The Classics Moneta by Frederique Constant takes a mechanical turn with the new Handwinding edition, pairing the collection’s coin-edge-inspired inner rehaut with a 38.5 mm stainless-steel case, a smoked salmon-to-black gradient dial and a hand-wound La Joux-Perret movement offering 63 hours of power reserve.
Limited to 999 pieces, the Classics Moneta Handwinding brings a distinctly vintage character to one of Frederique Constant’s more recent collections.
Since its launch in 2024, the Classics Moneta has established a distinctive identity within the Frederique Constant collection, with much of its character concentrated in an unexpected detail.
Rather than relying solely on the shape or finishing of the case, the design is defined by the inner rehaut, whose fluted profile recalls the edge of a coin and provides the inspiration for the Moneta name. It is a relatively discreet feature, but one that gives the watch a recognizable point of distinction.
The new edition preserves this architecture while introducing the collection’s first mechanical movement.
Developed by La Joux-Perret in La Chaux-de-Fonds and customised exclusively for Frederique Constant, the hand-wound FC-435 calibre reflects the close relationship between the two companies, which are both part of the Citizen Group.
The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz, and contains 29 jewels, with a 63-hour power reserve.
Visible through the screwed sapphire case back, the movement is decorated with Côtes de Genève and features Frederique Constant’s coat of arms at its centre, a motif the brand has used since 1988.
The absence of an automatic winding rotor leaves the finishing unobstructed while also contributing to the watch’s restrained proportions and its vintage-inspired character.
The dial takes the same approach to the neo-retro theme.
Its grained surface transitions from a smoked salmon tone at the centre to black towards the periphery, creating a darker background for the applied, diamond-cut hour markers.
Silver-coloured dauphine hands indicate the hours and minutes, while a small seconds display occupies the 6 o’clock position. Together, these elements draw on design codes associated with mid-century dress watches without reproducing them literally.
The 38.5 mm polished stainless-steel case measures 10.13 mm in height and is topped by a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. Its coin-edge-inspired inner ring remains one of the defining details of the case architecture.
The vintage character continues with the strap, which is made from black alligator leather with a round-scale pattern and tone-on-tone stitching. A conventional pin buckle completes the configuration.
Water resistance is rated to 5 ATM, or 50 metres / 165 feet.
The Classics Moneta Handwinding is limited to 999 pieces, with “ONE OF 999” engraved on the case back. Reference FC-435BBL3S6 is priced at €1,995. frederiqueconstant.com
