Frederique Constant FC-706B3H6 Classic Date 40mm
The steel case has been resized to a smaller 40mm from a previously 42mm size, a classy and classic diameter housing a new dial free from numerals. Slim hour markers and a ‘railtrack’ minute circle encompass an all-black sunburst dial.
MANUFACTURE
The ethos of the three new models is all about refinement, with the smaller size actually making the dial look more open than ever before, while the sunburst finish gives it a constant, gentle gleam.
Each of the three timepieces benefits from a major movement upgrade from a 38-hour to a 72-hour power reserve thanks to the new FC-706 Manufacture movement. Highly reliable, it beats at a rate of 4Hz. A new finish has been applied to the bridges, thoroughly redesigned to house the new larger-capacity barrel. The new decorations include beading and a fan-shaped Cotes de Genève finish.
The highly minimalist ethos adopted for the dial has led to a full redesign of the hour markers, hands and minute circle. The applique hour markers are diamond-faceted, polished and slightly smaller at 5 and 7 o’clock, to give plenty of space to the date display and hand at 6 o’clock. The central hour and minute hands are now diamond-cut, too; they and the central seconds hand are hand-polished, redone in the Alpha style to match the profile of the hour markers. The complete absence of Roman or Arabic numerals makes telling the time more intuitive. A new ‘railtrack’ minute circle bears witness to the accuracy of the hours and minutes indications, while an onion-type crown sits at 3 o’clock.
This style comes on a black alligator strap, with an all-black sunburst dial and silver hour markers and hands. The date and minute indications are black to ensure optimum readability. To top it all, the Classic Date Manufacture now comes with a five-year warranty.
