rederique Constant is proud to be unveiling two brand new Classics Premiere models sporting a dial in Bermuda grey or salmon – the year’s signature colours – and for the first time, a fluid, flexible steel bracelet and case combo. Retaining the compact 38.5-millimetre case format, each watch offers a more urban, contemporary look than the earlier leather-strap versions. Suitable for women and men alike, these two new Classics Premiere will win over collectors in search of a new automatic watch for everyday wear – as well as first-time buyers looking for a quality Swiss Made watch.

Rooted in the age-old canons of Geneva watchmaking, the two new timepieces also reflect the return of dials in pastel shades: one is Bermuda grey, the other salmon pink. Both colours have emerged as collectors’ favourites at major international watch shows, being acclaimed for their elegance and discretion – and their homage to the finest watches of the 1950s and 60s.

The styling here unashamedly emulates vintage watchmaking’s greatest classics. A typical twentieth-century font has been used for the Arabic numeral hour markers; above them glide ‘pomme’ hands that became popular in the mid-eighteenth century, while the ‘railtrack’ minute circles hark back to the Art Deco timepieces of the 1920s and their sector dials. The dial itself showcases Frederique Constant’s watchmaking expertise, with a delicately grained matte finish capturing the light on the central section and a circular sunray finish on the surrounding raised hour circle diffusing light to the markers arrayed around the dial.

Both models feature a new bracelet that adds a decidedly urban touch: a flexible five-link strap. Here too Frederique Constant demonstrates its devotion to fine watchmaking finishes, with three mirror-polished links nestled amid the two others; meanwhile the case is mirror-polished throughout, matching the similarly finished hands and hour markers. The horological pedigree of both variations is clearly visible too, thanks to a sapphire caseback that reveals the innermost workings of the automatic FC-301 calibre. The latter is a Swiss Made product through and through, developed from a highly-acclaimed La Joux-Perret base, packed with mechanical precision and boasting a power reserve of 68 hours – almost three full days.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

• Movement: FC-301 (Base LJPG100) caliber, automatic 68-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h, 24 jewels

• Case: Polished stainless steel 3-part case Diameter of 38,50 mm Height of 10,67 mm Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft Engraved and see-through threaded case back

• Strap: Brushed and polished 5-link stainless steel bracelet Folding buckle with push buttons

• RRP 2’095 CHF