ReviewFrederique Constant Slimline Power Reserve: The Master Of Minimalism
Making its debut this year is Frederique Constant’s 28th in-house movement—the FC-723 Manufacture calibre—which powers its suave and sophisticated Slimline Power Reserve collection. These watches are quite the treat for ardent lovers of minimalism and restrained refinement
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Frederique Constant, the famed watchmaker based out of Geneva, prides itself in manufacturing elegant and functional timepieces that are also not priced outrageously. The brand—which was founded in 1988, and has been growing from strength to strength ever since—brilliantly follows its well-established ethos of ‘accessible luxury’ with the newest addition to the brand’s horological offerings—the Slimline Power Reserve collection. These four quietly powerful watches truly redefine clean, uncluttered aesthetics and minimalist sophistication. With cases that are perfectly sized at 40mm, crafted in durable stainless steel—one of which is rose gold-plated, and definitely eye-catching—these simple and stylish timepieces are powered by the 28th in-house FC-723 Manufacture automatic movement.
At Its Beating Heart
The FC-723 automatic calibre is an improvement on the former FC-703 movement, with the addition of a power reserve module. Beating at 28,000vph and equipped with 28 jewels, this movement provides the watches with an impressive power reserve of 50 hours, which is cleverly and prominently displayed through a retrograde power reserve indicator at 10 o’clock. The indicator has a red sector, which the hand will point at to let the wearer know that it’s time for the watch to be wound, ensuring that these are absolutely convenient and utilitarian timepieces for one to own.
The robust movement is also adorned with the arresting perlage and circular Côtes de Genève finish, which can be seen through the sapphire crystal exhibition caseback. These watches are truly the definition of elegance, front and back.
Dialling It Down
Minimalism is truly the word of the day here—an aesthetic that the brand already swears by, as can be seen in many of its other collections. Here too, the brilliant watchmakers at Frederique Constant have kept things simple. Horological enthusiasts can choose between dark grey, navy blue or silver dials, finished with a striking sunray decoration. Elegant Roman numerals serve as hour markers, while delicate hand-polished leaf hands—in either white or black—add to the charm. A neat little circular date indicator is present at the six o’clock position, which—along with the power reserve indicator—offers balance in the visual aesthetic of the dial. A convex sapphire crystal protects the dial.
These superlative timepieces come paired with handsome alligator leather straps in brown, black or a stunning dark blue, and are fitted with a deployant clasp, making them incredible dress watches that are also versatile and pair well with a variety of ensembles.
Understated Elegance
If you’re on the lookout for a timepiece that reflects efficiency, functionality and a reverence for traditional timekeeping, then the Frederique Constant Slimline Power Reserve collection would be a wise choice. An exquisite example of simple horlogerie, any one of these four watches would look stunning on the wrist of a man who is still very much a fan of simpler times and classical sophistication.
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