Fresh Versions of the Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Moonphase Date

Frederique Constant expands its Classics collection with fresh interpretations of the Heart Beat Moonphase Date. First introduced in 2014, this signature timepiece unites a poetic moon phase display and pointer date with the brand’s iconic “Heart Beat” aperture – an innovation the Geneva Manufacture pioneered in 1994 to showcase the mechanical balance wheel. More than a decade after the original model’s debut, the brand releases two 40mm iterations: one in steel with a warm, vintage-inspired salmon dial and one in yellow gold-plated steel with a midnight-blue dial.

The round Classics Heart Beat Moonphase Date is one of the most ‘classic’ models in the family, with traditional Geneva watchmaking features like guilloché details, double-stepped bezels, classical Roman numerals and openworked Breguet-style hands. In bold contrast to its more traditional temperament is the large aperture at noon, revealing the Heart Beat or balance wheel, in motion under a circular-grained bridge.

While the dimensions aren’t exactly dress watch territory, with a 40mm diameter and 10.79mm height, the steel and yellow gold-plated cases are well proportioned and well finished. Polished throughout for a dressier effect, the signature double-stepped bezel softens the lines of the middle case.

Maintaining the classical spirit of the references, the central area of the dials is decorated with a Clous de Paris or hobnail guilloché pattern. In line with the brand’s commitment to “accessible luxury”, the guilloché motif is produced using a modern stamping press. Other traditional details include the subtly fluted ring or fillet track demarcating the peripheral date track and the wider chapter ring hosting the large Roman numerals – both of which are satin-brushed for contrast. The salmon dial pairs black Arabic numerals for the date with black Roman numerals for the hours, while the blue dial offers more vivid contrast with its gold numerals.

The openworked, apple-style hour and minute hands are also a nod to traditional watchmaking. When Frederique Constant introduced this model, it wanted to highlight its mechanical movement to avoid any confusion with quartz. The Heart Beat aperture was designed with this in mind, as was the continuous sweep of the long, slender central seconds hand, which differs from the distinct 60-step motions of a quartz movement. The arrow-tipped pointer hand is used to indicate the date. Adding a dash of poetry, the moon phase display at 6 o’clock depicts a gold-coloured moon and stars against a blue night sky.

Not to be confused with the Moonphase Date Manufacture with an in-house movement, this watch is powered by the automatic calibre FC-335, based on the Sellita SW-200. Beating at 28,800vph, the movement delivers a relatively low power reserve of 38 hours. All the functions can be adjusted directly at the crown.

Both references come on a brown leather strap with an alligator pattern and a pin buckle. The steel model retails for EUR 2,295; the gold-plated model for EUR 2,495. More information at frederiqueconstant.com.