Horology, a child of astronomy. And no moment is more precious than the fine summer nights, warm and perfectly clear, on the water’s edge, to observe the starry sky. Perfect timing for the two new Runabout Chronograph Automatics, adorned with a blue dial, complementing this emblematic Frederique Constant collection.
The marine world
Navy or marine blue, is the name of this deep blue hue that adorns the new dials of the Runabout Chronograph Automatic. Marine, like this call from the ocean that recalls the original partnership between Frederique Constant and the RHS (Riva Historical Society), this association of amateurs and collectors of the famous Italian boat, an ode to the dolce vita, elegance and chic sport. It was from this union that the collection was born, created in 2009 and since then, only offered in limited series.
Blue, is the choice of Frederique Constant for these two new models, each in a limited edition of only 888 pieces. Blue of the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, blue of the sky and space: the Runabout Chronograph Automatic is an invitation to travel, to have your feet in the water and your head in the stars.
Shared DNA
Each model shares a 42 mm polished case with two push-pieces to start, stop and reset the stop-watch. With an anti-glare sapphire glass bezel, it features a guilloché pattern that will play with the reflections of light like sun on the waves.
To enjoy perfect readability, this guilloché centre, a real signature of the Runabout collection, is surrounded by a satin-finish hour circle to which luminescent Arabic numerals are applied superimposed by large, also luminescent, hands. At 6 o’clock a date windows stands out, thus offering the piece perfect harmony with its stop-watch balanced against the signature of the Maison at 3 o’clock. The whole is worn on a navy blue calfskin strap with off-white overstitching.
Exclusive variations
The two models are distinguished by their choice of materials. In a very chick sport approach, elegant and associated with the noble watchmaking of Geneva to which Frederique Constant remains attached, a first case is offered in plated pink gold, whose warm hue is repeated in the hands and contours of the hour markers. The second model offers the modernity and simplicity of a light, bright steel case, also repeated in the hands and hour marker contours.
The exclusive nature of these editions, each limited to 888 pieces, is indicated on the back of each piece in two places. Firstly, by the individual number engraved on each watch. And secondly, by an original imprint representing the official RHS flag, featured on the sapphire crystal of the watch. Through it, fans of fine watchmaking will be able to appreciate the FC-392 calibre in detail, the guarantor of a 55-hour power reserve, a real first in the collection – until now the Runabout timepieces offered a power reserve of only 46 hours.
Each piece will be presented in a special case with a miniature replica of a wooden Runabout boat moored alongside the watch.