A quartz moonphase makes sense for most people that want a moonphase complication. I know a lot of people that have gone for a mechanical moonphase that don’t leave it on a winder.
I don’t judge, I do the exact same thing- my Longines Master Collection Moonphase isn’t on a winder, either. D’oh!
In any case, a moonphase is a nice complication to add to a dressier watch. It adds something interesting to the watch, as well as a bit of color to the dial. To enjoy the complication the most, I’d get mine with a quartz. Set and forget – at least for a good long while – and always in sync with the Earth’s largest satellite. Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer
In December, I had the unbelievable luxury of being able to pick any watch I wanted to photograph and review. So, I thought it’d be nice to check out another Frederique Constant and picked the FC-270SW4P5 Business Timer. This upscale quartz is packed with the usual trimmings (sappphire/etc.) and three subdials: day/date, and moonphase.
Certified Watch Store delivered this to my door on December 19 and currently has it available for Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer. It is also currently available on Amazon for Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer.
As far as notable Swiss watchmakers go, Frederique Constant is relatively young. Founded in 1988, the roots of the company reach as far back as 1904 (you can learn more about their heritage here). They are based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva and have successfully competed toe to toe with many other entry-level luxury watch manufacturers since the launch of their first collection in 1992.
In 2002, the company acquired Alpina watches – another brand I’ve been itching to get some face time with – and have been heavily invested in the entry-level luxury watch market. Accessible luxury is a pillar of their brand identity, as is in-house manufacturing and handmade quality.
Several weeks ago I reviewed the Mido Commander II, which I thought was an awesome looking watch that was held back a bit by its gold PVD bracelet and case. Like the Mido, this Frederique has a gold case. However, unlike the Mido, the gold on this case appears to be better able to withstand the rigors of daily wear.Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer
That’s a great thing, too, because it’s absolutely posh in yellow gold. It’s elegant yet and subtle – its 40mm diameter case and cream/gold dial limit just how much gold the watch can project.
A brown Crococalf leather strap also goes a long way in toning down the impact of the gold and is a nice complement to the color scheme.
The strap is comfortable to wear, and it molded to my wrist quickly.
I find it interesting that they opted for a classic buckle on the Business Timer. A deployant clasp would suit the watch well, especially because it’s likely to get a fair amount of wear. Considering the MSRP is north of $1,000 (even if only just), it also seems price appropriate.
Deployant or not, the buckle shows the same quality as the rest of the watch. The logo engraved on the buckle is even and free of defects. It looks quite regal.
I am a sucker for a classic dress watch, and the Classics Business Timer (appropriately named) jives with my tastes. I especially love the week counter, which surrounds the dial and is referenced by a black arrow with a red head.Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer
The day and date subdials are both finely grooved, as is the covered 2/3’s of the moonphase display. The rest of the dial is textured – like thick cardstock paper – and luxurious. The golden applied indices are free of defects and looks great. Aside from the gold hour/minute hands, the only other touch of gold on the dial is the moon and the stars in 6 o’clock moonphase display.
Without question, the Business Timer is a fine looking dress watch and an excellent example of how Frederique Constant can deftly execute on a classic look.
The Business Timer pairs with just about everything and looks great doing it. It’s sized perfectly and isn’t too tall. It tucks under a cuff and doesn’t tower off of your wrist.
For the $475 – $600 grey-market price it sells at, you have plenty of options from both large and microbrand manufacturers with an auto or mechanical that offer a similar combination of functions and styles. However, this Frederique Constant will be one of the only Swiss brands you’ll find, and it is one of the best looking options you’ll find, too.
Compared to the Slimline that I reviewed a few weeks ago, this FC is more upscale, complicated, and attractive. If I wanted a gold watch with an interesting complication to wear regularly, this would be on my list.
Our friends at Certified Watch Store sent us this Frederique Constant for my review. I wore the watch for a period of 2.5 weeks before writing this review.
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