What We Know
This week, at Watches and Wonders, Frederique Constant has introduced a revamped version of their Worldtimer, and the changes should make a lot of folks happy. In short, the new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture downsizes the model to 40 millimeters and cleans up the dial, streamlining the layout and eliminating the date subdial.
There are three variations of this new worldtimer, all leaning into varying shades of blue. The two non-limited options are a more classic Frederique Constant worldtimer livery in sunray-brushed navy, with the oceans of the center dial and the city disc executed in dark blue, and grey-grained relief continents.
It’s delivered on a new five-link steel bracelet and is the only one out of the three to do so. The next core model depicts the center oceans in a fumé lighter blue, contrasted with taupe continents and a white city disc. Last but not least, the third is a gem-set edition in pale light blue, with 70 diamonds on the bezel and 12 diamond-set indexes that replace the standard raised applied indices filled with Super-LumiNova.
The case is constructed in three parts, with a 40mm diameter and a thickness of 12.53mm. It’s not the slimmest worldtimer out there, but the execution of the dial with its raised center world map and the further raised hour indices creates a nice feeling of depth. Inside is the FC-719 caliber, with the 24-part in-house worldtimer module built onto it, and it is finished nicely with Côtes de Genève and perlage. Despite the watch’s smaller case size, the power reserve has impressively increased from 38 hours to 72 hours. As before, the world time functionality is adjusted entirely via the crown.
The two non-limited models are priced at $6,195, and the gem-set edition is limited to 88 pieces and priced at $9,995.
What We Think
This new revamp of the Worldtimer is a very nice move, with a design that I think is much improved with the removal of that date subdial. I feel like there’s always a debate about whether to have a date on a worldtimer, so those arguing against it will surely be pleased here.
From a design standpoint, I also think removing the bottom subdial cleans up the look, where the center dial, with oceans, continents, and those applied indices, gets the biggest visual focus, and the depth there is emphasized. My pick of the bunch is the lighter blue with taupe continents, though it’s surprising it’s not offered on the steel bracelet, given it’s priced the same as the other blue dial with a bracelet.
The Basics
Brand: Frederique Constant
Model: Classic Worldtimer Manufacture
Reference Number: FC-719BLW3H6 (Grained gradient blue dial); FC-719NN3H6B (Sunburst navy); FC-719LBWD3DH6 (Gem-set)
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 12.53mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Various shades of blue
Indexes: Applied
Lume: Yes
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Bracelet or strap
The Movement
Caliber: FC-719 Manufacture Movement
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, worldtimer
Diameter: 30mm
Thickness: 7.05mm
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 VpH
Jewels: 26
Chronometer Certified: No
Additional Details: Worldtimer module with 24 components
Pricing & Availability
Price: $6,195, $9,995 for gem-set limited edition.
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Gem-set version limited to 88 pieces.
For more, click here.
