Frédérique Constant Classics Carrée, A Homage to the Timeless Classicism of the 1920s
Three new Classics Carrée Automatic versions inspired by the roaring 1920s, which unveiled a stylistic audacity whose effects can still be felt today.
All three new versions of the Frédérique Constant Classics Carrée rose gold-plated or stainless steel watches have a very simple design that features baton indexes, dauphine hands, and a date window. The dial features a subtle guilloché motif, giving each watch a distinctive elegance that will appeal to collectors with a discerning eye for beautiful design.
Frédérique Constant is acutely aware that fashion is ephemeral and fluctuates throughout time. A little over a century ago, in the early 1920s, people started wearing their watches on their wrists instead of keeping them in their jacket pockets. It was a revolution, not just a natural progression of events, which led to the creation of a wide variety of sizes, forms, straps, and clasps that had not been seen before.
Those who had not yet earned the title of designer explored uncharted territories of visual expression. The intentionally oversized pocket watch belonged to a different age. An essential liberation from the form and the format. The rectangle case shape was introduced.
The watch-making industry is very fond of straightforward forms like circles, rectangles, and squares. Today, Frédérique Constant has taken a fresh look at the rectangle design, resulting in watches that stand the test of time.
The Classics Carrée Line Rectangle Shape
The Classics Carrée line, which debuted in 2003, capitalized on the rectangle format’s potential, bringing the shape to life as the line evolved: with the addition of an XL model and the notable ‘Heart Beat’ escapement opening for which Frédérique Constant is known.
The Classics Carrée Automatic has undergone significant additional development and improvement. The first noteworthy alteration is that the Heart Beat aperture has been closed, concealing the Classics Carrée Swiss-made movement. The front of a new, more streamlined dial is revealed. The large Roman numerals are replaced by applied indexes, and a double index is located at the 12 o’clock position. This enduring style is far more aligned with the aesthetic style of the 1920s.
However, at 6 p.m., a subtle additional complication reminds us of the necessities of daily life. This new date aperture mimics the case’s rectangular line and is surrounded by a frame in the same finish as the case.
The Frédérique Constant Classics Carrée Automatic Dial
The most elegant finishes are concentrated in the dial’s center. This center rectangle matches the case dimensions of 30.4 mm x 33.3 mm and is surrounded by a dial train in the style of a railroad, typical of the 1920s and the thriving Art Deco movement. It is adorned with very fine grooves that can only be seen by the watch’s wearer.
This nuance contrasts nicely with the interplay of the three hands. The hour and minute hands are designed in the dauphine style, which was popular in the nineteenth century. Because the two facets are oriented at two different angles, one of them always captures the light. This simple, refined shape allows time to be read accurately in all situations. All of the watch functions are controlled by an onion crown at 3 o’clock, typical on most watches up until the middle of the last century.
Three Different Versions to Choose From
Frédérique Constant’s new Classics Carrée Automatic is available in three distinct iterations, each powered by the FC-303 automatic movement visible through the sapphire case back, with a power reserve of 38 hours.
The most classic of the three versions features a stainless steel case with a silver dial and a black leather strap. The most contemporary model has an identical stainless steel case but with a blue dial and a matching blue leather strap in blue. Lastly, the rose gold plated version with matching indexes and hands, and a brown leather strap exudes chic elegance.
Price & Availability:
All three of Frédérique Constant’s new Classics Carrée Automatic are available at Frédérique Constant retailers worldwide and on their website.
- FC-303V4C4 Steel case with a silver dial – EUR 1’295
- FC-303S4C6 Steel case with a blue dial – EUR 995
- FC-303N4C6 Rose gold Plated steel case with a silver dial – EUR 995
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