It’s not every day that a watchmaker creates something truly remarkable. The Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, on the other hand, may have been just created for an extraordinary wristwatch by Frederique Constant. In today’s market, it appears that brands are taking a more cautious approach. This can be observed in recent novelties when watch companies have tended to rinse and duplicate popular models with alternative dial colors, vintage reissues, and “special editions” with minor differences. Not that it’s incorrect, but after a while, these things start to seem a little formulaic. Now get more information about Frederique constant slimline right here.
Frederique Constant Slimline specifications
The stainless-steel version of the Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic Manufacture costs JPY607,959, while the 18k rose gold version costs JPY2,028,043. The Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, which was introduced in March 2020, is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing watches for the year 2020. A ferocious pounding heart, oscillating at 288,000 beats per minute, hides behind its classic demeanor. This is roughly 10 times the pace of a standard watch and eight times the speed of Zenith and Grand Seiko’s high-beat movements.
Although it is not the quickest (that honor belongs to TAG Heuer’s Carrera watch), this Frederique Constant Slimline is undoubtedly one of the scene’s frontrunners. What’s more amazing is that Frederique Constant was able to incorporate it into a very wearable watch at a reasonable price. The TAG Heuer is priced at US$120,000 (roughly JPY13,820,760) to give you some perspective. It seems an intriguing watch. So, how does it hold up in practice?
Case Dial and Straps Features
Frederique Constant Slimline Monolithic Manufacture is a sophisticated timepiece with a 40mm three-part casing in stainless steel or 18k rose gold. It’s worth noting that the watch has a very fine casing, which contrasts with the dial-ultra-modern side’s mechanism and escapement. The watch has a slim and rounded bezel, as well as a mid-case that curves inwards to give it a classy appearance. The curves also continue to the lugs and onion crown, which, in the big scheme of things, complimented the overall look of the clock beautifully.
The watch is very comfortable on the wrist thanks to the lug construction. The watch’s total length is reduced as the lug extends lower, which is an advantage for collectors with smaller wrists. This is a great example of combining form and function, which we like.
On the dial, the contrast between modern and traditional remains. The dial features numerous traditional watchmaking components, including a stamped guilloche dial, Roman numerals, and a date display sub-dial. The clock also has a set of Breguet-style hands, which adds to the old-school image that the company is pursuing.
Surprisingly, in the 6 o’clock position, there is an aperture with an unusual aspect. The Monolithic Oscillator is kept here by Frederique Constant. This especially futuristic-looking component appears to be a bit interesting in the midst of everything conventional.
Overall, the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture has a pleasing look. For some, the location of the Monolithic Oscillator may be divisive, but we appreciate the contrast between modern and traditional – all encased within one well-designed box that delivers something unique.
Movement
Frederique Constant’s FC-810 drives the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture. The self-winding movement is the thirty-first from the firm. The brand’s innovative oscillator is, of course, the show-stopper. Flexuous, a business that creates and manufactures revolutionary watch components, collaborated on this project. As previously stated, the clock is unique in that it beats at a frequency of 40Hz, or approximately 288,000 beats per minute. This is the first time such a clock has been created at such a low cost.
Of course, this is not like most traditional timepieces. The normal balance wheel will not cut for the watch to work at such a high frequency. Frederique Constant achieved this by developing an oscillator made of monocrystalline silicon, which is reported to be far more durable than the traditional balancing springs. Surprisingly, because there is no mechanical linkage (this mechanism has many fewer components than a normal escapement system), there is less friction generated, resulting in a more dependable system with less wear and tear.
The usage of silicon has several advantages that have been observed in other watches. Full anti-magnetism qualities, temperature resistance, lightweights, and the fact that it does not require lubrication are just a few of the benefits. Granted, most of these traits aren’t visible to the human eye, but they should convert to superior long-term stability and resilience on paper.
The oscillator’s functioning is notable in that it is, to some extent, analogous to that of a traditional balance wheel. The oscillator oscillates on its axis, but at a 6o angle rather than the standard 300o angle of a balancing wheel. The regulation is then carried out using the two bars on the structure’s left and right sides. Finally, the mechanism is linked to the escape wheel, which is located within the “open heart” aperture at noon. Overall, it’s a highly creative approach to reinvent the wheel, with generally positive consequences.
The FC-810 is no slouch in terms of performance. Aside from the excellent oscillator, the automated movement has a calendar function and an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
