Heartbeats are Unique
Frederique Constant is a watchmaker that leans toward traditional but always wants to provide visual complexity or a hint of unique to every design. The new Classics Heart Beat Automatic Watch is a true timepiece that reflects that style. The open heart dial is one that provides the details of a skeleton dial without sacrifice to the traditional look of the timepiece. The brand introduced the open heart design in 1994 and now here in 2022 is releasing a new iteration that blends the clean design with a dramatic touch of skeletonization.
Heart of Design
The brand has taken a very classic approach to this simple yet dressy timepiece crafting it at 40mm for the stainless steel case, and complemented with narrow tapering lugs, a striking slim bezel and designed at 10.5mm thick. The dial is certainly the focal point and that exquisite open heart window is highlighted by the case back that features a small sapphire display window as well. Frederique Constant has carefully combined the ornately classic base design with the bold and beautiful central open heart window. The Classics Heart Beat Automatic Watch can feature the black or silver dial, and also can showcase several finishes from the clous de Paris guilloche central section to a very deep grained sunburst hours ring surrounded by fluted guilloche accent rings. The Breguet hands as well as the roman numerals can be black or white and is intricately finished with a subtle beauty that feels like perfection.
Deep In The Heart
The 12 o’clock open heart window is the visual centerpiece for the watch and what provides a balance of traditional and modern in one timepiece. From the balance wheel to the complex skeletonized balance bridge, the Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Automatic is what preserves the brands foundation of traditional design with a touch of magic. The real heart of this timepiece is the power inside, the Sellita SW300-1, FC-310 automatic movement. Just as the dial is a work of art, the brand is very dedicated to the finishing providing blued screws, sunburst and colimacon on the bridges, and a signed rotor that is home to Cotes de Genève. The 38 hour power reserve might seem lacking, but has proven to be powerful enough for the design. To complete the very classic look, the watch is paired with a crocodile pattern strap in black calf leather and really identifies the timepiece as a perfect fit for that middle of the road balance for any horological fan who treasures traditional but longs for creativity.