Frederique Constant Updates Its Classics Collection With New Heart Beat and Automatic Models

There are many brands playing in the field of accessible luxury but few can compete with Frederique Constant, a brand that since 1988 has managed to create elegant, classic designs but also demonstrated true horological expertise, having more than 30 manufacture movements in its portfolio. Alongside the recent Highlife and more complex Slimline collections, the brand has an important pillar named “Classics Automatic.” A range of elegant, simple and discreet models, it’s mostly known thanks to the signature Heart Beat watch. Today, Frederique Constant launches 5 new models in the Classics line, true to the basics of the collection.

About a year ago, when FC presented some new, sleek models in the Classics collection, we explained that they “share some common hallmarks, namely an appeal for Roman numerals, polished cases with sleek lines and textured dials with guilloché-like patterns.” And after releasing some models with clean dials and applied markers, it’s time for the brand to go back to the roots of the collection, by presenting five new references that are exactly what you’d expect from a Frederique Constant Classics watch. The timeless appeal of the collection is back with all its attributes.

The dial of a watch is often considered as the expression of its identity. It is often the most recognizable and distinguishable element of a timepiece, the part that conveys most of the watchmaker’s identity – and not only because that’s where the brand’s logo is printed. Even though playing on some of the most classic codes of the industry, the watches from the Classics Index collection are rather easy to identify. And today, the brand returns to the sources of classicism, which includes some new editions of the signature Heart Beat, an important watch for the brand.

All new models are equipped with automatic movements (outsourced here, not part of the manufacture portfolio, to keep the prices reasonable) and housed in 40mm polished cases, available either in steel or rose gold-plated steel. Most importantly, the dials are what truly matters here, a classic elegance that is obtained thanks to a guilloché-like pattern, Roman numerals and Breguet-style hands. This combination of a Clous de Paris texture, with the brand’s logo in a raised plaque, with the thin, signature hands and a brushed chapter ring are all in line with the brand’s codes.

The 5 new references are spread around 2 versions. First is the Classics Index Automatic line, with a time-and-date display. This version is available in 3 references: steel with a silver-coloured dial, with black numerals and hands, worn on a black leather strap; steel with khaki dial with white numerals and hands and worn on a black leather strap; a rose gold-plated version with silver dial, black numerals and hands and a brown leather strap. All watches are measuring 40mm in diameter with a reasonable height of 10.3mm. Under the solid caseback is the automatic calibre FC-303 (Sellita SW-200) with 4Hz frequency and 38h power reserve. Prices will be EUR 895 in steel and EUR 1,095 in gold-plated steel.

Quick facts: 40mm x 10.3mm – 2-part steel case (possible gold plating), 50m water-resistant – sapphire crystal – stamped guilloche dial in silver or khaki – Calibre FC-303, automatic, 4Hz, 38h power reserve, time and date – leather strap with crocodile pattern embossing – FC-303MC5B6 (steel case, silver dial) EUR 895 – FC-303MCK5B6 (steel case, khaki dial) EUR 895 – FC-303MC5B4 (rose gold-plated, silver dial) EUR 1,095

Then are two new Classics Heart Beat Automatic models. The specificity of this watch, which pays tribute to the first Heart Beat watch created in 1994, is to display the regulating organ of the watch on the dial, through a round aperture located at 12 o’clock. Again measuring 40mm, these watches are powered by the Calibre FC-310, still based on the Selitta SW-200 with 4Hz frequency and 38h power reserve. The movement is here visible on the back of the watch. The new Classics Heart Beat Automatic will be available in steel with either a silver dial or a dark khaki dial. Both are worn on black leather straps and will be priced at EUR 1,295.

Quick facts: 40mm x 10.5mm – 2-part steel case, 50m water-resistant – sapphire crystal – stamped guilloche dial in silver or khaki – Calibre FC-310 Heart Beat, automatic, 4Hz, 38h power reserve, time-only – leather strap with crocodile pattern embossing – FC-310MC5B6 (steel case, silver dial) EUR 1,295 – FC-310MCK5B6 (steel case, khaki dial) EUR 1,295

For more details, please visit frederiqueconstant.com.