I have a weak spot for worldtimer and GMT watches, probably even more so than I have for chronograph watches. However, in my current job I rarely travel out of my own time zone, so there is no real need for one. It just has something romantic to it; to be able to fly through different time zones and be able to check the time both in the place of destination as well as the time your family goes to diner (without you) and to bed (without you).
Actually, I prefer a worldtimer over a GMT watch if the watch is being done right. I like watches with a clean design and most of the worldtimers out there have way too many buttons and a crowded dial. A GMT watch is – most of the time – easier to operate and can have a very clean look. However, here comes the worldtimer watch by Frederique Constant.
FC Classics Manucature Worldtimer
Frederique Constant introduced a Worldtimer watch earlier this year that really matches a few important demands I have for a worldtimer watch. It has a clean design, there is only one crown to operate the entire watch, it has an in-house developed and produced movement, and last but not least, it has a friendly price tag.
Let’s start with the in-house developed movement. This is of course a nice-to-have these days, as everyone knows that ETA movements are solid performers as well. The thing is, in case you missed the fuzz about it, ETA is not allowed anymore to deliver movements to every watch manufacturer in the need of a movement. ETA is part of the Swatch Group and the former CEO of the Swatch Group (Hayek) decided that they would not supply movements that easily anymore. The bad thing is that this caused a lot of watch manufacturers to either spend a lot of money in developing their own movement or to source other movements from other third party movement producers. The latter probably also increased prices as soon as they started to get more orders from watch companies.
The good thing about this in-house developed movement by Frederique Constant is that they gave it a really good thought with regards to operating all functions of the watch. No extra crowns or pushers are necessary to set the time, date or the worldtimer function. Also, the Frederique Constant movements are a joy to observe through the transparent caseback (in case you are bored flying through all these different time zones in your uncomfortable economy class chair). The caliber FC-718 movement has a perlage and circular Côtes de Genève decoration.
As for the Frederique Constant Classics Manufacture Worldtimer’s looks, the name of the watch says it all basically. The ‘Classics’ part refers to the collection it belongs to and also reveals something about the design. It is a classic looking round watch in the end, with a matching leather alligator strap. The reference FC-718MC4H4 with its guilloche finished dial is even a bit more classic looking than reference FC-718WM4H4, which has a silver dial with a world map.
Both watches have a rose gold plating on their stainless steel casing, which measures 42mm in diameter. A comfortable size for most men and the watch will fit almost any type of outfit. For sports, I’d suggest wearing another watch when it comes down to aesthetics, but the watch has a sapphire crystal and is water resistant up to 5 ATM.
Once more, Frederique Constant proofs the world of watch enthusiasts and consumers that it is perfectly possible to develop and produce an interesting timepiece for a very reasonable price. The Frederique Constant Classics Manufacture Worldtimer watches are limited to 1888 pieces only. The price tag on these watches is approximately $3450 USD.
The Frederique Constant Classics Manufacture Worldtimer offers a lot of bang for the buck if you ask me, and with this Frederique Constant timepiece you will certainly have yourself a talking piece when meeting other watch enthusiasts and collectors.
Frederique Constant Classics Manufacture Worldtimer Gallery
Source: Frederique Constant
Would you like to add the Frederique Constant Classics Manufacture Worldtimer to your watch collection?
