The Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon Manufacture, now with Light Blue MoP Dial

The tourbillon has long been one of the long list of complications developed internally by Frederique Constant, used as a stand-alone feature or even paired with a perpetual calendar. And, in classic style for the brand, often with a price that’s well below the industry average. A couple of years ago, in line with its strategy of streamlining the collection and the designs, the brand introduced the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture. Refined, compact, elegant and mechanically interesting, there was a lot to love there. Since then, we’ve seen steel editions or a meteorite dial. Playing on the trend for stone dials, Frédérique Constant now launches an appealing limited edition with a mother-of-pearl dial and in a light blue colour.

Being on the higher-end side of the spectrum for the brand, this new MoP Classic Tourbillon Manufacture is housed in a case made of polished white gold. As with other editions, it comes with fairly compact dimensions, with a restrained diameter of 39mm and a thickness just below 11mm. Sapphire crystals are found on both sides, in order to admire the ballet of the tourbillon on the front and the elegantly decorated movement on the back.

The main evolution for this new series is the dial. It is presented here with the same design as other aforementioned editions, meaning sleek diamond-cut applied hour markers and hand-polished hands with no lume – clearly a watch that plays on the dressy side. What makes it different is the base, which is made of light grey-blue mother-of-pearl and will surely bring a lively look to the watch, considering the shimmering effect of MoP. The dial is otherwise dominated by the large one-minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock, paired with a small seconds hand.

Under the hood is the calibre FC-980-4, an in-house automatic base movement that’s been enhanced by the addition of a one-minute, 4Hz-beating tourbillon equipped with a silicon escape wheel and anchor to counteract magnetic fields and reduce the need for lubrication. The movement is wound by a central rotor and delivers a rather short 38h power reserve.

Worn on a light blue alligator strap, closed by a folding clasp, this new Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon Manufacture with mother-of-pearl dial is a limited edition of 36 pieces. It is priced at CHF 34,995 including taxes.

For more details, please visit FrederiqueConstant.com.