New Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture in Platinum Watch by Frederique Constant
In 2023, luxury brand Frederique Constant celebrate its 35th anniversary. In addition, it’s the 15th anniversary of its iconic Tourbillon calibre. For the occasion, the Maison has unveiled a Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture luxury watch in platinum. The new watch features a meteorite dial and limited to only 35 pieces.
For the first time, each individual timepiece is finished completely by hand. This undertaking is done by two Frederique Constant watchmakers, who’s goal is to ensure the highest degree of hand-finishing possible on the movement.
The Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture includes only 35 handcrafted and numbered pieces. This it’s the ultimate must-have watch. The cut-out in its dial at 6 o’clock reveals the Manufacture tourbillon created by Frederique Constant in 2008. It’s one of the few tourbillons available in a platinum case with a meteorite dial to be currently available on the market.
Another noteworthy fact is the entire hand-finishing of all the components of the movement. This exceptional and unprecedented achievement is the work of two watchmakers specializing in the Maison’s Manufacture and complication movements.
The watchmakers spent weeks using traditional instruments and tools, working on the meticulous finishing of each of the components. For example, a buff file for beveling and a hammer and punch for hand-punching. Also, 9-micron sandpaper for charbonnage of the frame (bridge) and the base of the tourbillon cage. Continuing, a single bridge alone requires between two and three days of work.
To ensure visual coherence with the color of the meteorite dial, the movement also sports a ruthenium finish. This is very rare for Frederique Constant and indeed in the watchmaking industry as a whole. Yet, all the more reason for adopting it here. Each engraving includes the timepiece’s individual number. It is rhodium-plated to ensure the characters stand out clearly.
