he new Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture brings to life Frederique Constant’s 31st manufacture calibre, the FC-735. It’s the first calibre from the brand to offer a big date, a moon phase and a power reserve indicator – now for a total of 50 hours. The latter is indicated at 9 o’clock by a slim, dedicated hand travelling along an arc marked out from 0 to 50, ending in a red zone warning that it’s time to wind the watch before it stops.

Opposite, between 2 and 3 o’clock, the big date is framed in a double window (one for tens and the other for units). This perfect balance is further highlighted by a radiant, poetic moon phase at 6 o’clock on a starry blue background.

Frederique Constant has taken care to ensure that this calibre, like all its others, is easy to operate: the three complications, time set function and winding mechanism are all adjusted via the crown at 3 o’clock. With no pushers, correctors or styluses, the FC-735 movement is resolutely modern. Four editions have been introduced. The first two, featuring a platinum case and meteorite dial or a rose gold case and anthracite dial, come in limited editions of 35 and 350 respectively. The two others, with a steel case and a blue or silver dial, will form part of the brand’s standard collection.

With a diameter of only 40mm in observance of watchmaking standards, the Classic case benefits from a recent styling overhaul including re-dimensioned lugs and profile, enhanced by slimmer hour markers. The latter, together with the hands, are diamond-faceted and hand-polished.

Price range: €4,795-25,995

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