ReviewDecoding The Functional Finesse Of The Frederique Constant Slimline Perpetual Calendar

Having carved a niche for itself in the horological world, Frederique Constant is one of the few Swiss watchmakers who have proven that high complications need not necessarily be accompanied by exorbitant price tags. The Slimline Perpetual Calendar bears testimony to that claim, having been crafted for connoisseurs with a soft spot for complicated nuances in their timepieces. 

A Handcrafted, In-House Movement

Frederique Constant launched their first in-house calibre in 2004—the Heart Beat Manufacture movement. Eventually, the brand went on to make 19 movements entirely designed, produced, and hand-assembled in their manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates. Every year, it continues adding new movements to its in-house portfolio, pushing the envelope in terms of innovation and mechanical advancement. 

The Slimline Perpetual continues in that spirit, even as it strikes the perfect balance between classic watchmaking principles and new-age techniques. The result is a creation that is robust, reliable, and easy to adjust. Created by Manuel de Silva Matos, director of research and development, and Pim Koeslag, technical director of Frederique Constant, the in-house movement encased in this watch is the FC-775 automatic calibre, encompassing 26 jewels and beating at a frequency of 4Hz. Comprising 191 parts in total, and measuring just 6.7mm in thickness, the movement features perlage and circular Côtes de Genève decoration that can be viewed through the transparent caseback. It also promises a power reserve of 38 hours. 

The hand-polished metallic hour and minute hands make for eye-catching contrast against the backdrop of the grey dial

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The movement features perlage and circular Côtes de Genève decoration that can be viewed through the transparent caseback

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The sub-dials placed are at an ideal distance from the centre, which lends the dial design a sense of visual harmony and balance

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Once you set this perpetual calendar correctly, it will not need any adjustments until March 1, 2100, when a discrepancy in the Gregorian calendar calls for a manual update

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01

Classic Traits And Sheer Functionality

Perpetual calendars are generally designed to accurately track the hours, minutes, and seconds, as well as the day of the week and date, always taking into account the different number of days in each month and year, including leap years. To adjust the perpetual calendar, you need to set the date first, followed by the day. The button near 11 o’clock on the case is used to adjust the displays of the month and the leap year, while the hour and minute functions can be adjusted through the crown. The inset button near five o’clock advances the moon phase, and the one at 10 o’clock advances the day and date simultaneously. However, once you set this perpetual calendar correctly, it will not need any adjustments until March 1, 2100, when a discrepancy in the Gregorian calendar calls for a manual update. But 2100 isn’t coming anytime soon, so you can just sit back and enjoy the watch as it does all the work, keeping the correct date for decades to come.

The watch is worn on a navy blue alligator leather strap, which enhances its aesthetic appeal, while it complements the blue accents on the dial

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The moon phase display is positioned right above the brand name at six o’clock, while the day of the week is indicated through a sub-dial seen at nine o’clock

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Staying true to the quintessential elements that define the Slimline collection, this perpetual calendar watch is housed within a 42mm polished stainless steel case—rose gold-plated in one version—tapering slightly towards the wrist, minus the top-heavy feeling. The layout of the grey dial with sunray decoration is typical of any perpetual calendar⁠. The moon phase display is positioned right above the brand name at six o’clock, while the day of the week is indicated through a sub-dial seen at nine o’clock. The easy-to-read dial also features a nested register for the month and the leap year cycle, positioned at 12.

Housed within a 42mm rose gold-plated case, this perpetual calendar is robust, reliable, and easy to adjust

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The Frederique Constant Slimline Perpetual is beautifully wearable, thanks to the thin profile, and elegant lugs, in additional to its refined aesthetics

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The hand-polished metallic hour and minute hands make for eye-catching contrast against the backdrop of the grey dial, while the hands in the sub-dials are in white, distinguished perfectly from the primary timekeeping. Additionally, the sub-dials placed are at an ideal distance from the centre, which lends the dial design a sense of visual harmony and balance. The watch is worn on a navy blue alligator leather strap, which contributes to enhancing its aesthetic appeal as it complements the blue accents on the dial. The case is water resistant to 30m, which means you need not take it off during a light drizzle or while washing your hands.

An Accessible Perpetual Calendar

One can hardly deny that the Slimline Perpetual is beautifully wearable, thanks to the thin profile, and elegant lugs, in additional to its refined aesthetics. Moreover, the mechanical perfection and the functionality of the perpetual calendar are huge plus points. With all the benefits of this watch and its features, it’s definitely among the more accessible watches in its category. Through this fine timepiece, Frederique Constant has truly manifested the functional appeal and value of its products, which makes it quite a fine choice indeed. 

The case is water resistant to 30m, which means you need not take it off during a light drizzle or while washing your hands

The Slimline Perpetual strikes the perfect balance between classic watchmaking principles and new-age techniques