Classic Worldtimer Manufacture

Description

Since its launch in 2012, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture has established itself as one of the flagship models of the Maison Frederique Constant and a new icon of contemporary watchmaking. A Swiss Made Haute Horlogerie timepiece, an ingenious function and high added value are the keys to its success, making this timepiece an emblematic model.

Today, the Maison revisits its flagship model. New Manufacture FC-719 movement. Power reserve extended to 72 hours. New 40 mm diameter case. New date-free, streamlined dial. With this new version of this iconic model, Frederique Constant takes a bold step.

An authentic Manufacture

At Frederique Constant, men and women work to create high added-value Swiss Made timepieces. This new FC-719 movement was designed within its workshops. The challenge was twofold: to maintain the reliability of its predecessor while at the same time improving its technical characteristics. The result? An impressive 35th Manufacture movement developed by Frederique Constant since its founding in 1988.

Not many Maisons under 40 years old have the boldness to pursue the ambition of becoming an authentic Swiss Made timepiece manufacturer. This passion echoes throughout the Frederique Constant workshops. It is here that movements are developed, prototyped, assembled and regulated. It is here that the watchmakers' skillful and controlled movements wield tweezers, screwdrivers and oilers to invent contemporary watchmaking.

An optimised movement

Behind its legibility and ease of use, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture conceals a beautifully crafted horological complication. It offers a simultaneous, real-time display of the time in all 24 reference time zones. By opting for a two-colour disc, the traveller can intuitively distinguish between day and night time zones. On the new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture, the decision to forgo the date further enhances the legibility of the hours, minutes and the precious complication. This allows travellers, whether in body or spirit, to keep track of time wherever their journey takes them.

Developed on a proven technical basis, the Manufacture FC-719 movement has seen its power reserve optimised. Formerly 38 hours, it now has a capacity of 72 hours. This increase of approximately 90% provides a full three-day power reserve. This optimisation is made possible by a longer mainspring and a revised alloy composition. What’s more, not only does the FC-719 calibre maintain its original frequency of 4 Hz, but also, despite its larger mainspring, it fits into a case that is 2 mm smaller in diameter. The FC-719 therefore becomes one of the most optimised Worldtimers on the market.

A module that celebrates simplicity

How complicated it can sometimes be to make things simple! With only 24 components, the Worldtimer module is a perfect example. Take, for instance, the adjustment of all functions with a single crown. First advantage: practicality, since the user accesses all functions with just the crown.

Second advantage: reliability. No need for correctors and their fragile mechanical linkages. Especially since the stylus needed to press them is never readily available when travelling. Thirdly, water resistance. By eliminating various corrections and numerous openings in the case, the new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture guarantees water resistance to 5 ATM. The Manufacture also preserves the clean lines of the new 40 mm classic case.

A new chapter, true to the spirit of the Manufacture

By combining mechanical innovation, artisanal mastery, and contemporary design, Frederique Constant offers the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture a new chapter. It perfectly illustrates the Maison's ambition: to present high added-value Swiss Made timepieces. From the meticulously developed and hand-assembled FC-719 movement to the aesthetics and finishes of the dials, every detail testifies to the passion and daring of the Maison. With this reinterpretation of its iconic model, Frederique Constant confirms its identity as a modern Manufacture, capable of combining traditional know-how and contemporary watchmaking, offering travellers and fine watchmaking enthusiasts a timepiece of exceptional value.

Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.