Frederique Constant Embraces The Stone Dial Revival With Limited-Edition Classic Moonphase Date

Earlier this summer, Frederique Constant presented a revamped iteration of its Classic Moonphase Date, intentionally giving one of its most staple designs an entire aesthetic overhaul. In the true spirit of Geneva Watch Days, the brand now unveils a special limited-edition variation on the line’s new-and-improved form, mixing the stylistic flair of a bright green malachite dial and a white-gold case with the streamlined elegance that defines the Classic Moonphase Date. 

New to the updated collection, this take on the brand’s Classic Moonphase Date now opts for a smaller diameter of 40mm, paired with a profile of 12.4mm and a 20mm lug width. While the rest of the series is crafted in stainless steel, as I mentioned earlier, this piece opts for 18K white gold for its three-part case. The thick bezel, onion crown, and short and stocky lugs are reminiscent of mid-century dress watches, while the bright malachite dial contrasts the classic elements with a welcome touch of boldness. 

The dial layout is minimal despite the additional complications – which is the great strength of this piece. The alpha hands and arrow-shaped indexes are brightly polished, like the case, and a railroad-style minutes track has now made its way into this collection, encircling the dial’s perimeter. The most compelling component of this design is, of course, the circular pointer-date window above six o’clock, which has the moon-phase complication tucked into the top half. This combination makes for a clutter-free, legible reading experience that isn’t lacking in terms of whimsy. 

As far as the movement goes, this piece is equipped with the in-house- manufactured Caliber FC-716. This automatic movement runs on 27 jewels and has a power reserve of 72 hours, or three full days. Additionally, it is on full display through the sapphire crystal exhibition back of the 50-meter water-resistant case.

This release marks, quite notably, the first time a mineral dial has ever made its way into Frederique Constant’s catalog. While the brand has been commonly viewed on the more approachable end of luxury (especially considering its in-house manufacture movements), it seems invested in challenging that narrative. Mixing in a detail like a stone dial — one that immediately brings to mind the opulence, grandeur, and boldness of 1970s and '80s watch design, and design at large — seems like (forgive the pun) a move that’s right on the money for the direction the brand is going in.

It also strikes me as a well-considered move to release something like this as a limited-edition item – and highly limited at that. There will only be 36 total units of this piece produced. Given that the new line of Classic Moonphase Date retails for  $4,095, the jump to the just-shy-of-$30K mark is quite dramatic. However, when you’re throwing precious metals and stone dial work into the mix, and considering it won’t be a model that moves into a full-production run, specialized limited editions are the right avenue for a brand to experiment with, if only to see how something of this nature is received. On a personal note, I am very much in the Pro-Stone-Dial camp (and am usually pro-experimentation, pro-funkiness in general), so I always get a kick out of seeing brands try to translate it into their contemporary design ethos.

The Frederique Constant Moonphase Date Manufacture Malachite and White Gold Limited Edition is limited to 36 units and is priced at $29,995.