A watch can be so much more than just telling the time. Let’s talk about the the perpetual calendar, one of the hardest complications to make for a watch’s movement. It is basically is a mechanical computer on your wrist and a technical marvel. It has a mechanical memory to it. It’s held accountable for tracking days, months, years and even leap years and if worn or put on a watch-winder, it can keep accurate date and time for decades or maybe even centuries. With all this said, a new challenger has entered the conversation with it’s introduction of a very well-appointed and well-sized timepiece with an in-house movement, with the Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture.
Enter The Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture
I don’t think you heard me the first time. So let me repeat myself. In-house movement. Perpetual calendar. 40mm. Swiss Made. Moonphase. Quite the resumé.
The Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture says a lot on the wrist and it speaks in the language of Geneva craftspersons and Swiss precision.
When the first iteration of this timepiece was unveiled in 2016, it offered a new direction for the brand. The start of something very serious and has caused watch enthusiasts to pause their scroll motion through TikTok, Instagram Reels, and WatchCrunch to take a second look.
A horological complication once reserved for the few was suddenly made more attainable to the many who appreciate this level of watch craft. All without compromising the grace or mechanics that define the art of watchmaking. Usually only reserved for those watches that sell at high-end, investor-filled auctions, this collection of Frederique Constant timepieces can be acquired, worn guilt-free and appreciated by many more.
The Classic Perpetual Calendar returns, refined and redefined.
Frederique Constant’s In-House FC-776 Calibre Movement
The new 40mm stainless steel case houses the Manufacture FC-776 calibre, Frederique Constant’s 34th in-house movement, now boasting a three-day power reserve. Perfect for those who want to spend the weekend living lavishly with something stunning on your wrist.
The captivating salmon dial, rich with sunray finishing and cd-patterned counters, is a vintage watch enthusiast’s dream; it catches light the way only an honest, hand-finished dial can. Beneath its elegance lies a symphony of function: hours, minutes, moonphase, date, day, month, and leap year, each complication harmoniously arranged tightly within the composition of the very aesthetic dial.
At 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement is as disciplined as it is poetic. Twenty-six jewels glide frictionlessly, marking time with the sort of consistency that borders on meditative when you look at it.
The watch is framed with a brown alligator leather strap, its natural texture grounding the sophistication of the steel case, and fastened by a folding buckle that feels as reassuring and easy to forget about with how solid it feels on the wrist.
To wear the Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is to participate in a legacy that runs it’s own race.
Even though Frederique Constant has been around since 1988, it’s not pretending to be trendy, it’s working on its craft. And each watch that gets released seems to be more refined than the last. It values refinement over flash. It is not a trophy piece, but rather a statement of discernment, an object for those who appreciate subtle grandeur, taste, a curated nod to the mechanical and horological engineering needed and all within one timepiece.
In an era obsessed with the next thing, this watch remains loyal to the idea of a watch you can easily pass down to the next generation and potentially still running from the first time that you set it.
Specifications at a Glance:
- Movement: Manufacture FC-776, automatic
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 vph
- Jewels: 26
- Functions: Hours, minutes, moonphase, date, day, month, leap year
- Case: 40mm stainless steel, 12.1mm thickness
- Dial: Salmon, sunray finish with applied indexes
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM
- Strap: Brown alligator leather with folding clasp
The Bottom Line
Frederique Constant continues to play the long game and values craft over clicks. It offers timeless craftsmanship for those who understand that luxury is measured not in price, but in permanence. It’s a watch you can bring to your friends, an event where you know a watch snob or enthusiast will be and you don’t have to worry about it. They will enjoy seeing it on your wrist almost as much as you when you are wearing it.
Now for the price, in comparison many brand new perpetual calendars (if you can walk into an authorized dealer and even buy it) will run you $36,000 USD and upwards of even $220,000 USD based on the model, brand and material.
This watch is an absolute steal of a price of 14,995 CAD, just outstanding for the classic look, feel and well-mannered size. If the classic salmon dial is not your speed, they have black, blue and white as well.
If you are interested in Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, be sure to visit their website and find a retailer near you. We suggest Raffi Jewellers as a LXRY suggested retailer.
Read More Canadian Luxury Watch News and Stories
