The Frederique Fixed firm, based in 1988, simply celebrated its thirty fifth birthday and has no fewer than 30 manufactured actions underneath its belt. To mark the event, the Basic Energy Reserve Huge Date Manufacture introduces its thirty first mannequin, providing the mixture of class, horological curiosity and excessive worth on which the model has constructed its popularity. This is why it is particular.
A number of problems delivered by a Swiss-manufactured motion would signify a hefty price ticket for anybody educated about watches. However fans aware of the up to date watch trade may even be aware of Frederique Fixed – and the model’s popularity for making true and modern watchmaking extra accessible to many.
What precisely you get from the Basic Energy Reserve Huge Date Manufacture is basically implied within the identify: its aesthetic is “traditional” and it options no fewer than three problems, together with the eponymous “Energy Reserve” show and the digital “Huge Date.” ” drive perform by a “manufacture” motion (inside). The third complication is a moon part show at 6 o’clock.
However traditional does not imply boring. All of those problems are highlighted on the dial, leading to an asymmetrical structure that instantly catches the attention and invitations nearer inspection – or remark. The look is evident and but reveals the complexity of the motion. A smaller model won’t have produced such a pure design, however Frederique Fixed manages to steadiness a number of features on one dial in a compelling and never disjointed manner.
The date appears to be central to the idea of this watch. In step with the moon part, which gives a visible and romantic view of the month, the date can also be elevated to a complication that deserves consideration – reasonably than hidden away like extra data, as is much extra widespread with fashionable watches.
As an alternative of a single disc underneath the dial with 31 month dates, the large date complication makes use of two discs, one for every numeral. If you concentrate on it, this implies considerably extra complexity and gearing underneath the hood than the usual single-disc resolution, however the result’s the power to spotlight the date and make it simpler to learn than would in any other case be doable. It is also simply extra fascinating.
That is all due to the model’s personal FC-735 computerized motion, seen by the watch’s caseback, whose steadiness wheel is comfortably centered and visual by the rotor’s skeletonized structure. It gives an influence reserve of fifty hours and is displayed on the dial at 9 o’clock for comfort.
Along with being sensible, the facility reserve indicator serves as a reminder of the motion inside, serving to the wearer really feel extra related to the little machine on their wrist. It is enjoyable to observe the hand develop alongside its scale because the crown is wound, and there is a good case to be made that that is related on a self-winding watch too. Even computerized watches can grow to be slower in the event you’re a collector who switches between watches day by day and solely wears one watch however has a desk job that requires you to maneuver your wrist much less typically. Moreover, chronometry is greatest when the mainspring is absolutely wound.
What’s additionally notable is that Frederique Fixed has managed to suit all the knowledge on the dial, in addition to the complexity beneath, right into a compact 40mm broad and 12.19mm thick case, whereas preserving the look clear and contemporary. The case is on the market in polished metal with two dial choices (not restricted), in addition to rose gold with a black dial (restricted to 350 items) or platinum with a blue meteorite dial (35 items).
The platinum and meteorite reference is an aesthetic favourite for collectors searching for one thing very particular. Nonetheless, for a strong possibility that you would be able to put on day by day in addition to showcase at your native watch meet, metal is a straightforward selection. Out there with a silver or blue dial, these fashions greatest signify the model’s dedication to worth and wonderful however accessible watchmaking. The mannequin with a silver dial specifically gives good readability and a pleasing shade distinction with the blue moon part disc and the crimson warning space of the facility reserve indicator.
Though Frederique Fixed continues to be younger, he represents traditional watchmaking like no different model, and the Basic Energy Reserve Huge Date Manufacture watch skilfully underlines the model’s distinctive strategy. With conservative aesthetics however actual watchmaking abilities, one remembers watches from eras that at this time’s fans and collectors prefer to mythologize. The wow second at Frederique Fixed doesn’t come from invented novelties or advertising and marketing hype, however from tangible high quality and experiencing the spirit of conventional watchmaking first hand. That is precisely what the Basic Energy Reserve Huge Date Manufacture gives.
Frederique Fixed Basic Energy Reserve Huge Date Manufacture
Motion: Frederique Fixed FC-735 computerized, 50 hour energy reserve
Options: Hours, minutes, seconds, moon part, large date, energy reserve indicator, water resistance 30 m
Dimensions: 40mm broad, 12.19mm thick
Case: Metal; rose gold; platinum
Availability: Limitless (Metal); 350 items (rose gold); 35 examples (platinum)
Value: $4,995 (metal); $19,995 (rose gold); $27,995 (Platinum)
