SpotlightGrey Area: The Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite

One watch, two milestones—that is the new Frederique Constant Classics Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture for you. Frederique Constant have unveiled this meteorite model as a commemorative gesture to mark their 35th anniversary this year. Simultaneously, 2023 also marks the 15th anniversary of the in-house manufacture tourbillion designed in 2008. This Classic Tourbillon Meteorite is also one of the two iterations for which the brand have turned to the celestial for the dial, using a meteorite discovered at the village of Gibeon in Namibia. The second model, another 2023 launch, is the Classic Power Reserve Big Date Manufacture showcasing a meteorite dial in blue with features including a big date window, moon phase, and the (50-hour) power reserve indicator. Limited to just 35 pieces, the grey-silver-hued Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture figures among the handful of mechanical watches that combine a meteorite dial with platinum case, seamlessly marrying rough textures with a satiny-smooth sheen.

The Tourbillon Meteorite Edition Crafted By Hand

In the horological world, a 35-year-old brand is fairly young with the oldest, existing maison Blancpain established in 1735. Despite their brief history, Frederique Constant are no novice to horological innovations. A case in point: the in-house manufacture tourbillion with the cage itself constructed using 81 parts. Fitted into a circular cut-out at six o’clock, the tourbillion demonstrates superior skill, as it is entirely handcrafted.

Each tourbillon takes weeks to complete as the watchmaker decorates every component on both sides using traditional tools of the trade. The bevelling is done using a buff file, hand-punching with a hammer and punch, plus charbonnage of the bridge and base of the tourbillon cage with a 9-micron sandpaper. Other procedures, such as the beading, circular graining, straight graining of the flanks, are also entirely executed by hand. It is said that shaping one bridge alone can consume two to three days of labour. The oscillating weight, made from brass and coated in ruthenium, is further rimmed in tungsten—a material denser than 18-karat gold to ensure the barrel spring is would up quicker than usual.

The serial number of the Classic Tourbillon Meteorite watch—specified again on the sapphire caseback—and every other engraving on the tourbillon, are rhodium-plated to achieve prominence

The oscillating weight or rotor, made from brass and coated in ruthenium, is further rimmed in tungsten—a material denser than 18-karat gold to ensure the barrel spring is would up quicker than usual

A short, slim hand within the tourbillon is the only indication that the mechanism also masquerades as the passing seconds sub-dial. The serial number of the model—specified again on caseback, around the sapphire crystal—and every other engraving on the tourbillon, are rhodium-plated to achieve prominence. Visible through the gaps in the tourbillon bridges is the silicon escapement wheel and anchor of the FC-980 calibre that beats at 28,800vph and offers upto 38 hours of power reserve. An example of the painstaking effort the brand have put into designing this iteration can be gauged through this minutest detail: all 40 purple screws on the calibre have been hand-polished; each screw takes approximately 40 minutes to polish.

Accentuating the rugged grey dial are the hand-polished hour and minute hands and applique indexes sporting diamond-cut edge

The Textured Grey Of The Tourbillon Meteorite 

Accentuating the rugged grey dial are the hand-polished hour and minute hands and applique indexes sporting diamond-cut edges. The Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture comes attached to a black alligator leather strap with folding buckle.