Frederique Constant Manufacture Moonphase Watch For Fratello

August 19, 2020

As the very first model to grace the new Fratello store, the Frederique Constant Manufacture Moonphase hits the market as a standard-bearer of things to come. Utilizing an in-house movement with an attractive moonphase function, it debuts as an affordable option for those seeking extra complications in a wearable watch.Being the first is never easy. The temptation to create noise through superfluous additions and a ground-shaking aesthetic is ever-present. But restraint - especially when it comes to limited editions - is wise. By choosing a tried and true model and making tasteful tweaks, the designers have bolstered this model s long-term appeal.CaseIt is harder than it should be to find well-designed, mechanically interesting movements in stainless steel cases. The 42mm case of the Frederique Constant Manufacture Moonphase is classically styled and presented in modern proportions. Its polished finish gives the watch a dressy vibe, while its thick bezel and curved case flanks boost its casual credentials. The watch features sapphire crystals on the front and back. A water resistance rating of 50 meters suits the style of a watch that is unlikely to see much pool time.DialThe Frederique Constant Manufacture Moonphase watch is ordinarily available with either a black or a blue visage. Here, we see a distinctive gray dial. Subtlety is the name of the game, with the gray dial providing a clean a clear base for the moonphase complication to come to the fore. It marries well with the polished steel case, creating a crisp congruity from edge-to-edge. The balanced dial features two sub-dials along its horizontal axis and elongated Roman numerals. The hands are a delicate leaf shape. Minimal dial printing allows the sub-dials adequate space to breathe.MovementTurning over the watch reveals the in-house caliber. The FC-712 caliber is based on the brand s FC-700 engine and decorated with perlee and circular waves. The balance wheel is held in place by a bridge sandwiched between the top bridge and mainplate. Being recessed and centralized around the 6 o clock position gives the movement a pleasing vertical symmetry. The rose gold-plated rotor weight plays its part in the engaging case back visual thanks to a skeletonized aperture that ensures the balance is always, at least in part, visible. Additionally, blued screws and sharp, gilded engravings complete the package.StrapDark blue crocodile leather establishes a chromatic link between the moonphase complication and the strap. A fold-over buckle based on the brand s logo fastens the strap. Contrasting white stitching softens the overall appearance on the wrist. Import laws vary around the world regarding the shipping of leather, so contact the team at [email protected] for more information.The Frederique Constant Manufacture Moonphase is limited to just 29 pieces. Each piece is individually numbered (XX/29), and it is available exclusively on the Fratello shop. It is a versatile and timeless watch, priced at $2,595 (including VAT and including insured shipping). To learn more about Frederique Constant, visit the brand s official page here. And to see the watch in the Fratello shop, please follow this link.#gallery-1 {margin: auto;}#gallery-1 .gallery-item {float: left;margin-top: 10px;text-align: center;width: 33%;}#gallery-1 img {border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;}#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {margin-left: 0;}/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */Watch specifications Brand Frederique Constant Model Frederique Constant Moonphase Manufacture Dial GrayCase Material Stainless steelCase Dimensions 42mm diameterCrystal Sapphire crystalCase Back Sapphire crystal display back Movement In-house FC-712Water Resistance 50mStrap Dark blue crocodile leather with white stitching Functions Moonphase, pointer datePrice $2,595 including taxes and insured shippingWarranty 2-year international warrantySpecial Note(s) Limited edition of 29 pieces exclusive to the Fratello Shop