Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture
The Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture is available in various forms. However, it was the recent sight of a stainless steel model with a blue dial which caused Angus Davies to write his review of this affordable watch.
This detailed review of the Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture includes live images, specification details and pricing.
In recent weeks I have attended various social functions in the prelude to Christmas and New Year celebrations. It is the usual diet of polite conversation, calorific food on wooden cocktail sticks and the liberal consumption of alcohol.
During one soirée, I was engaged in conversation with the spouse of a “friend of a friend”. Ordinarily our paths would not cross, however, fate had conspired and the social encounter ensued.
It was with a sense of surprise that I listened to the gentleman inform me of his professional achievements without any inhibition and then progress to talk of his various material possessions. It seemed that the excessive cost of a luxury item justified sharing the asking price with me.
A behavioural psychologist would probably conclude that his low self-esteem and humble origins necessitated the chap sharing these details with me. However, his lack of restraint appeared unseemly.
The only time I would freely discuss the price of an object is when it appeared to represent exceptional value. My preamble brings me to the subject of this timepiece from Frederique Constant.
It’s acceptable to discuss the price in this instance
The relatively young brand from Geneva, formed in 1988, has quickly earned a reputation for its highly accessible Swiss watches. In this instance, the price is something I feel comfortable discussing without fear of committing a social faux pas.
The Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture is available in various forms including stainless steel, gold plated and 18-carat rose gold.
I must admit that gold plated watches have never appealed to me. They remind me of an impostor at a party, trying to pretend they were invited. While the 18-carat rose gold models do appeal to my taste, it was actually a stainless steel model with a blue dial which recently captured my attention.
A profound appeal
The Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture (FC-705N4S6) has a spellbinding beauty that is difficult to ignore. Its navy blue dial has a rich hue, resembling deep ocean waters, and proffers a profound appeal.
It is a dress watch in the truest sense, with clean, elegant lines and a tastefully restrained appearance. The 42mm case diameter is larger than some similarly styled watches from competing brands, but it does not unduly burden the wrist.
The hours and minutes are charmingly conveyed with swallow-shaped polished nickel hands. There is no crass loudness or garish exhibitionism, tasteful restraint is the order of the day.
A circular date display is situated above 6 o’clock. At its heart is the moonphase indication, presented via a crescent shaped aperture.
Applied nickel indexes denote the hours. While I like their slender profile, I wish their length was uniform as the batons at 3 o’clock, 9 o’clock and noon seem slightly at odds with their neighbours.
Furthermore, the onion shaped crown, whilst aiding adjustment, does not seem in keeping with the styling of the rest of the watch.
The movement
This timepiece currently retails for £2530 in the UK. Considering it contains a Manufacture movement, this is an attractive price.
Adorning the caseback is a wide sapphire crystal which allows the wearer to view the FC-705 Caliber. The open-worked self winding rotor, provides an unhindered view of the circular Côtes de Genève motif beneath. Perlage on the main plate and blued screws further enhance the impressive specification of this watch.
Conclusion
This is an elegant timepiece delivering much value. Ultimately, price, specification and finish are inextricably linked.
This watch does not pretend to be the ultimate exemplar of haute horlogerie, its pricing would prevent it from achieving this mantle.
It is the antithesis of the loud and conspicuous timepieces favoured by some. It does not make grandiose statements and may not appeal to those individuals who wish to boast about the vast sums of money spent on an item.
However, if like me, you can see merit in tasteful restraint, then you probably also share my admiration for the Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture (FC-705N4S6).
Technical Specification
- Model: Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture
- Ref: FC-705N4S6
- Case: Stainless steel; diameter 42 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; date; moon-phase indication.
- Movement: FC-705 Manufacture Caliber, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz), 26 jewels; power reserve 42 hours
- Strap: Navy alligator leather strap with off-white stitching. Presented on a steel pin buckle.
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