Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic 42mm & 36mm

The Classics Runabout collection is perfect for Italian beaches and the dolce vita, and its latest two limited-edition releases (created in collaboration with the Riva Historical Society) remain true to a style that’s characterised the collection since its launch in 2013: natural, relaxed and elegant chic. For the first time, the collection now features a piece in a bright, contemporary electric blue, as bracing as a breaker and as refreshing as a trip out to sea. As well as cladding the dial, hands and hour markers, the all-new colour extends to the topstitching on the calfskin strap. The new versions come in 42-millimetre and 36-millimetre formats, with just 1,888 of each being produced.

The story begins over thirty-five years ago in 1988 when the new, fully-independent and family-owned brand Frederique Constant first saw the light of day in Geneva, the homeland of Swiss watchmaking. At the same time, a few hundred kilometres further south on the shores of Italy, the Riva Historical Society (RHS) was founded with the aim of preserving one of the coast’s most celebrated icons: the legendary Riva, a motorboat whose early models, hand-built using wood, embody the relaxed Italian way of life of the 1920s-1960s. In 2013, the brand and the non-profit struck up a relationship – and a partnership was born.

As a result, every two years or so Frederique Constant produces a limited-edition set of watches in partnership with the RHS, paying tribute to these legendary vessels and supporting the drive to preserve them. After sports chronograph editions in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 the limited edition was a traditional three-hand timepiece. For its 2024 vintage, the Classics Runabout Automatic combines the best of both worlds in a three-hands-and-date version featuring an especially bold and sporty dial. Now it’s full speed ahead for the Classics Runabout Automatic!

Indeed, the edition takes the collection on an unexpected tack, setting a new course evocative of ‘runabout’ fast pleasure boats. The timepiece brings to mind bracing sea air, speed, the open sea and impromptu runs across the water – whilst also keeping intact the classic style that’s so typical of fine Swiss Made workmanship.

Its sporting personality is embodied in a dial unlike any other in the collection, done out in an electric blue halfway between turquoise and navy blue, a shade as fun as a speedboat that shifts from a deep, dark hue to a dazzling bright Mediterranean blue depending on the light.

This contrast is further highlighted by the numerous decorations on the dial, each reflecting the light in its own way. The Classics Runabout collection’s characteristic Clou de Paris guilloche finish captures the light in the recesses of its pyramid motif and then reflects it in a thousand directions from the centre of the dial, surrounded by a satin-polished finish on the hour circle that extends outwards, radiating a soft and gentle light as if towards an infinity edge. Evennumbered numerals feature amid the hour markers; for the first time, these and the body of the hour and minute hands bear a luminous teal coating to match the dial shade. The finishing touch is provided by the flawless mirror polish finish on the steel case, which is water resistant to 50 metres and available in a diameter of either 42 or 36 millimetres.

The beating heart of the piece is its FC-303 movement: a tried and tested calibre that has powered all Classics Runabout Automatic watches for several years now. Boasting a 38-hour power reserve, the movement can be admired through a sapphire crystal caseback sporting the flag logo of the Riva Historical Society. Each version is available in a strictly limited edition of 1,888 pieces and comes in a presentation box featuring a miniature replica of a Riva, moored alongside the watch itself.

Technical specifications

Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic

Reference: FC-303RMLN5B6

Limited edition of 1,888 pieces

Case

• Material: Polished stainless steel
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Thickness: 11.50 mm
• Glass: Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal
• See-through threaded case back with riva historical society logo printed on the glass
• Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft

Dial and hands

• Blue dial with Clous de Paris guilloché decoration in the center
• Outer ring with white printed graduation
• Applied silver color arabic numerals & indexes filled with teal blue luminous treatment
• Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands filled with teal blue luminous treatment
• Hand-polished silver color second hand
• Date window at 6 o’clock

Movement

• FC-303 caliber, automatic
• Frequency: 28'800 vph (4 Hz)
• Number of jewels: 26
• Power reserve of 38 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Strap and buckle

• Dark blue calf leather strap with teal blue stitching
• Pin buckle

MSRP: EUR 1'695

Technical specifications

Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic

Reference: FC-303RMLN3B6

Limited edition of 1,888 pieces

Case

• Material: Polished stainless steel
• Diameter: 36 mm
• Thickness: 9.85 mm
• Glass: Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal
• See-through threaded case back with riva historical society logo printed on the glass
• Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft

Dial and hands

• Blue dial with Clous de Paris guilloché decoration in the center
• Outer ring with white printed graduation
• Applied silver color arabic numerals & indexes filled with teal blue luminous treatment
• Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands filled with teal blue luminous treatment
• Hand-polished silver color second hand
• Date window at 6 o’clock

Movement

• FC-303 caliber, automatic
• Frequency: 28'800 vph (4 Hz)
• Number of jewels: 26
• Power reserve of 38 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Strap and buckle

• Dark blue calf leather strap with teal blue stitching
• Pin buckle

MSRP: EUR 1'595

For more information, please visit frederiqueconstant.com