Review: Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture

Hands-on review of the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture Green (ref.FC-718KWWM4H9). Price € 18,995

A worldtimer watch displays the time in multiple cities across the globe, typically 24 time zones, making it perfect for frequent travellers or professionals dealing with global interactions.

Additionally, they often offer a captivating look. This is certainly true of the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture, which now debuts a stunning forest-green dial. This addition joins the existing versions in white, black, and blue.

The latest release from the Geneva-based brand is available in two limited-edition variations: 718 pieces in stainless steel and 36 pieces in 18-carat rose gold.

We recently had the opportunity to go hands-on with the rose gold version and we are now delighted to share our impressions and live photographs.

The 42 mm x 12.15 mm case is crafted from 18k rose gold with a polished finish that enhances the elegance of the timepiece.  

Water resistance is rated at 3 ATM (30 metres / 100 feet) for the rose gold version and 5 ATM for the stainless steel edition, providing adequate protection for daily wear.

Thanks to its curved lugs, which ergonomically contour to the wrist’s profile, the watch delivers excellent wearing comfort. For reference, the wrist shown in our pictures measures 17.8 cm / 7 inches.

Protected by an anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal, the dial portrays a world map in relief with matte grey continents standing out against a sunburst-finished green background, whose hue subtly changes depending on its angle to the light. 

The outer disc bearing the full names (and not just their abbreviations) of all 24 reference cities is paired with a 24-hour disc split into a lighter section denoting day-time and a dark green half for night-time. Once synchronised with the main hour hand, no further adjustment is needed.

At 6 o’clock, a matte date ring encircles a sunburst guilloché centre that makes the date hand stand out clearly.

The large Alpha hour and minute hands, as well as the applied hour markers, are rose-gold plated, polished by hand, and filled with Super-LumiNova for enhanced readability in low-light environments.

All the functions can be intuitively adjusted using the onion-shaped crown, which has three positions: 

1. Manual winding. 

2. Rapid correction of worldtimer and date functions: the date can be set by rotating it upwards, while rotating it downwards allows the city disc to be adjusted by aligning local time with the midday position. 

3. Time setting with a stop-second function; the 24-hour disc adjusts itself automatically.

On the caseback, the FC-718 in-house calibre and its openworked oscillating weight can be admired through the transparent sapphire crystal. 

Decorated with perlage and Côtes de Genève patterns, this self-winding movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and provides a 38-hour power reserve.

The movement proudly features the engraving of the Frederique Constant coat-of-arms, symbolising the brand’s values and expertise and especially reserved for Manufacture pieces.

The watch is paired with a dark green alligator leather strap, secured by a folding buckle featuring an intricate cutout of the Frederique Constant symbol. The lug width is 22 mm.

In line with Frederique Constant's guiding principle of creating accessible luxury, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture Green is priced at €18,995 / US$18,995 in 18-carat rose gold (FC-718KWWM4H9) and €4,395 / US$4,695 in stainless steel (FC-718KWM4H6). 

These prices are reasonable given the user-friendly functions, high-quality finishes, in-house movement, and, in the rose gold version, the significant use of a precious metal. The timepiece successfully combines functionality with a refined design. frederiqueconstant.com