Frederique Constant gave us a new Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture last year, and this year they have upped the game with two new timepieces – limited editions – in a Stainless Steel case and 18K Rose Gold case. Those who like to admire the inner mechanics of a watch, will certainly resonate well with the skeletonized dial.
Typically, watchmakers announce exclusive editions to mark a special occasion in time or to celebrate success. Frederique Constant has used the opening of their new Manufacture building at Plan-les-Ouates in Geneva, Switzerland, as the reason for the new timepieces.
It’s All About the Calibre
Back in the days, it was the founder’s vision to democratize Swiss watchmaking savoir-faire and innovation and the Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture timepiece stands for this concept. The Heart Beat Manufacture Calibre, their first in-house patented manufacture movement was developed by 2004 and by 2008 we saw the first in-house manufacture Tourbillon.
Marking the 10-year anniversary of the Frederique Constant manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, in 2016 we saw the Manufacture Perpetual Calendar make its way into the world. It came at a price point that was ‘democratic’ and a style that became was well received by all.
Under the Hood
The new Frederique Constant Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture Watch is equipped with the in-house automatic FC-975 movement. It comes with a silicium escapement wheel and anchor, and it plays an important role in stabilizing the movement from the effects of earth’s gravity, when you hold the watch vertical. The material also makes the movement resistant to temperature changes that could affect its performance.
The two new Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture models come with a transparent caseback so that you can admire the complication. The case measures a handsome 42mm and is teamed with a skeletonized silver color dial with navy blue sub-dials. Completing the design is navy blue outer ring and the watch is teamed with a navy-blue alligator strap.
In a strange way, although the dial is busy with all the elements, they seem to complement each other. Details of the Perpetual Calendar complication include the day, date and month and automatically factors in the leap year. The watch will require correction once in 400 years, however the Gregorian Calendar will require some adjustments on the March 1st, 2100.
The Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is limited to 30 watches in each segment and will sell for $24,000 in stainless steel or $33,000 for 18K rose gold.