Back in 1988, Frederique Constant was starting up in Switzerland. Over in Italy, the Riva Historical Society fired up, dedicating to saving the hand-built wooden motorboat known as the Riva. Every few years, a limited-edition collaboration watch is released, and earlier this month was the latest Frederique Constant Classics Runabout, in both 36mm and 42mm cases.
Frederique Constant Classics Runabout: what is it?
The Frederique Constant Classics Runabout is, well, a classic look, giving us a three-hander setup as well as a date display (down at 6 o’clock). Both sizes are powered by the FC-303 automatic movement, offering up a 38-hour power reserve.
Surprisingly, for a watch that is associated to a boat, they only come with a 50m WR rating. Probably ok for your local swim, but we would have preferred to see this hit 100. Then again, with the calf leather strap, that’s not really something you’d want to be getting too wet anyways.
Are there any other ties to the water?
A good question, since the Riva is a boat! For us, it would be the bright blue dial, complete with a guilloche pattern on the the dial that should catch the light, just like the wind can kick up small waves that scatter the sun. We also appreciate how the indices and numerals – as well as the handset – are filled with blue luminous paint.
How to get yours
For this launch, 1888 of each case size will be produced. This means that there should be enough to go around, but you’ll probably want to move sooner rather than later on it. Both sizes come in at the same price – $1,895. Check out all the details at frederiqueconstant.com
Tech Specs
- Reference: FC-303RMLN5B6 or FC-303RMLN3B6
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Movement:
- FC-303 caliber, automatic
- 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h, 26 jewels
- Case
- Polished stainless steel 2-part case
- 36 or 42mm diameter
- Height: 11.5mm
- Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal
- Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft
- See-through threaded case back with Riva historical society logo printed on the glass
- Dial
- Blue dial with clous de Paris guilloché decoration in the center Outer ring with white printed graduation
- Applied silver color arabic numerals & indexes filled with teal blue luminous treatment
- Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands filled with teal blue luminous treatment
- Hand-polished silver color second hand
- Date window at 6 o’clock
- Strap: Dark blue calf leather strap with teal blue stitching Pin buckle
- Limited edition: 1888 pieces (of each case size)
- Availability: July 2024
