Baselworld 2014 has just proved there is a watch style that is suitable for everyone’s tastes. When I speak to people in general, views are divided when it comes to the aesthetic of timepieces. Trends would suggest that both males and females are gravitating towards larger more contemporary watches. Over the last few year’s brands like Glycine (Airman 7 Plaza Mayor) and Chronoswiss (Wristmaster) have experimented with oversized models. Even though these timepieces are my personal favourites, they weren’t commercially that successful. Primarily this is because these watchmakers are associated with traditional looking timepieces rather than more radical designs. In contrast Frédérique Constant always produced a certain type of watch and for that reason have had continued success.
Recently a few people have contacted me directly and asked my advice about Frédérique Constant. With a limited budget their main priority was quality and value for money. On that basis I would say that buying a watch from this brand would be a very good choice. Last August I had the great pleasure of reviewing the fantastic “Vintage Rally “Healey”. This watch is one the company’s largest offerings and measures 43mm x 14.5mm. Overall I found it very comfortable to wear and really enjoyed the experience.
On a recent business trip to Sydney I was offered the chance to try on the supreme Slim Line Moonphase. Dimensionally the watch is slightly smaller than the “Vintage Rally “Healey” measuring 42mm x 11.3mm. These classical proportions should appeal to a wide variety of buyers including the rapidly expanding unisex market. Generally I found the watch sat very comfortably on my wrist without any friction from the lugs. Ultimately this is down to the elegant case design and choice of stainless steel in production. Normally I would prefer titanium but feel it could potentially make the watch feel too lightweight.
Visually the Slim Line Moonphase has a refined and understated appearance. What makes this timepiece so distinctive is the unusual dark blue dial. This characteristic acts in perfect harmony with the raised stainless steel indexes. Other stylish details include a small date counter (displayed by a single hand) and striking moon phase indication (located at 6 o’clock). Within the range there are a few coated steel versions and a luxurious 18-karat rose gold model.
Frédérique Constant has equipped the timepiece with a Swiss made self-winding movement. The Caliber FC-705 comprises 26-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). This mechanism has been decorated to a superior level with Côtes de Genève and Collimaçon patterns. Functionally the Slim Line Moonphase features hours, minutes, date and moon phase indication. The watch also has a power reserve of 42-hours and is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.
The Slim Line Moonphase has a hand stitched blue alligator strap with matching stainless steel buckle. Priced at €2,695 (approximately $3,713).
