The Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon Manufacture, reference FC-980GR3H6, represents a horological endeavour combining traditional Genevan watchmaking principles with a modern aesthetic sensibility. This limited-edition timepiece, restricted to 150 pieces, underscores Frederique Constant’s ambition to deliver accessible Swiss-made luxury, featuring a meticulously crafted tourbillon complication. Encased within a 39mm stainless steel housing, the watch features a distinctive palm green dial and is powered by the in-house FC-980 automatic calibre.
Beauty in green
The dial of the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture exhibits a sunray finish in a distinctive palm green hue, providing a dynamic backdrop for the applied silver-coloured, diamond-cut indices. The hour and minute hands, meticulously hand-polished and silver in colour, traverse the dial, indicating the time with precision. A prominent aperture at the 6 o’clock position reveals the 60-second tourbillon, complete with a slender silver-coloured hand affixed to the upper bridge to indicate the passing seconds. This design choice ensures the tourbillon’s functional display remains discreet, preserving the aesthetic integrity of the intricate mechanism.
FC-980 manufacture calibre
At the heart of the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture lies the FC-980 in-house calibre, an automatic movement distinguished by its sophisticated decorations and technical innovations. The movement undergoes meticulous finishing, incorporating techniques such as chamfering (anglage), circular graining (perlage & cerclage), flank drawing (étirage des flancs), and mirror polishing (poli miroir). Integrating a silicon escapement wheel and anchor exemplifies Frederique Constant‘s adoption of advanced materials to enhance performance and longevity. This movement, comprising 33 jewels, oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 alternations per hour (4Hz) and delivers a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The silicon components contribute to the movement’s resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variations. Each piece will bear an individual number on the tourbillon itself as well as on its case.
Steel as a luxury vessel
The Classic Tourbillon Manufacture features a three-part case constructed from polished stainless steel, measuring 39mm in diameter and 10.99mm in height. A convex sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating, protects the dial, ensuring optimal legibility under varying lighting conditions. The watch is water-resistant to 5 ATM (50 meters/165 feet), rendering it suitable for everyday wear. An engraved, see-through threaded case back provides an uninhibited view of the meticulously decorated FC-980 calibre. The classic style of the case is further enhanced by the traditional onion crown harking back to the days of pocket watches.
Compelling price
The Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon Manufacture represents a compelling value proposition within the landscape of high-end watchmaking – € 14 995.00. Its defining characteristic is the in-house tourbillon movement, a complication traditionally reserved for significantly more expensive timepieces. The watch blends aesthetic refinement with technical execution, offering a harmonious balance between traditional watchmaking and modernity. Its steel case and green dial contribute to its contemporary appeal, while the meticulous finishing of the movement reflects a commitment to quality and precision.
