When last year Frederique Constant launched their perpetual calendar tourbillon a couple of years back, they proved they were more than just a seriously good value proposition; they showed they could roll with the big boys of watchmaking. This time they’ve shown it wasn’t just a once-off as, to celebrate a substantial expansion back home in Geneva, they’ve launched another two editions of the Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture.

Available in rose gold or stainless steel, the 42mm three-piece cases are as elegant as we’ve come to expect from Frederique Constant. They make a perfect setting for a complication like a perpetual calendar, even if the dial is anything but traditional. Skeletonised to show off the inner workings of the movement, the navy blue dial is a contemporary twist on a type of watch that all too often strays into the overly classical.

Underneath it all is the FC-975 movement, the crowning jewel of Frederique Constant’s unique approach to watchmaking. Containing a silicium escapement wheel and anchor, as well as an 80-piece tourbillon cage, it’s an incredibly piece of horology. It also embodies the philosophy behind the watchmaker.

You see, while the Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar may be one of the most complicated timepieces short of a grand sonnerie, Frederique Constant has tried to make it as accessible as possible. Granted when it comes to this kind of watch ‘accessible’ is relative, but £19,995 for the steel and £27,995 for the gold is not bad at all. In fact, it’s downright impressive.

Limited to 88 pieces in the steel and 30 in the rose gold, this is one hell of a statement piece from Frederique Constant. Now we’re just waiting to see if they do manage a grand sonnerie…

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Frederique Constant Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture

Ref: FC-975N4H6 (stainless steel), FC-975N4H9 (18K rose gold)

Case/Dial: 42mm diameter, polished stainless steel or 18K Rose gold polished 3-parts case, skeleton navy blue color dial

Movement: Manufacture cal. FC-975, automatic, Perlage & Côtes de Genève decoration

Power Reserve: 38h

Frequency: 4Hz (28,000 vph)

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day, month, leap year

Water Resistance: 50m (5 ATM)

Strap: Navy-blue alligator leather

Price: £19,995 (stainless steel) and £27,995 (rose gold), limited edition of 88

pieces for the stainless-steel version and 30 pieces for the 18K rose gold case

More information at frederiqueconstant.com