Reviewing the Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Manufacture Watches
Thursday - 05 January 2023
The new Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Manufacture watches for 2022 revert to a 39mm case size from the brand's past but are now fitted with an in-house movement, a new case and a new dial. The stainless steel version is limited to 930 pieces worldwide, whilst the much rarer 18ct rose gold version will be limited to just 93 pieces.
The Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Manufacture became a watch with a cult-like status amongst fans of the brand when the company began equipping it with its first in-house movement back in 2004. The FC-910 has been updated a few times since it first displayed its beautiful arrangement and decoration through an open-heart display on the front of the dial. This display became a signature feature of the brand. Marking the most updated version of the Classics Heart Beat Manufacture, however, is the new 2022 Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Manufacture limited edition watch with a new dial and new case design. These changes give the watch an even more traditional look than before.
Just as you would expect from a watch collection bearing the name “Classics”, the timepieces within the Classics family by Frederique Constant are refined, simple and traditional. Roman numerals, feuille hands and beautiful guilloche dials are just a few examples of the features that define the timepieces from this range. One of the most popular wristwatches from the Frederique Constant Classics watch collection is the Classics Index watch. It's a simple three-handed version with a date feature that can be utilised in any situation and worn on any occasion. Within this sub-category, you get to choose from a black or white dial, a steel or rose gold-plated and steel bi-colour option, and a leather band or metal bracelet option. In that same vein, Frederique Constant is broadening its range of Classics Heart Beat Manufacture watches to offer its audience more to choose from.
This new Heart Beat Manufacture watch for 2022 comes in two versions – a stainless steel model and an 18ct rose gold version. Both models come in a modest size of 39mm and sit on the wrist at a depth of 10.39mm. Interestingly, although this case may seem significantly downsized from the other 42mm models within the collection, 39mm is the size of the brand’s first open-heart watch from 1994. Albeit with an outsourced movement. This new modified version of the watch signifies Frederique Constant's move towards an eventual catalogue of independently manufactured movements. The three-piece case construction of the new Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Manufacture watch is paired with an onion-shaped crown at 3 o’clock and offers a water-resistant rating of 50 meters for the steel version or 30 meters for the rose gold version. Other elements of the case include a sapphire crystal glass exhibition caseback for admiring the movement whilst it works.
As mentioned earlier, the dial of the new Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Manufacture watch has been updated. In previous years the open heart feature took the shape of a comma. The new models feature a circular open-heart window, brought together by a neat bevelled edge. The white lacquered dial in both the steel and rose gold options features a black railroad track on the inner dial and around the periphery of the display too. In between the two is an hour track represented by crisp black traditional Roman numerals that are kissed by a set of blued steel hour and minute hands.
Under the hood of the new Heart Beat Manufacture watch from Frederique Constant is the FC-930-3. It's a time-only automatic movement, a derivative of the original FC-910. It features an open-worked rotor, blued screws, perlage and Cotes de Geneve decoration that can be appreciated through the watch’s sapphire-backed case. The movement also performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a useful power reserve of 38 hours.
The new Frederique Constant Classics watches for 2022 are offered on a black or brown alligator leather strap for their respective steel and 18ct rose gold versions. If you’d like more information on each watch, you can call and speak to a member of our sales team today on 01335 453453
Technical specifications of the new Frederique Constant Classics Open Heart Manufacture Watch
- Case: 39mm – height: 10.39mm – stainless steel / 18ct rose gold – 50-meter / 30-meter water resistance – onion-shaped crown at 3 o’clock – anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front – sapphire crystal glass exhibition cashback
- Dial: White lacquered – blued central hour and minute hands – black railroad inner and outer track – traditional black Roman numeral hour markers -open heart feature at 6 o’clock
- Movement: FC-903-3 – automatic – descendent of FC-903 – in-house developed – 38-hour power reserve – 28,800 vph – perlage – Cotes de Geneve decoration- blued screws
- Strap: Black / brown – alligator leather strap – stainless steel / 18ct rose gold fastening
- Reference: FC-930EM3H6 - stainless steel / FC-930EM3H9 – rose gold
- Availability: stainless steel limited to 930 pieces / rose gold limited to 93 pieces
