Accessibly priced watches with horological chops have been Frederique Fixed’s raison d’état for the previous few years. By “horological chops,” I imply watches with in-house actions and issues. Their catalog of self-developed actions is intensive and contains an in-house tourbillon, perpetual calendar, and even a flyback chronograph. However the model is probably hottest for its assortment of moonphase watches. And as we speak, the Frederique Fixed Classics Moonphase Manufacture is getting an replace with a brand new design and motion.
For those who look into it, you will see that that Frederique Fixed’s present lineup of moonphase watches is complicated. As of now, there’s the Slimline Moonphase Manufacture, which really consists of two distinct fashions — one primarily based on the caliber FC-702 and one other primarily based on the FC-705. After which there’s the Classics Moonphase Manufacture that you simply see right here.
Previous to this new mannequin, the Basic Moonphase Manufacture had a really Patek-esque design with central hour, minute, and seconds fingers, and a subdial at 6 o’clock with the moonphase show and date indicator. For 2019, Frederique Fixed has reworked the mannequin fully. The central hour, minute, and seconds fingers stay, however the date indicator and moonphase show have been damaged up into two subdials at 9 and three o’clock respectively. Gone are also the stick hour markers, and instead are extra elegant stretched Roman numerals. Protecting issues easy, the one textual content on the dial is the model’s emblem at 12 o’clock and the “Automated” phrase at 6 o’clock. General, it’s arduous to argue in opposition to the clear design and symmetry of the dial.
The Basic Moonphase Manufacture is available in three variants. There are two stainless-steel fashions, one with a silver dial and one other with a navy blue dial. After which there’s a rose-gold-plated model that comes with a silver dial. No matter which variant you decide, the watch will include a three-part stainless-steel case that’s 42mm in diameter. Herein lies my largest gripe with the watch: At 42mm, the case measurement looks like a mismatch for the watch’s basic design. That mentioned, we are going to reserve remaining judgment till we get the possibility to see and deal with the watch within the flesh. Nevertheless, I can’t assist however assume that the watch might be good with a smaller case measurement.
On the upside, the watch has a sapphire show caseback that permits homeowners to admire the in-house caliber FC-712. The motion has loads of ornament. Perlage adorns the baseplate, whereas round Côtes de Genève enhances the primary bridge. As if that’s not sufficient, the motion additionally options blued screws and a skeletonized gilded rotor. The caliber FC-712 beats at a contemporary 4Hz. Each the date and moonphase shows are simply adjusted utilizing the crown. This negates the necessity for ugly pushers within the sides of the case.
In the long run, I’ve combined emotions in regards to the Classics Moonphase Manufacture watch. On the one hand, I actually dig the basic and chic styling. However alternatively, I discover myself eager to tear my hair out just because the watch is available in a 42mm case. Even disregarding the latest development of smaller watches, a watch that has such a timeless design actually ought to come back in an equally timeless case measurement, which, in my thoughts, must be round 38 or 39mm. Frederique Fixed might have actually hit it out of the park with this watch however, ultimately, it seems like a missed alternative. The Frederique Fixed Classics Moonphase Manufacture is priced at $2,595 in stainless-steel. In rose-gold-plated stainless-steel, it’s $2,895. For extra data, go to frederiqueconstant.com.
