A subtle combination of tradition and elegance, the Classics collection has established itself over the years as one of Frederique Constant’s pillars. In 2022, the Brand returns to the aesthetic roots of one of its flagship lines, the “Classics Automatic”, with no less than five new self-winding models: three Index versions and two Heart Beat variations – this famous opening on the dial revealing the balance-wheel, which has become the Maison’s signature. Featuring a 40 mm case, these five timepieces feature a delicate guilloché decoration accompanied by Roman numerals, attributes of a classic and timeless appearance.
If there is an often-said watchmaking phrase, it is that the dial is the face of the watch. Although the technological race now results in increasing complications, it is sometimes forgotten that the identity of a watch is not solely expressed by how many rubies it has or the torque of its barrel spring, but also, and quite simply, by its dial. It is what conveys a watchmaker’s identity values and that is immediately recognisable.
Original aesthetic codes
It is with this in mind that Frederique Constant is returning to the sources of classicism which, over the centuries, has defined timeless aesthetic ideals. Among them: a guilloché dial, a discreet date window and Breguet-style hands. And delicate Roman numeral indexes. The latter are back in the Classics Index Automatic line, in the centre of three new automatic movement variations. The first boasts a pink gold-plated case worn on a dark brown leather strap, with a silver dial superimposed by three hands indicating the time via 12 indexes set around a satin-finish hour circle: a prestigious, timeless composition, whose elegance is guaranteed.
Two other variations use the same composition with a steel case: one with a silver dial, the other with a khaki dial, both worn with a black leather strap. Each model is powered by the automatic FC-303 calibre, offering a power reserve of 38 hours.
In the heart of the movement
These last two new watches, with a silver or khaki dial – displaying the same aesthetic features as the Classics Index Automatic models – offer a variant, rich in symbols, thanks to an alternative “Heart Beat”. This design invented by Frederique Constant uniquely highlights the beating heart of the watch, hence its name.
The first Frederique Constant Heart Beat watch was created in 1994. Since then, its original design has often been copied and adapted, but it is never as pure and authentic as in a genuine Frederique Constant watch. This is what these two Classics Heart Beat Automatic watches offer: a homage to the founding spirit of the watchmaker and the rediscovery of a design which takes its rightful place among the classics of fine Geneva watchmaking.
The latter, beating to the rhythm of the FC-310 calibre with automatic winding, have a 30-hour power reserve.
