Introducing: The Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Manufacture

December 11, 2019

To kick off a newly-launched e-commerce shop, Fratello Watches has introduced a 29-piece Frederique Constant watch featuring a prominent moonphase display. Its based on the Classic Moonphase Manufacture, but the Fratello edition features an aesthetic thats very in tune with the niche in the collector community that Fratello caters to. Its differentiated by white printed Roman numeral indexes and hand-polished white hands against a subdued grey dial. For comparison, the standard Classic Moonphase uses black Roman numeral indexes on a silver dial. The Fratello watch, with its monochromatic color scheme, calls to mind the lunar surface. The polished white hands set against the dull grey of the dial make it modern, legible, and even slightly edgy.? That Fratello chose to launch their e-shop with a special Frederique Constant is no coincidence. Fratello watches is a Dutch-run website, and Frederique Constant's founders are Dutch. ?The company was founded by the husband-and-wife team of ?Aletta Francoise Frdrique Stas-Bax and Peter Constant Stas in 1988. Its located in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, and today is part of the Citizen group.? Initial Thoughts Theres a certain tension that exists between the core design elements of this watch. Straight lugs and a highly polished caseback boost the classic bits -- but the dial, with its bright white indexes set against a very modern flat grey is entirely contemporary. This color combination can be found on a number of modern tool watches. The juxtaposition is unexpected; Frederique Constant is generally quite restrained when it comes to design choices. Fratello has a firm grasp on the collective taste of its readership and certainly delivered something with a twist that Im sure the watch community will appreciate.? Frederique Constant is known for creating in-house calibers at an approachable price point. In this case, the Fratello watch rings in at 2,595 ($2,880 at the current exchange rate). Given the in-house movement and the inclusion of a moonphase complication, theres a great deal of value in this watch. Exactly the sort of watch to launch an e-commerce platform with. ? . The Basics Brand: ?Frederique ConstantModel: ?Frederique Constant Classic Moonphase Manufacture Fratello ExclusiveReference Number: ?FC-712MGNL4H6Diameter: 42mmCase Material: Stainless steelDial Color: GreyIndexes: White Roman numeral indexesWater Resistance: 50mStrap/Bracelet: ?blue?crocodile leather?strap? The Movement Caliber: FC-712Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, moonphaseDiameter: 30mmPower Reserve: 38 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 28,800 VphJewels: 28? Pricing & Availability Price: 2,595 ($2,838 at the time of writing)Availability: at Fratello Watches. Limited Edition: Yes, 29 pieces.?For more, click here.