Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT
The brand’s partnership with the Riva Historical Society produces two limited editions celebrating Italian elegance on the water.
Frederique Constant presented the first Runabout editions in 2009, and the partnership with the Riva Historical Society was formalised in 2013 to help preserve and celebrate one of Italy’s most enduring symbols of la dolce vita. The collection has become a biennial event, paying tribute to the wooden speedboats that defined the glamour of the Mediterranean and Italian lakes in the 1950s and 1960s. Over the years, the Runabout series has included automatic models and chronographs. For 2026, Frederique Constant delivers the Classics Runabout Automatic GMT. Available with either a navy blue or a teak-inspired brown dial, each version is limited to 888 pieces, continuing a tradition that fans have come to expect every two years.
The familiar three-part polished stainless steel case returns, measuring 42mm in diameter and 12.85mm thick. It is fitted with a convex anti-reflective sapphire crystal and features a see-through caseback, decorated with the emblem of the Riva Historical Society, and each watch has a “One of 888” engraving. Water resistance remains 50m, adequate for a watch inspired by leisurely days aboard classic wooden runabouts.
The two dial options tie the release with the legendary Riva boats. The deep navy blue version evokes open water, and the brown model recalls the varnished teak decks of the historic boats preserved by the Riva Historical Society. Both feature vertically satin-brushed centres resembling the parallel wooden planks of a runabout’s foredeck, replacing the hobnail and guilloché patterns seen on earlier generations. Applied indices alternate with vintage-style Arabic numerals at 3, 9 and 12 o’clock, all filled with beige luminous material that extends to the rhodium-plated hands. The date window remains at 6 o’clock. The layout is organised with the three concentric display zones. The outer seconds track runs the periphery, next is the chapter ring for the hours, while the 24-hour GMT indication is closest to the dial’s centre. A slim GMT hand, tipped with a luminescent arrow, points to the scale.
The Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT is powered by the FC-350, a Sellita base calibre with a manufacture module (sadly, this is a so-called Office or Caller GMT instead of a Flyer’s or True GMT). The movement offers a 38-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour. Geneva stripes decorate the bridges and rotor.
The blue-dialled edition is worn on a black rubber strap, closed with a pin buckle; the brown-dialled reference is paired with a leather strap, secured with a folding clasp. Every Runabout Automatic GMT is delivered in a special presentation box with a miniature wooden Runabout boat. As mentioned, each new Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT version is a limited edition of 888 pieces, and the price is EUR 1,995.
More details on FrederiqueConstant.com.
