The Cleaner, Smaller 40mm Frederique Constant Worldtimer Manufacture by Watch Angels

First launched in 2012, the Frederique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture rapidly grew to become one of many model’s best-selling fashions for being an accessible tackle the complication. Over time, it has been launched in varied supplies and colors, often as limited editions that are no longer available. Whereas undeniably a handsome timepiece with strong credentials, even classics have room for refinement. That chance got here when Watch Angels, a community-driven, crown-funded producer, joined forces with Frederique Constant to raise the beloved Worldtimer to a brand new degree. We take a primary have a look at the results of this collaboration.

First, the Watch Angels x Frederique Fixed Worldtimer Manufacture will get a smaller diameter case – measuring 40.5mm – but positive factors a little bit of thickness compared to the original – 13.4mm towards 12.15mm, barely stunning – a bit greater than a millimetre enhance that isn’t one thing to complain an excessive amount of about, because the watch nonetheless wears comfortably. The case is a three-part stainless-steel development with a 50m water resistance, topped with a convex sapphire crystal and that includes an engraved screwed caseback with a crystal to disclose the FC-718 calibre.

The case displays a mixture of brushed and polished finishes, the latter particularly famous on the bezel, whereas the brushed lugs and midsection add a welcome distinction. The fluted crown at 3 o´clock is now not an onion-type however one with a flat high, signed, and enormous sufficient to make sure snug operation to wind the watch, time, date, and metropolis setting… And as with all different earlier editions, there aren’t any pushers or recessed correctors.

The brand new collaborative Frederique Fixed Worldtimer Manufacture receives a considerate improve with its refined, blue-toned dial. Notably, the date subdial at 6 o’clock has been eliminated (New Yorkers travelling to Bangkok should be pleased), making certain unobstructed readability of all defining places on the inclined 24-time-zone disc; GMT with -1/+1 indicated in purple. Simply subsequent to this ring, the 24-hour disc is segmented into day and night time, division marked by a gold-coloured solar and a silvered moon for readability.

Shifting inward. The sunburst-finished centre is framed by a circular-grained chapter ring, that includes utilized, faceted rhodium hour indices and a printed minute monitor – crisp, legible, and seamlessly built-in into the design. The rhodium, hand-polished arms observe the contours of the hour indices for a cohesive aesthetic, whereas the crosshairs tie the composition collectively. It’s laborious to think about this timepiece with out this small element, but additionally makes one miss the world map featured on the common Frederique Fixed Classics Worldtimer Manufacture editions.

The motion – no shock right here – is identical automated FC-718 calibre as utilized in all valuable variations of the Frederique Fixed Worldtimer, solely with out the date indication by hand. This FC-718 operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour, has a modest (by fashionable requirements) energy reserve of 38 hours, and is properly adorned with Côtes de Genève and perlage, seen by means of the show caseback. There are additionally blued screws and the gold-coloured openworked rotor.

The Watch Angels x Frederique Fixed Worldtimer Manufacture is obtainable with a black handmade calf leather-based strap closed with a folding buckle. It’s a restricted version of 718 items and is now obtainable (February thirteenth, 2025) by means of subscription, solely through watchangels.ch. The value is CHF 4,490, on par with the common restricted version Classics Worldtimer Manufacture in metal.

So, is that this redesigned Watch Angels version an enchancment over the unique Frederique Fixed Classics Worldtimer Manufacture? As at all times, it comes down to non-public desire. If given a selection, which might you decide? Whereas I respect the refined simplicity of the brand new Worldtimer, I’d nonetheless go together with the old-school Basic – what can I say? I’m no angel.

For extra, go to watchangels.ch and frederiqueconstant.com.