Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Handwinding, now with a Mechanical Movement
The brand’s handsome dress watch with a retro-inspired fluted bezel returns with a manual-winding movement.
Frederique Constant launched its Classics Moneta Moonphase in 2024, a compact and stylish dress watch with a distinctive retro-inspired coin-edge bezel. With a diameter of just 37mm and a slim height of 7.65mm, the watch was enthusiastically received, but because it is powered by a quartz movement, we did not cover it on MONOCHROME. However, the good news for fans of the Moneta is that Frederique Constant is expanding the family with Classics Moneta Handwinding, the first reference to be powered by a manual-winding La Joux-Perret movement. Released as a limited edition of 999 pieces in its Classics collection, this attractive 1950s-inspired time-only model will test the waters with a retail price that is only marginally higher than the quartz references.
The mechanical Moneta (the Italian word for coin) is slightly larger than the quartz, with a diameter of 38.5mm and a thickness of 10.13. Still compact and in tune with today’s trend for smaller watches, the fluted bezel of the polished stainless steel case immediately commands attention. Unlike many fluted or coin-edged bezels located on the exterior, the particularity of the Moneta is that it is placed beneath the sapphire crystal. Not only is the fluting protected from wear and tear by the sapphire crystal, but it also interacts more dynamically with the light. While the fluting gives the watch a vintage aura, the sapphire crystal glass ensures the case’s smooth profile is preserved.
The choice of a salmon-coloured dial underscores the watch’s vintage appeal, but its grained texture and gradient effect are clearly contemporary. The darker tones of the gradient dial on the periphery create a contrasting background for the applied, faceted, mirror-polished hour markers, matching the faceted dauphine profile of the hour and minute hands. Slightly recessed, the small seconds counter also features a gradient with white markings on the darker periphery.
As many of our readers know, Citizen Group acquired La Joux-Perret in 2012, and now shares it with LVMH. Four years later, in 2016, Citizen acquired Frederique Constant. While Frederique Constant continues to develop its in-house calibres (35 to date) for its higher-end watches, developing entry- to mid-tier movements from scratch is expensive. Instead of sourcing movements from Sellita or ETA, it makes perfect sense for FC to turn to sister company La Joux-Perret.
For the new Moneta Handwinding, FC relies on a customised manual-winding La Joux-Perret movement – calibre FC-435, a hand-wound version of the G100 – with a contemporary frequency of 4Hz and a robust power reserve of 63 hours. Visible on the reverse side of the case, you can see a section of the large barrel, the escapement and the Côtes de Genève decoration.
Consolidating its vintage appeal and dress watch aspirations, the Classics Moneta Handwinding is paired with a black alligator strap and a pin buckle. The watch is limited to 999 pieces and retails for CHF 1,995. More information at frederiqueconstant.com.
