The Moon Phase Date is Frédérique Constant's flagship model, which was launched in 2005 with the launch of the brand's second in-house movement. The earlier models were equipped with the FC-915 hand-wound calibre, which has been developed over the years to become a more practical automatic movement. This year, Frédérique Constant is introducing three new Classic Moonphase Date Manufactures. The new model features a clean, completely new dial design with a new movement with a higher power reserve.
The exterior and functional layout of the new watch is similar to that of its predecessor in 2015, and although the hinged case back has been removed, the wide bezel and onion crown continue the classic style of the collection. The new model has a diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of 12.4 mm. Crafted from stainless steel with a polished finish for elegance, the case features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and a see-through caseback, and is water-resistant to 50 meters.
The dial is in racing green (FC-716GR3H6), midnight blue (FC-716N3H6) or silver grey (FC-716S3H6), all decorated with sunburst patterns. The dial is more modern with tapered hour markers instead of Roman numerals, complementing the Alpha-style hour and minute hands. The hands and indexes are diamond-cut and hand-polished, combined with a railroad scale ring on the outer rim to indicate the time. The subdial at 6 o'clock combines the moon phase with an analogue date display.
By looking through the case back, you can admire the built-in FC-716 automatic movement. The 26-jewel movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and the bridges have been redesigned to accommodate a larger barrel, providing a power reserve of up to 72 hours. In addition, the bridges of the FC-706 calibre are decorated with a delicate fan-shaped Côtes de Genève.
Frédérique Constant Centennial Classic Moon Phase Date comes with a green or blue alligator leather strap with a folding clasp and is priced at CHF 3,895, equivalent to about RMB 30,900. (Photo/text: Xu Chaoyang, the home of watches)