Frederique Constant Manufacture Worldtimer
Angus Davies reviews the keenly-priced Frederique Constant Manufacture Worldtimer Ref FC-718MC4H4.
This detailed review of the Frederique Constant Manufacture Worldtimer includes live images, specification details and pricing.
Despite feeling an overwhelming sense that everything in life is costing more, I am aware that, “in real-terms” some goods and services have actually become cheaper.
With the advent of low-cost airlines, foreign travel has reduced in cost. It is not unusual for a couple to board a plane and visit a European city for a weekend, safe in the knowledge “it won’t break the bank”.
An aspect of watch buying which has become cheaper in recent years is the world timer complication. Coincidently , this is a watch complication suited to foreign travel, simultaneously displaying the time in 24 locations around the globe.
The world timer was invented by Louis Cottier in 1931 and is a very useful complication. Cottier created watches for several prestigious brands, including Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. However, in the last few years, rather than the world timer being merely the preserve of the most prestigious maisons, a touch of egalitarianism has crept in, with more accessible offerings entering the fray. No longer does the notion of owning a world timer necessitate parting with a five-figure sum, a fact perfectly illustrated with the Frederique Constant Manufacture Worldtimer, costing £3090 (RRP as at 15.12.2014).
I recently grasped the opportunity to handle this watch and appraise its specification.
The dial
This particular model is part of a limited series of 1888 pieces featuring a Clous de Paris hobnail motif centre-stage. Black Breguet hands convey the hour and minutes with exquisite poise. The hour track is marked with Roman numerals except at 6 o’clock where it defers to a circular date display.
The prevailing time in the respective 24 time zones is shown on a two-tone display adjacent the hour track. Nocturnal hours are shown in white text on a black background whilst daylight hours are presented in a black font on a white background.
In my opinion, a potential drawback with some world timer watches is that the display can appear somewhat congested. However, Frederique Constant has managed to produce a refreshingly legible display which is enhanced with contrasting textures and harmonious detail.
The “guilloché” is stamped and could never be fairly compared with the peerless dials that feature on Breguet or Vacheron Constantin timepieces, created using a rose-engine lathe. However, the Frederique Constant timepiece does not operate within the same price segment as these luxurious exemplars of haute horologerie, rather it offers a more affordable taste of luxury.
The case
Prior to knowing the retail price of the watch, I picked it up and readily placed it upon my arm, appreciating its golden tones. It was only after hearing of its asking price that I discovered the case was not made of solid rose gold but rather rose gold plated steel.
I confess to being a bit of a watch snob and ordinarily I would dismiss a case which was plated. However, I then reflected on other watches I have written about. I have never exhibited the same horological snootiness over PVD or DLC coated steel. Perhaps, with an air of superiority, I was unfairly dismissing several worthy watches.
Again, it comes back to cost and value. The case of the Frederique Constant Manufacture Worldtimer is clearly lighter than if it had been produced solely of 18-carat rose gold, but I was initially fooled by its appearance. I prefer the warmth of its case when compared with its plain steel case sibling. This plated version attracts only a negligible price premium over the plain steel variant and is worth the additional outlay.
The case diameter of the Frederique Constant Manufacture Worldtimer is 42mm and it is blessed with sufficient scale to adequately display the functions without appearing cluttered. Conversely, the watch does not appear unduly cumbersome, proving comfortable to wear.
The case back includes a sapphire crystal, revealing the self-winding movement within.
The movement
The FC-718 Worldtimer Manufacture Calibre is automatic and a clear demonstration of the impressive vertical integration of Frederique Constant.
The oscillating mass is open-worked, revealing much of the surface decoration below. Indeed, the Genevan watch brand has chosen to disclose a significant proportion of the movement, with the balance visible in its entirety.
A large proportion of the main plate is exposed with perlage much in evidence and circular Côtes de Genéve motif graces the large central bridge. Blued screws also feature on the movement.
The movement has a simple, tidy design. The finishing is good, considering the modest pricing, and it is a manufacture movement which is unusual within this market segment.
An area which is particularly impressive is the operation of the city disc using merely the crown. Often an additional push piece is necessary. The approach adopted by Frederique Constant grants a welcome purity of line.
Closing remarks
I appreciate the charms of the Frederique Constant Manufacture Worldtimer. It offers an impressive specification for a relatively modest sum.
There is clearly a difference between the Frederique Constant and those select brands which populate the highest echelons of horology. With additional outlay, the case material would have been solid gold, the movements would be finished to a higher standard with a greater degree of hand craftsmanship in evidence. However, not everyone is able to afford this degree of rarefied excellence.
Frederique Constant has cleverly captured the aesthetic appeal of costlier timepieces and achieved economies without losing the sense of luxury.
Technical specification
- Model: Frederique Constant Manufacture Worldtimer
- Reference: FC-718MC4H4
- Case: Rose gold plated stainless steel; diameter 42 mm; height 12.1mm; water resistant to 5 bar (50 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; central seconds; date; world timer
- Movement: FC-718, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), 26 jewels; power reserve of 42 hours.
- Strap: Black alligator leather strap presented on a rose gold plated pin buckle
- Price: £3090 (RRP as at 15.12.2014)
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