Introducing the new Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture

As you are no doubt aware, we are in the midst of “show season” for the watch industry.  Things got kicked off with SIHH (which just wrapped a little bit ago), and now all eyes are looking forwards to BaselWorld.  One of the first pre-BaselWorld announcements to cross my desk was this one, on the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture.

Now, repeat after me class:  Patrick really, really likes his GMT movements.  So, it should be more than a little surprising that these sort of world timer displays (with the world cities listed around the outer edge) really are not my thing.  For me, it’s just way more information than I’d possibly need (especially since, as John and Victor like to point out, I really don’t travel these days).  Now, I get that it’s clever to see how the sun (or daytime/nighttime) is tracking around the globe, but it’s just not my thing.

Now, that all said, I have to admit that the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture does this particular design well.  This is the very epitome of the dressier traveller’s watch, leaping times zones as easily as it moves from the conference room to dining room.  What I particularly like about this implementation is the case (sort of).

What do I mean by that?  I mean, yes, the 42mm curves of the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture are well-sorted, but that’s not all. You see, the only protrusion from the case is that of the crown.  It’s not uncommon for these sorts of world times to rely on at least one additional pusher to advance things, but not so here.  Everything is done via crown positions against the FC-718 movement, and that is something to be applauded.

So, there’s that, wrapping up a technical accomplishment along with looks.  And, yeah, even though it’s not the type of implementation I go for, there’s no arguing that the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture is a looker.  Obviously, the predominant color here is green, and it’s a tone we do see, but not with great regularity.  So, in that regards, it stands out all the more.

And, yes, when you’re putting $4,195 down on the barrel (it’s available now), you’re going to want a watch that can stand on it’s own, even in an understated way as we have here with the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture.  This contravenes (more than a bit) the category that I often put FC into, which is that of being an affordable entry point into Swiss luxury.  Here, with this watch, they are showing how their catalog can stretch into the higher reaches as well.  So, if you’re a fan of the overall design language, they’ve got you covered as your budget allows.  frederiqueconstant.com

• Brand & Model: Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture
• Price: $4,195
• Who we think it might be for: You’re jetting around the world, and want something a bit classier than the (generally) sportier GMTs give you
• Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen? Nope – this style of world timer just isn’t for me
• If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: I get the green, and the commitment to it.  But, why not a bracelet option?
• What spoke to me the most about this watch: Everything is controlled by a single crown.