Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Tourbillon

Frederique Constant a brand that while relatively young in the grand scheme of Swiss watchmaking, has carved a niche for itself by offering high-quality timepieces with in-house movements at surprisingly accessible price points. Founded in 1988 by Aletta Bax and Peter Stas, the company's mission has always been to democratize luxury, making sophisticated watchmaking available to a broader audience. This philosophy is perfectly embodied in their latest offering, the Manufacture Classic Tourbillon. It's a testament to how far they've come and how serious they are about mechanical watchmaking.



The Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Tourbillon isn’t just another watch; it showcases serious watchmaking prowess. The star of the show, without a doubt, is the tourbillon, visible at the 6 o'clock position. It is a mesmerizing dance of mechanics. For those unfamiliar, a tourbillon is a complex mechanism designed to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch's accuracy. It does this by mounting the escapement and balance wheel in a rotating cage, averaging out positional errors. Originally invented in the late 18th century, it remains a hallmark of high-end watchmaking, a testament to a brand's technical capabilities. Frederique Constant doesn't just include a tourbillon; they make it a focal point, a captivating spectacle on your wrist.



The dial is a striking shade of green. It's a deep, rich green, like that of a dark emerald, and contrasts beautifully with the silver-tone stainless steel case. The dial itself is crafted from brass, giving it a solid, substantial feel. Applied, polished, silver-tone indices serve as hour markers, they are very simple stick design. They’re understated, not flashy. The hands are equally simple. The hour and minute hands look to be classic and shaped like dauphine hands, while the seconds hand is cleverly integrated with the tourbillon cage, giving it a subtle but dynamic quality. The branding is discreet, with "Frederique Constant Geneve" printed just below the 12 o'clock position. This leaves space for the tourbillon to breath and not have to many distractions on the eye.



The case of the Classic Tourbillon is crafted from stainless steel, a material chosen for its durability and resistance to corrosion. It measures 39mm in diameter, a size that lands in the sweet spot for many wrists – large enough to have presence, but not so large that it becomes unwieldy. The thickness comes in at 10.99mm, which, considering the complexity of the movement, is surprisingly slim. The lugs are 20mm, a standard size that offers a wide range of aftermarket strap options, should you wish to personalize your watch. The case back is transparent, offering a view of the intricate FC-980 movement at work. The finishing on the case is clean, and well-executed, showcasing a mix of polished and brushed surfaces.



The FC-980 Manufacture movement is the heart of this timepiece, and it's a thing of beauty. It’s an automatic movement, meaning it winds itself with the motion of your wrist. It's a manufacture movement, designed and built in-house by Frederique Constant, a significant achievement for a brand of their size and price point. The movement features a stop-seconds function, which allows you to stop the seconds hand for precise time-setting. The power reserve is 38 hours, which is about average for a tourbillon. While that's not exceptionally long, it's perfectly adequate for daily wear, especially considering the automatic winding. The bridges and plates of the movement are decorated, adding a layer of refinement that's visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The craftsmanship and consideration that went into the design of the movement shows dedication to excellence.



Speaking of sapphire crystal, the Classic Tourbillon uses it not only for the case back but also for the front crystal. Sapphire is prized for its exceptional scratch resistance, ensuring that your watch will remain clear and legible for years to come. The crystal also features an anti-reflective coating, which minimizes glare and enhances readability in various lighting conditions.



The watch is paired with a green alligator leather strap. The color complements the dial perfectly, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. The strap features a fold-over clasp, which is both secure and easy to use. Genuine alligator leather is a luxurious material, known for its softness, durability, and distinctive pattern. The strap adds a touch of sophistication and ensures that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist.



The water resistance of the Classic Tourbillon is rated at WR50/5Bar/166ft. This means it's suitable for still water swimming and can withstand splashes, rain, and brief immersion in water. However, it's not designed for diving or high-impact water sports. It's always best to err on the side of caution with a watch of this caliber, but the 50M rating adds a degree of everyday practicality.



One of the interesting aspects of the Classic Tourbillon is its limited-edition nature. Only 150 pieces will be produced, adding a degree of exclusivity to the watch. Each piece is individually numbered, further enhancing its collectible appeal. This is not simply marketing, there's a genuine rarity here, making it something special for those lucky enough to acquire one. It's a conversation starter, a piece that signifies discerning taste and an appreciation for horological artistry.



The Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Tourbillon is a watch that defies expectations. It combines the intricate beauty of a tourbillon with the practicality of an everyday wearer, all while maintaining a relatively accessible price point, especially within the realm of tourbillon watches. It's a demonstration of Frederique Constant's commitment to their founding principles – bringing luxury watchmaking to a wider audience.



The tourbillon, being the focal point, isn't just a technical marvel; it's a visual delight. Watching the escapement rotate within its cage is mesmerizing, a constant reminder of the intricate mechanics powering the watch. It's a detail that elevates the Classic Tourbillon beyond a simple time-telling device and into the realm of wearable art. The artistry shows within all the details of the watch.



The choice of a stainless steel case, rather than a precious metal, might seem surprising for a watch with a tourbillon. However, it aligns with Frederique Constant's philosophy of offering value. Stainless steel is a robust and practical material, well-suited for daily wear. It also helps keep the overall cost of the watch down, making it more attainable. The polished and brushed finishes on the case demonstrate attention to detail, even with this practical material choice.



The simplicity of the dial design is another key element. The focus remains firmly on the tourbillon. The clean lines and uncluttered layout allow the complexity of the movement to shine through. The applied indices and elegant hands are subtle enough not to distract from the main attraction, but they are still beautifully executed. The green and silver-tone combination adds a touch of individuality without being overly ostentatious.



The FC-980 movement is a testament to Frederique Constant's growing expertise in movement design and manufacture. The fact that they can produce a tourbillon movement in-house, at this price point, is remarkable. The 38-hour power reserve, while not exceptional, is sufficient for a watch that is likely to be worn regularly. The automatic winding mechanism adds to the convenience, making it a watch that can be easily integrated into a daily routine.



The use of sapphire crystal, both front and back, is a standard feature in high-end watches, and the Classic Tourbillon is no exception. The anti-reflective coating is a thoughtful touch, ensuring that the dial and the movement can be admired without interference from glare. This attention to detail extends throughout the watch, demonstrating Frederique Constant's commitment to quality.



The green alligator leather strap is a luxurious touch, providing a comfortable and stylish fit. Alligator leather is known for its unique texture and durability, and the choice of green adds a pop of color that complements the dial. The fold-over clasp is a practical and secure closure mechanism, further enhancing the wearability of the watch. The strap is made with expert craftsmanship.



The limited edition status of the Classic Tourbillon adds a layer of desirability. Knowing that only 150 pieces exist worldwide makes it a more special and sought-after timepiece. It's a subtle nod to the collector's market, without sacrificing the overall accessibility that Frederique Constant is known for. The timepiece is truly a collector's watch.



The Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Tourbillon represents a compelling proposition in the world of high-end watchmaking. It offers a sophisticated complication, a beautifully executed design, and in-house movement, all at a price that is significantly lower than many of its competitors. It's a watch that speaks to both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of mechanical watches, offering a taste of horological excellence without breaking the bank.



Finally, let's talk about pricing and availability. The Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Tourbillon is priced at $15,695.00. This places it in a unique position within the market. It's certainly not inexpensive, but when compared to other tourbillon watches from established Swiss brands, it represents remarkable value. Availability will be limited, given the 150-piece production run. Interested buyers should contact Frederique Constant authorized dealers or visit their website to inquire about purchasing one. This watch is a testament to the fact that high-end watchmaking doesn't always have to come with an astronomical price tag.



Case: Stainless Steel, Round, 39mm Diameter, 10.99mm Thickness, 20mm Lug Width, Water Resistant to WR50/5Bar/166ft (Still Water Swimming), Silver-Tone Color.

Movement: FC-980, Automatic, Swiss Made, Hours, Minutes, Tourbillon 60 Seconds, Powered by the release of a wound spring. Automatic mechanical movements have an oscillating weight that winds the spring with the motion of the wearer’s arm.

Dial: Green, Brass Material, Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal.

Strap: Genuine Alligator, Green, Fold Over Clasp.

Price: $15,695.00

Reference Number: FC-980GR3H6

Notes: Limited Edition of 150 pieces. Features a tourbillon complication designed to offset the effects of gravity and preserve an ideal running rate.