Geneva Watch Days 2022: Frederique Constant: Three Reflections Of Femininity With The Classics Art Déco Carrée

Frederique Constant's Classics Art Déco collection, which debuted in 2005, is thriving in 2022. Its case is now slenderer, gaining new, more streamlined, and valuable proportions. Three new variations have been designed, merging natural mother-of-pearl with diamonds. Still, a very classic style, guillochée and embellished with a cabochon, the Classics Art Déco Carrée is designed for everyday use.

This timepiece is as inconspicuous as it is long-lasting. Launched in 2005, the Classics Art Déco has constantly been featured among Frederique Constant’s collections since then. Going against the fashion flow, it highlighted the family house’s sense of independence: although the trend was towards “oversize” and mixed timepieces, Frederique Constant advocated a timeless classicism. A gentle evolution of a feminine-focused design that was quickly adopted for its refined aesthetic. With the first model in a barrel shape, the first reinterpretation in 2013 gave it an oval profile. Seven years later, in 2020, it was given a new design where a perfect circle was added to the oval outline.

Contextual shape-play

The first square shape in the Classics Art Déco style allows us to gauge the magnitude of the leap forward in terms of design. However, while being called "Classics Art Déco Carrée," it cheekily messes with the proportions. As its square is not really one at all: to precisely match the curve of the wrist, this 15-year-old design, slightly lengthens its height to reach 28 mm against width of 20.7 mm. Perfect proportions whose subtle curvature is emphasized by exquisite fluting.

Uniqueness of form

In its core, an engine-turned rectangle emphasizes this new profile. The fineness of its engraving is represented in a natural mother-of-pearl heart, superimposed by two Breguet-style hands. The motion work is of the “stick” style, punctuating the edge of the mother-of-pearl and the guilloché. There are twelve Roman numerals on the dial of each of the three variations, and the time can be adjusted at three o'clock using a crown set with a blue cabochon that is reminiscent of a sapphire.

All details give refined homage to the 1920s era of opulence. During this time, linear and geometrical styles popularised by the Art Déco movement were all the rage.

Three reflections of femininity

A sophisticated creation, the new Classics Art Déco Carrée will reflect the femininity of the woman whose beauty it will enhance, each of its three forms presenting a different personality.

Subtle and sophisticated, the first model draws attention to the watch's polished steel case by way of a strap made up of five links called a "barleycorn." This style gives new meaning to the word "wristwatch."

The other two variations feature a black or blue leather strap with diamonds set at the buckle. Subtle jewelry is revealed softly and beautifully in the case of the first version on a black strap, proclaiming a valuable and unique personality and fusing the best of watchmaking and jewelry.