Wearing Thin
The name is self-explanatory. Frederique Constant’s Slimline collection comprises ultra-thin versions of some of the brand’s most established designs, uniting the modern preference for slimmer styles with traditional Swiss watchmaking. The modest dimensions of the timepieces in this collection are made possible by the in-house automatic movements they contain, which never measure more than 3.6mm thick.
One of the latest additions to the collection is the 42mm Slimline Perpetual Calendar, launched at the Baselworld Fair this year. Perhaps the most remarkable fact about this timepiece is that at a starting price of just SFr 8,350 (RM36,580) for the stainless steel version, it has achieved a feat few brands have managed – creating a wholly in-house model carrying one of horology’s most coveted (and expensive) complications, for less than a five-digit price point. Development took the brand three years, because the movement had to be designed and engineered for simpler assembly in order to keep costs low.
This does not at all mean that any shortcuts have been taken; in all aspects, the timepiece still qualifies as a piece of luxury accessory. Beating within the watch is the FC-775 calibre, beautifully decorated with perlage and a circular Cotes de Geneve pattern. This movement powers the subdials showing the month at 12 o’clock, date at three o’clock, and day at nine o’clock. On the main dial, the hand-polished leaf-shaped hands echo the slim lines and elegance of the indexes.
The timepiece is available in five versions, including a rose gold plated stainless steel bezel with a navy dial and matching alligator strap.
