IntroducingFrederique Constant Classics Première Pops With Two New Dials (And More)

We're still playing catch-up to a whole bevy of launches during last weekend's Geneva Watch Days. It was a great show, and while attending meetings with my colleagues, Andy Hoffman and our Director of Limited Editions, Jeff Hilliard, another watch that really caught our eye was the new Classics Première from Frederique Constant. Frankly, it was a watch that I had kind of forgotten existed, as the previous version (with black Roman numerals on a white dial) never really appealed to me. These new versions, however, offer a broader and more interesting appeal.

The watches, available in blue or salmon, feature a sunken center dial with a sandblasted finish and a brushed outer area, where the silvered Breguet numerals complement the Breguet hours and minute hands quite well. Those also match the high-polished case and new five-link bracelet with a folding buckle. The rest of the dial features two printed tracks for the minutes (near the inner dial segment and on the outer edge of the dial). The case measures a comfortable 38.5mm by 10.67mm, housing the automatic FC-301 movement, based on the La Joux-Perret G100, which beats at 28,800 vph and has a 68-hour power reserve.

While the old version may have felt a bit long in the tooth, these are great examples of Frederique Constant's continuous high standing in providing great bang for your buck at a reasonable price. Speaking of price, with these attractive dials and the new bracelet, these Classics Première models only cost $100 more than the previous offering, carrying a price tag of $2,395.

I'm a sucker for Breguet numerals, so it's no wonder that I like the look of these watches. That's why I was glad that my colleagues were with me to make sure I wasn't getting drawn in by some italicized elegance. They agreed with my assessment, and they liked the bracelet even more than I did. I thought it was nice, but the winds are shifting for my love of bracelets. I'm wearing straps a lot more lately, and I could see these looking great on a classic, subdued strap that would put emphasis on the dial furniture. If you think it would be cool to check these out in a hands-on, let us know in the comments below.

Brand: Frederique Constant
Model: Classics Première
Reference Number: FC-301SAL3B6B (Salmon); FC-301BL3B6B (Blue)

Diameter: 38.5mm
Thickness: 10.67mm
Case Material: Polished stainless steel 3-part case
Dial Color: Blue or salmon with circular brushed and sandblasted finishing
Indexes: Applied silver color Arabic numerals and white printed scales
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: Brushed and polished 5-link stainless steel bracelet, folding buckle with push buttons

Caliber: FC-301 (Base LJPG100)
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds
Power Reserve: 68 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 24
Chronometer Certified: No
Additional Details: Engraved and see-through threaded case back; Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal

Price: $2,395
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No

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