Is your wrist craving a touch of timeless elegance, something that whispers sophistication without shouting? Then feast your eyes on the latest from Frederique Constant: the Classics Carrée Moonphase Automatic. It's more than just a watch; it's a statement.
The Classics Carrée collection has always been Frederique Constant's homage to the rectangular dress watch, a design that's been gracing wrists for generations. Since its initial debut in 2003, the Carree hasn't been exactly square, despite the French origin of its name. Instead, it presents a subtly elongated, refined rectangular shape. Over the years, Frederique Constant has masterfully played with materials, sizes, and displays, breathing new life into this enduring design. But now, for the first time, they've introduced a moon phase complication to the Classics Carrée Automatic, elevating its already captivating design to new heights of horological artistry. This isn't just a new model; it's a fresh chapter.
Staying true to the Art Deco spirit that defines the collection, the new Classics Carrée Moonphase arrives in two stunning variations. You can choose between a silver-toned or a navy-blue dial, both boasting a mesmerizing herringbone stamped guilloché-like pattern with a radiant sunray finish. Picture this: light dancing across the intricate dial, highlighting the meticulously faceted hour markers and the elegant dauphine-style hands. And at 6 o'clock, nestled against a deep blue backdrop, the moon phase display gracefully charts the lunar cycle, a constant reminder of the celestial dance above. This isn't just telling time; it's experiencing it.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some purists might argue that adding a moon phase to a traditionally simple dress watch complicates the design, potentially detracting from its inherent elegance. What do you think? Does the moon phase enhance the Carrée's appeal, or does it disrupt its classic balance?
With the addition of the moon phase complication, the case size has been slightly increased compared to the time-only versions. The new model measures 42.30mm x 30mm, with a height of 10.51mm. The polished stainless steel case boasts flowing lines and is shaped for comfort. An onion-shaped crown controls the time, while a discreet corrector adjusts the moon phase display. The caseback, secured with four screws, features a transparent crystal, offering a captivating glimpse of the movement within, complete with its gold-colored rotor. It is also worth noting that the watch has a water resistance of 30 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear but not for swimming or diving.
At the heart of the Classics Carrée Moonphase beats the FC-333 calibre. This movement is based on the Sellita SW280, which itself is the moon phase version of the reliable SW200. And this is the part most people miss: the SW200 is often considered a clone of the legendary ETA 2824. This lineage means you're getting a robust and well-regarded mechanism. The FC-333 operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offers a power reserve of 38 hours. A stop-second (or hacking) mechanism enables precise time setting, allowing you to synchronize your watch to the second.
The Frederique Constant Classics Carrée Moonphase is paired with either a black or navy-blue calfskin leather strap. The strap is embossed with an alligator scale pattern and features tone-on-tone stitching, adding a touch of luxury. It is secured with a stainless steel pin buckle. The retail price is CHF 1,695. For more details, visit frederiqueconstant.com.
Technical Specifications – Frederique Constant Classics Carrée Moonphase Automatic
- Case: 42.30mm length x 30.00mm width x 10.51mm thickness - polished stainless steel case - sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating - see-through caseback - water-resistant to 30m
- Dial: silver-toned or navy-blue dial with sunray finishing and herringbone guilloché-like pattern in the centre - applied indexes - polished facetted dauphine hands
- Movement: FC- 333 calibre (base Sellita SW-280), automatic - 25.60mm x 5.40mm - 28,800 vibrations/hour - 38-hour power reserve - 26 jewels - hours, minutes, seconds and moonphase at 6 o’clock
- Strap: blue or black calf leather strap with crocodile pattern and tone-on-tone stitching - steel pin buckle
- References: FC-333S4C6 silver dial, FC-333N4C6 blue dial
- Price: CHF 1,695
So, what's your verdict? Does the Frederique Constant Classics Carrée Moonphase Automatic capture your imagination? Which dial color speaks to you more – the classic silver or the sophisticated navy blue? And most importantly, do you think the addition of the moon phase complication elevates the Carrée's design, or does it detract from its inherent simplicity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
