Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture: new design and new movement

0 0 Monday, 14 April 2025 Edit this post

At Watches and Wonders 2025 (April 1–7), Frederique Constant presented the Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, a new interpretation of its perpetual calendar model that impressed us with its quality, finishing, and attractive positioning.

Indeed, this timepiece stands out as one of the most accessible high-quality perpetual calendar watches currently on the market.

Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture ref. FC-776SAL3H6

One of the most prestigious complications in watchmaking, the perpetual calendar is here presented in a classic round case measuring 40 mm in diameter and 12.10 mm in height. Crafted in polished stainless steel, it offers water resistance to 5 ATM (50 metres / 330 feet).

The design has been refined with softer lines, slimmer lugs, and a slightly reduced diameter, all of which contribute to a more elegant profile.

Protected by a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, the dial captivates with its refined salmon hue, brought to life by a sunray finish that catches and reflects the light beautifully.

The manually assembled and polished Dauphine hands harmonise well with the elongated hour markers, which are arranged along the outer minute track.

The three perpetual calendar subdials display the day of the week at 9 o’clock, the month and leap year at 12 o’clock, and the date at 3 o’clock. Each counter is subtly recessed and features a snailed outer chapter ring for added depth.

At 6 o’clock, the moon phase display completes the ensemble, with a silver moon and stars standing out against a deep blue sky.

Inside the new Classic case beats the Manufacture FC-776 calibre, the 34th movement developed in-house by the Geneva-based watchmaker. It now offers a three-day power reserve, an important improvement for a complication of this kind.

A 72-hour power reserve is especially useful for perpetual calendar watches, as it allows the wearer to leave the watch unworn over the weekend without losing the time or date settings.

Thanks to this extended autonomy, the watch continues to run smoothly even after a few days off the wrist, removing the need for readjustment on Monday morning. This makes it much more practical for everyday life, while still offering the technical sophistication of a perpetual calendar.

Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), the movement is visible through the transparent sapphire caseback and showcases refined decorations such as perlage, circular Côtes de Genève, and blued screws.

The movement is also engraved with the Frederique Constant coat-of-arms, aa symbol of the brand’s values and expertise, exclusively reserved for Manufacture pieces.

Each watch is adjusted and tested in six positions to ensure excellent precision under daily wearing conditions.

Paired with a dark brown alligator leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching and a stainless steel folding buckle, the new Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, ref. FC-776SAL3H6, has a suggested retail price of €9,995. frederiqueconstant.com

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