manufacturing and handmade quality.
With a name like “Slimline”, you’d expect it to be a thin watch. At just 7.7mm tall, it is indeed quite discreet; inside, the FC-306 automatic movement is only 3.6mm tall!

The guilloche dial is gorgeous and easy to see in nearly any setting (there’s no lume). Frederique Constantly deftly combines four different textures, giving the cream-white dial depth and drawing your eye to the outer ring and hands. Only the logo at 12 o’clock and the date window at 6 o’clock have smooth surfaces; everything else is ridged or grooved.

I love its size. 39mm is perfect for most men – it certainly is for me. It doesn’t feel dainty and it never gets in the way.
The FC-306 automatic is essentially a Sellita SW300 automatic with some modification. It is a 25 jewel movement with a 42 hour power reserve and a date complication. Compared to the SW300, the FC-306 has removed the seconds hand. It beats at 28,800 bph and has a claimed accuracy of -5/+10 seconds per day.

The Selilita SW300 primarily competes with the ETA 2892 and is used by many Swiss brands in place of the ETA due to its availability and lower price. Sellita has earned a good reputation and is used by many brands – Swiss and otherwise – to power watches that compete in the entry-level luxury segment.

The finishing on the movement is really excellent- not only attractive, but clean and precise. Check it out under high resolution- it’s nearly perfect.
Lightweight and compact, the Slimline tucks under a cuff with ease. I love its classic design, which while traditional, has been executed to an exacting standard. The quality of the dial, hands, and case is excellent- on-par with other Swiss brands of comparable price.

Years ago I reviewed the Tissot Le Locle, which I found to be tastefully styled and price appropriate. Like the Le Locle, the Slimline Classics is understated but undeniably attractive. It’s elegant, and found for under $700 online, it’s also an excellent value.

I’m glad that I had the opportunity to experience this watch- I hope to get my hands on the moonphase version soon.
The folks at Frederique Constant Classics Automatic sent us this beautiful Frederique Constant for review. They also have an affiliate program that we participate in, where we receive a portion of the revenue of each watch that one of our readers purchases.

We only recommend watches that we would personally wear, and as you can see, we get hands-on experience with each one. We purchase most of the watches we review and recommend, as well as all camera equipment (over $3,500 so far), software licenses, and so on.

We are thrilled to work with Frederique Constant Classics Automatic, who are excellent partners that offer a great selection of watches at great prices (and 2 year warranties). They loaned us this Frederique Constant for two weeks, allowing us to review and shoot it.

If you are interested in the Slimline and want to purchase, we’d love it if you did so at perfectwrist.ru Watch Store. Thank you for supporting us!

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Frederique Constant Classics Quartz

Last month, we were given word that the entirety of the Frederique Constant Classics lineup was getting a bit of a freshening up. Across the line, these are clean and competent pieces. However, for me, there was just one that jumped out and made me take notice – the Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT.
Now, long-time readers will know that I’m a big fan of a GMT watch. Which, in some regards, is a bit absurd. While I travelled occasionally, it’s not like I was some business jet setter. And of course, over the last year, I’ve not gone more than a single time zone away, and that was by car. So, whither the GMT? For one, I still just like it, as it’s a handy indicator of whether the watch is in the first 12 or second 12 hours (handing when setting a mechanical). Secondly, at work, our servers keep themselves on UTC time. So, a watch like this can help me to translate the server logs when I need to look at them.
Whatever the reason, it’s a handy complication to have, and one that shouldn’t add a tremendous amount to your servicing costs (I mean, it’s another gear, not a whole seperate module, basically). And, like a date window, you may not always need it, but you’ll appreciate it when it’s there. From my experience with prior FC watches, the case, dial, and handset all say to me, very much, that this is a Frederique Constant watch. It’s well-sorted, legible, and gives a subtle elegance to things.
Now, these are indeed powered by a quartz movement, but that’s no need to resort to hand-wringing. In fact, it helps keep the costs down, which is something we’ve seen rising over the past few years with their mechanical movements. The 40mm case should fit a variety of wrists, and the overall styling lends itself well to the office as well as dressier occasions, particularly on the steel bracelet. The leather straps, on the other hand, helps to get things a little more casual.
Interestingly enough, the Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT does NOT appear on the US site for whatever reason. It is there on the global site, so that’s what we’ve linked at the end of the article. That site lists things at 790 CHF, which is about $850. A little spendy for a quartz, but it’s what we have for entry level from FC (if you want sportier, go for stablemate Alpina) these days. For me, I rather like the look (blue dial all the way), and certainly wounldn’t – as John puts it – kick it out of bed for eating crackers.

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Frederique Constant Classics Carrée

Art Deco is one of the most defining styles and cultural movements of the past 100 or so years. It is said to have begun sometime in the 1920s and it spread across all aspects of life, affecting the architecture and the design of everyday items like furniture, appliances, cars, and of course, even watches. The newest Frederique Constant Classics Carrée Automatic watches are an example of design heavily inspired by the Art Deco look of the 1920s.
The Classics Carrée Automatic watches are square-shaped, petite, and were probably designed with ladies in mind. According to Frederique Constant, watches with squared or rectangular dimensions were all the rage in the ’20s, and they wanted to bring back the elegance associated with these watches with these new Frederique Constant Classics Carrée Automatic watches.
There are two versions on offer; one in a rose-gold-plated stainless steel case and another in a polished steel case. The Frederique Constant Classics Carrée Automatic watchesmeasures a slim 30.4mm across, while the lug-to-lug measurement is just 33.3mm. To increase wearing comfort, the case has a convex shape to allow it to sit closer to the wrist. The case is water resistant to 30m, so best to keep them away from water. The rose-gold-plated one comes with a dark brown leather strap, while the polished stainless steel version comes with a simple black leather strap.
Both versions of theFrederique Constant Classics Carrée Automatic watches have the same dial design. The dial is silver and the center portion has a guilloché decoration. Surrounding this guilloché center portion is a simple railroad-style minutes track. And on the periphery of the dial, we have large hour markers rendered in Roman numerals. Time is read using the hand-polished black Breguet style hands. Finally, the highlight of the dial has got to be what Frederique Constant likes to call the “heartbeat opening” at 12 o’clock, which gives wearers a glimpse of the swinging balance spring.
Speaking of which, the Classics Carrée Automatic is powered by the Frederique Constant caliber FC-310, a self-winding movement that is likely based on the ETA-2824 or its Sellita equivalent. It beats at 4Hz and has a power reserve of 38 hours. It is also visible through a sapphire display caseback and has a Colimaçon decoration on the bridges.
Longtime readers of aBlogtoWatch will know my feelings toward open dials that show off the balance spring. I find them superfluous and I can’t help but think that the Classics Carrée Automatic will be better served by having a simpler and more conservative dial sans the “heartbeat opening.” Imagine just how much more understated and elegant it would look! Still, I suppose buyers new to mechanical watches will be appreciative of this design quirk, which reminds them every time they look at their wrist that they have a watch that isn’t powered by electricity. The Frederique Constant Classics Carrée Automatic