An Upgraded Movement and Design for the Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar

Released in 2016 with a price tag of EUR 8,000, Frederique Constant’s Perpetual Calendar Manufacture was one of the most affordable QPs on the market. Powered by FC’s in-house calibre FC-775, the perpetual calendar appeared in the Slimline family and the sportier Highlife collection. For Watches & Wonders 2025, the perpetual calendar returns in a more compact and sleek 40mm stainless steel case size powered by the new FC-766 manufacture calibre with an increased power reserve of three days.

Capable of indicating the day, month and leap years, perpetual calendars are highly respected complications. The latest QP, which has a 40mm diameter and a thickness of 12.2mm, is inspired by vintage watchmaking, and its geometry has been softened with more refined lugs. Similar to the Classic Manufacture models – Tourbillon, Power Reserve Big Date and Moonphase – the case of the Perpetual Calendar features a wide smooth bezel, an onion crown and a polished finish for a dressier look. Although the thickness is not ideal, it might have to do with the increased barrel size in the new movement.

While the layout of the calendar indications has not altered, there are plenty of refreshed elements on the sunray-brushed salmon dial. The silver coloured indices have been redesigned and are now slimmer and more elegant, their tips resting on the black railway-style minutes track. Framed with a silver ring and indicated by silver hands, the three snailed counters relay the month and leap year at noon, the date at 3 o’clock and the days of the week at 9 o’clock. A crescent-shaped aperture at 6 o’clock houses the moon phase indicator with its blue sky, silvery moon and stars.

A sapphire display back reveals the new calibre FC-776, the brand’s 34^th in-house (manufacture) movement. Based on the 2016 in-house automatic FC-755 with a perpetual calendar on top, the new FC-766 calibre increases the power reserve from 38 to 72 hours thanks to technology developed on the 706-716 calibres of 2024. It beats at 4Hz, has an openworked rose golden-coloured rotor and traditional finishings like perlage and fan-shaped Côtes de Genève.

The wonderfully elegant Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is paired with a dark brown alligator strap and a folding buckle. It retails for CHF 9,995, which still makes it a very affordable QP watch and possibly the most affordable on the market.

More information at frederiqueconstant.com.