W&W 2024 Frederique Constant Classic Date Manufacture 40mm

Frederique Constant presents its Classic Date Manufacture. Three new steel versions and a brand new Manufacture movement.

It’s definitely still a Classic, but with some major new features: the Classic Date Manufacture now sports the new FC-706 Manufacture calibre with a 72-hour power reserve and a five-year warranty. The steel case has been resized to a slightly smaller 40 millimetres, a classy and classic diameter housing a new dial free from figures. Slim hour markers and a ‘railtrack’ minute circle encompass a sunburst dial finished in silver, black or salmon.

There’s the form, and then there’s the substance: while the three new incarnations of the Classic Date Manufacture remain true to the canons of authentic, traditional Fine Watchmaking, they do so by adopting a different stylistic and technical approach to that of their predecessors.

The ethos of the new models is all about refinement, starting with a considerably slimmed-down case diameter of 40mm instead of the previous 42mm. This evolution is in line with the current expectation of lovers of Fine Watchmaking – and also reflects the dimensions of most of the timepieces released over the past fifty years that have gone on to become timeless icons.

The smaller size actually makes the dial look more open and untrammelled than ever before, while the sunburst finish gives it a constant, gentle gleam. The silver and salmon dial versions are especially bright, while the third variation and its black dial offer a darker, more contemporary alternative.

A 72-hour power reserve

Each of the three timepieces benefits from a major movement upgrade. The legacy calibres and their 38-hour power reserve have been replaced by the new FC-706 Manufacture movement with a power reserve of 72 hours – equivalent to three whole days. The FC-706 calibre is derived from the FC-710 (a technical base that has been used to power Manufacture collections since 2012) and uses over 90% of the same components, making it exceptionally well tried and tested – and highly reliable. It beats at a rate of 4Hz.

FC-706 Manufacture movement

A new finish has been applied to the bridges, thoroughly redesigned to house the new larger-capacity barrel. The new decorations include beading and a fan-shaped Cotes de Genève finish replacing the previous circular motif. To top it all, the Classic Date Manufacture now comes with a five-year warranty.

The highly minimalist ethos adopted for the dial has led to a full redesign of the hour markers, hands and minute circle. The applique hour markers are diamond-faceted, polished and slightly smaller at 5 and 7 o’clock, so as to give plenty of space to the date display and hand at 6 o’clock.

The central hour and minute hands are now diamond-cut, too; they and the central seconds hand are hand-polished, redone in the Alpha style to match the profile of the hour markers. The complete absence of Roman or Arabic numerals makes telling the time more intuitive. A new ‘railtrack’ minute circle bears witness to the accuracy of the hours and minutes indications, while an onion-type crown sits at 3 o’clock.

The first variation comes on a chocolate-brown alligator strap, with a salmon dial and silver hour markers and hands. The date and minute indications are black to ensure optimum readability. The same logic applies to the second option, with a silver sunburst dial on a navy blue alligator strap. The third model adopts a more contemporary contrast with a silver case, hands and hour markers and an all-black sunburst dial borne atop a matching alligator strap.