First devised in the late eighteenth century and patented in 1801, the tourbillon is designed to offset the effects of gravity on the watch movement by keeping the escapement in constant motion to preserve an ideal running rate. This meticulous procedure keeps timepieces more accurate; the accuracy of the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture is guaranteed for thirty-eight hours.
For the finishing touch in terms of precision, a central seconds hand complete with a stop seconds function glides over the tourbillon. The complication itself is visible through a generously-proportioned window at 6 o’clock that offers an unparalleled and exhaustive view of the sophisticated escapement – with an additional perspective on its inner workings available from the reverse of the watch through a sapphire crystal.
Manufacture
Classic Tourbillon
Additional Information
- Movement FC-980
- Movement Technology Automatic
- Country Switzerland
- Movement FC-980
- Movement Technology Automatic
- Movement Description Powered by the release of a wound spring, mechanical movements never require a battery. Automatic mechanical movements have an oscillating weight that winds the spring with the motion of the wearer’s arm.
- Functions 42 Hour Power Reserve
- Country Switzerland
- Case Colour Silver-Tone
- Case Shape Round
- Case Material Stainless Steel
- Case Length 39 mm
- Case Thickness 10.99 mm
- Lug Width 20 mm
- Water Resistance [WR50/5Bar/166ft] Swimming
- Dial Colour Green
- Dial Material Brass
- Crystal Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
- Crystal Description Impact and shatter resistant - anti-reflective coating deflects light
- Band Type Strap
- Band Material Alligator
- Band Colour Green
- Clasp Type Fold Over Clasp
Classic Tourbillon Manufacture: A New Chapter
In 2023, the Classic Tourbillon Manufacture already featured a striking new look with an innovative case and styling; the case was crafted from solid 18-carat pink gold, since adopted by Frederique Constant for all its Manufacture pieces. Originally, 150 timepieces were produced and since that edition, only a very few have been manufactured on rare occasions, including one sporting a meteorite dial in a platinum case and another with an aventurine dial and a white gold case.
Many such steel watches seem to retail for as much as gold editions, but that can’t be said of this new release, situated in exactly the same price range as its 2023 forebears sporting a silvered blue dial. The pricing decision reflects Frederique Constant’s unwavering aim: delivering affordable Swiss Made watchmaking luxury complete with top-level finishings.
