Geneva Watch Days 2022: Frederique Constant: Classics Heart Beat Manufacture Unveiled In A New Look

With a redesigned dial, new indices, and a new 39 mm case, the Classics Heart Beat Manufacture is unveiled in two limited editions: one in 18K pink gold (93 pieces) and one in steel (930 timepieces). The Manufacture FC-930-3 caliber, the proud descendant of the FC-910 caliber, the first movement developed in-house at Frederique Constant in 2004, is installed in the reimagined version of an iconic timepiece of the Maison that ushered in the age of Manufacture movements at Frederique Constant.

The values upon which Frederique Constant was founded are reflected in the Classics Heart Beat Manufacture: a timepiece that captures the essence of craftsmanship and centuries-old watchmaking traditions at an accessible price.

In 2004, Frederique Constant introduced the FC-910 Heart Beat Manufacture caliber, its first movement designed in-house. At the time, it was manually wound. It was only fitting that the Maison, which has made a name for itself by using an iconic aperture on its dials since 1994 so that watch enthusiasts can see the escapement at work, should pay tribute to this design element. A few years later, the FC-930 was introduced as the first self-winding Manufacture caliber of the Maison, marking a significant evolution for this caliber.

The Classics Heart Beat Manufacture gets a facelift from Frederique Constant in the year 2022. This Heart Beat opening has been its distinctive comma shape since 2004. A dynamic and unconventional design that allows the escapement to be seen through the dial. The perfect circle has replaced this comma in modern times.

Its placement at 6 o'clock alludes to the tourbillons typically seen at 9 and 3 o'clock on Luxury Watches. With this classic design, the Classics Heart Beat Manufacture moves closer to the high ideals of traditional watchmaking.

The Frederique Constant Heart Beat aperture, a true icon of the brand, was created for the first time in 1994. This design has been created but has never been registered for protection. The Heart Beat aperture was widely imitated after its success and the discovery of the legal gap that allowed for royalty-free use. Collectors, however, continue to value it for its association with the Geneva watchmaker.

New indexes have also been created in the same traditional style. They lend support to the idea of making a vintage-inspired timepiece. Because the initial Heart Beat Manufacture model was also 39 millimeters in diameter, the 2022 vintage of the Classics Heart Beat Manufacture features Roman numerals built specifically for its new case.

Thinner and more understated indices cover a lacquered white dial, and the watch's "railway" motion design brings it in line with the norms of the early 20th century. The black hands from 2004 have been used again; the minute hand is shaped like a very thin "leaf," and the hour hand is shaped like a heart; this is to stay true to the original design that has set this line apart from others since its inception.

The original features, including the "onion" crown and the mechanical mechanism it winds, have been preserved. The FC-930-3 caliber, conceived and built in Frederique Constant's Geneva factory, is the heart of the Classics Heart Beat Manufacture. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 alt./h and guarantees 38 hours of power reserve. Fine pearling and Côtes de Genève stripes adorn the watch's rear, where they are on full display for the wearer to appreciate.

Two extremely restricted series are presently powered by it. The first is a 93-piece run of a timepiece that is 18K pink gold with a brown alligator strap. The second is a limited edition of 930 pieces, and it is composed of steel with a black alligator strap.

Maison Frederique Constant has been making watches for about 35 years, and throughout that time they have created 30 different Manufacture calibers. Among these are the FC-705 Moonphase, FC-718 Worldtimer, FC-760 Flyback Chronograph, FC-775 perpetual calendar, FC-975 tourbillon perpetual calendar, and FC-810 chronograph flyback (Monolithic). Despite their complex mechanisms that speak to Maison's mastery in watchmaking, Frederique Constant watches are still designed to be affordable for everyone.