While Frederique Constant has made quite a name as a true manufacture, its Heart Beat models tell the story of its beginning. A distinct cut-out in its dial shows the balance wheel as a testimony of its mechanical movement. This was an important element when the collection was first launched in 1994. While quartz ruled supreme, a renaissance of mechanical watchmaking was underway. Frederique Constant brilliantly spearheaded this development, launching its first manufacture movement in 2001, with many more to follow. While this greatly influenced the brand, it never lost sight of its heritage, as they prove with the new Classic Heart Beat Moonphase Date.

To me, this is a model in which many good things come together. This starts with the obligatory cut-out at twelve o’clock, showing the balance wheel, the signature of the Heart Beat collection. The brand complements this with a traditional moon phase display at six o’clock and a pointer date. All combined, these charming complications give the watch a lot of character. This is further underscored by the deep blue dial, which features a Clous de Paris, or hobnail pattern, in the center of the dial, as well as in a ring around the Roman numerals. While green might be one of the most trendy colors at the moment, blue hasn’t lost any of its attraction either. Combined with the white-coated hands and numerals, it gives the timepiece a contemporary, almost sportive touch.
With a diameter of 40mm is ...