Accessible Luxury as defined by the new Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Automatic

“Accessible Luxury” is, as you might know now, since we explained it to you several times, Frederique Constant’s motto. Well, besides the marketing gimmick behind it, there’s actually much more. At FC, this is not just an idea to print on brochures, but a real way to build watches. The idea is simple: offering a lot for the (little) money you’re about to spend in a watch. And this new Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Automatic is just about that.

At Frédérique Constant, you have two options: or you go for something more exclusive, with a strong horological content and a movement that you won’t find at any other brand – the manufacture collection that will cost you a rather small 2,500 Euros on average – or you go for something even more accessible, with an outsourced (but reliable and automatic) movement, which allows to enjoy a nice classical design, some interesting displays and the coolness of mechanical watchmaking for a price way below 2,000 Euros. Sounds interesting, right?

Well, as another proof of this concept of “accessible luxury”, Frederique Constant is about to launch a new Classics Moonphase Automatic. The deal is simple: an elegant, well proportioned case, a nice and classical dial, a display with enough complications to please already knowledgeable collectors and a price starting at 1,590 Euros – that’s clearly not what you can call expensive.

The new Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Automatic comes in 3 tastes, all in the same base case and with the same display. All share a 40mm case, entirely polished, with straight lugs and rounded shapes. Classical, elegant, discreet. A perfect business watch. You’ll have the choice of stainless steel with blue strap, stainless steel on bracelet and gold-plated steel with brown strap.

The dial is reminiscent of traditional codes of watchmaking and will talk to those in love with antique pocket watches. Well proportioned, with 3 distinct areas, it shows a nice display. On the central axis, it brings the hours, the minutes and the seconds – classical. A fourth hand will give you the indication of the date, which points on a peripheral track. At 6, the Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Automatic has a moon indication – a traditional and elegant gold moon on a blue disc. The dial has black Roman numeral on the outer edge to match the black hollowed hands and a central area with a clous de Paris pattern. Dressy and classy!

Inside the case ticks an automatic movement – Calibre FC-330, most likely based on a Sellita ebauche – with 38 hours of power reserve and 4hz frequency. It will be visible through the sapphire caseback.

The Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Automatic will be priced at 1,590 Euros (steel on strap), 1,690 Euros (steel on bracelet) and 1,750 Euros (gold-plated on strap). We told you, accessible luxury it is… More on frederiqueconstant.com.

Specifications of the Frederique Constant Classics Moonphase Automatic

• Case – 40mm diameter – 2 parts, polished stainless steel or yellow gold-plated stainless steel – sapphire crystal on both sides – 60m water resistant
• Movement – Calibre FC-330 – Automatic – 38 hours power reserve – 4Hz frequency – hours, minutes, seconds, date by hand, moon
• Strap – leather strap on folding buckle or steel bracelet