The start of a brand new 12 months can be the right time to look again at what occurred within the 12 months that simply ended. It permits bear in mind all the good (and never so nice) issues that we would have now forgotten. Trying again in any respect the fashions that Frederique Fixed launched in 2021, it jogged my memory how nicely the model has carried out through the previous 12 months. Too many individuals take into consideration luxury-looking, easy automated watches when the model is talked about. However that will be extraordinarily reductive. Frederique Fixed has much more to supply, and even by respecting its motto of accessible luxurious, it has proven that it is without doubt one of the most efficient watchmakers (and never assembler of watches) on this worth vary… From a tourbillon QP priced at a fraction of the worth of an unattainable luxurious sports activities watch, to a really cool worldtimer or probably the most spectacular new technical growth of the 12 months, certainly, Frederique Fixed has some actually spectacular new fashions in 2021!
Frederique Fixed Slimline Monolithic Manufacture
An genuine horological breakthrough! Interval. Frederique Fixed began the 12 months by presenting what’s a real innovation, a brand new oscillator that depends on the precept of compliant mechanisms, and challenges the way in which mechanical wristwatches are regulated has barely modified in centuries. Meet the Monolithic, a revolutionary flexure pivot oscillator created along with Dutch firm Flexous, beating at a formidable frequency of 40Hz. As a substitute of an meeting of over 20 components, it encompasses a one-piece silicon oscillator fitted with two regulation weights working together with the escapement wheel, with a low amplitude of solely 6 levels and an ultra-fast frequency of 40Hz. And the perfect is that it’s tailored to an nearly basic automated motion, and is accessible at a comparatively truthful worth… And it is going to be industrialised within the close to future. We’re speaking related innovation right here, and never only a idea to please the ego.
Fast details: 40mm diameter – stainless-steel or 18k pink gold case – silver-coloured or blue dial with hobnail sample – Manufacture calibre FC-810, self-winding, Monolithic oscillator, 288,000 vibrations/hour or 40Hz frequency, 80-hour energy reserve – alligator strap – restricted version of 810 items in metal/silver – EUR 4,495 in metal
Frederique Fixed Highlife Computerized Skeleton
The main focus for Frederique Fixed in 2020 was the launch of its sporty watch with built-in bracelet, the Highlife assortment. Following the preliminary vary of fashions, the model continued to develop this lineup in 2021, with new additions enjoying on problems, appears to be like and bolder designs. Certainly one of them is the Highlife Computerized Skeleton, a watch that provides a way of extravagance to this often basic mannequin. First, the dial is dominated by the globe-shaped mainplate of the openworked automated motion, simply to remain according to the design of the remainder of the gathering. Second, it’s out there in a matte black PVD-coated version, which provides the watch a way more fashionable, bolder and sportier attraction. Lastly, as usually with the model, it’s supplied at a really first rate worth, which incorporates a further rubber strap subsequent to the metallic bracelet. Word {that a} extra conventional metal version with blue dial can be out there.
Fast details: 41mm diameter – metal case, matte-finished with black titanium PVD coating – openworked dial with motion partially seen – calibre FC-310 (base Sellita SW 200-1), openworked, automated – built-in metal bracelet with easy-change system, extra black rubber strap included – restricted to 888 items – EUR 2,395 in black PVD
Frederique Fixed Highlife Worldtimer Manufacture
Frederique Fixed is a watchmaker with over 30 manufacture actions in its portfolio. Naturally, we had been anticipating its scorching Highlife assortment to develop and to obtain a few of the model’s own-developed problems. Following the Computerized COSC and Perpetual Calendar variations, Frederique Fixed offered its imaginative and prescient of a traveller’s sports activities watch with the Highlife Worldtimer Manufacture. As a substitute of a basic GMT model, the model has opted for one thing extra advanced, a worldtime show, utilizing a 24h disc to point the time in most cities across the globe. As sensible nearly as good trying, the Highlife Worldtimer retains the fashionable and dynamic look of different fashions and provides a way of complication and watchmaking content material, with out making this watch a proper possibility. Properly balanced, mechanically attention-grabbing and totally geared up with a metal bracelet and two straps included (one in rubber, one in nubuck leather-based), together with the model’s intelligent interchangeability system.
Fast details: 41mm diameter – stainless-steel case – Blue dial, globe ornament and silver-coloured utilized indexes – Manufacture Calibre FC-718, automated world time with date-by-hand indication – stainless-steel 3-link bracelet, rubber strap and leather-based strap included – EUR 3,795
Frederique Fixed Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture
We give an finish to this choice with form of a “tour de drive”. In the event you had been requested to place a worth on a watch with in-house Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, I’m positive most of you’ll go nicely over 50k. Properly, not at FC, which has offered its actually accessible Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar motion within the Highlife case… And sure, it’s as soon as once more a watch at a extremely enticing worth – just under 23k – for what you’ll get. Combining the sporty look of Highlife with the advanced and mechanically interesting Calibre FC-975, it comes with an openworked dial revealing its tourbillon regulator at 6 o’clock, 3 sub-dials for the perpetual calendar and beneath, a few of the components that actuate the QP. The automated motion, designed in a intelligent solution to scale back the prices, stays nonetheless extremely succesful and does precisely the identical as a 100k euros watch… Minus hand-finishing. Nonetheless, the Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar stays a formidable watch. Additionally out there in 18k rose gold on leather-based strap.
Fast details: 41mm diameter – stainless-steel case – openworked dial with navy blue chapter ring and sub-dials – Calibre FC-975, in-house, automated, tourbillon regulator with silicon escapement wheel and anchor and perpetual calendar – stainless-steel bracelet with a further navy blue rubber strap – Restricted Version of 88 items in metal – EUR 22,995 in metal
For extra data, please go to FrederiqueConstant.com.
https://monochrome-watches.com/the-best-watches-introduced-by-frederique-constant-in-2021/