Since 2013, every two years Frederique Constant has presented limited-edition timepieces developed in partnership with the Riva Historical Society, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving the heritage of Riva, one of Italy’s oldest and most iconic boat builders, renowned for its timeless elegance.
In 2026, Frederique Constant introduces the Classics Runabout Automatic GMT, a 42 mm stainless steel model available in two versions: Ref. FC-350RN5B6, with a deep blue dial and black rubber strap, and Ref. FC-350RBR5B6, featuring a teak-inspired brown dial paired with a brown leather strap.
As with previous Runabout models, the design takes its inspiration from the elegant wooden decks of the legendary Riva motorboats.
The vertically satin-brushed centre of the dial reproduces the appearance of teak planking, with the blue version evoking open water while the brown execution recalls the warm tones of polished wood.
The dial is organised around three concentric circles. At the centre, a 24-hour scale works in conjunction with the arrow-tipped GMT hand to display a second time zone without the need for a separate day/night indicator, helping to preserve the overall clarity of the display.
The date aperture is positioned discreetly at 6 o’clock, while applied indexes alternate with Arabic numerals at 3, 9 and 12 o’clock.
Both the markers and the rhodium-plated hour, minute and GMT hands are filled with beige Old Radium Super-LumiNova, lending the watch a subtle vintage character while maintaining excellent legibility.
Powering both models is the automatic FC-350 calibre, which pairs a reliable Sellita SW200-1 base movement with an in-house GMT module.
Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), the movement uses 26 jewels and provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, it is decorated with vertical Côtes de Genève on the bridges and oscillating weight.
The caseback also bears the white Riva Historical Society logo, while each watch is individually engraved “One of 888”.
Protected by a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, the polished stainless steel case measures 12.85 mm in thickness and is water-resistant to 5 ATM (50 metres / 165 feet).
The blue-dial version is paired with a black rubber strap featuring tone-on-tone stitching and a pin buckle, while the brown-dial model is fitted with a brown leather strap secured by a folding clasp.
Limited to 888 pieces each, the Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT Ref. FC-350RN5B6 and Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT Ref. FC-350RBR5B6 are both priced at €1,995.
Each watch is delivered in a dedicated collector’s box that includes a miniature replica of a classic Riva Runabout, further celebrating Frederique Constant’s partnership with the Riva Historical Society. frederiqueconstant.com
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