Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT

Italian spirit and nautical touches are woven together with Genevan craftsmanship in the dolce vita-inspired Classics Runabout collection. This expression of transalpine elegance is a highly sought-after collector’s piece, released every two years.

In 2026, the 42 mm model is available in two versions: with either a deep blue or teak-brown dial, echoing the boats lovingly preserved by the Riva Historical Society. Each piece features a Manufacture GMT function and is limited to just 888 pieces per dial colour.

This is one of Frederique Constant’s most eagerly awaited collector’s pieces. It has enjoyed the privilege of a consistent release schedule since 2013, when the Geneva-based Manufacture and the Riva Historical Society first began their partnership. Every two years, the Maison unveils a limited-edition timepiece in tribute to these legendary boats, whilst also supporting their preservation. The collection, which has seen many interpretations over the years, continues to reinvent itself with each new release, in step with the Manufacture’s latest technical advances.

It is also its Manufacture character that will make the 2026 edition of the Classics Runabout so appealing to collectors, as both of these limited-year versions are equipped with a Manufacture GMT module. The Classics Runabout Automatic GMT is therefore a dual-complication collector’s piece, featuring a date display at 6 o’clock and a GMT hand tipped with a luminescent arrow.

Integrating an in-house complication based on the FC350 base movement into the Runabout collection brings genuine added value for collectors, combining the reliability of a tried-and-tested calibre with the beauty of a Manufacture complication, resulting in a positioning that remains highly competitive — embodying the spirit of fine watchmaking made accessible, the founding mission of Frederique Constant.

Beyond mechanics lies aesthetics. Both Classics Runabout 2026 models share the same design language. At their centre, the dials feature a satin-finished surface with vertical stripes, representing the foredeck of the boats preserved by the Riva Historical Society, where each teak plank is hand-fitted to create the perfect sundeck for enjoying the gentle waters of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, or tranquil transalpine lakes. The navy bluetones naturally evoke deep waters, while the brown variant elegantly conveys the warmth of teak wood.

Three concentric circles complete the display of the new Classics Runabout Automatic GMT. At the centre lies the 24-hour indication for the second time zone, or GMT. This choice of display removes the need for a day/night indicator, thereby enhancing the dial’s legibility, with the complication blending seamlessly into the design.

The minute track alternates between applied, luminescent Arabic numerals with slender baton-style indexes, rendered in a subtly vintage font in keeping with the institution that is the Riva Historical Society. The outermost circle, flush with the case, counts seconds as they drift by on the water. With a 38-hour power reserve, the automatic movement showcases its vertical Côtes de Genève finishing on the bridges and oscillating weight through a delicately smoked sapphire caseback, where the white logo of the Riva Historical Society seems to float like a pennant in the transalpine wind. Each piece, engraved with “Limited Edition one of 888”, is presented in a box containing a miniature replica of one of these legendary boats, moored alongside the watch.

Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT Ref. FC-350RN5B6

Technical specifications

Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT

Reference: FC-350RN5B6

Limited edition of 888 pieces

Case

Material: Polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 12.85 mm
Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
ONE OF 888 engraved on the case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft

Dial and hands

Navy blue dial with vertical satin finishing
Vertical line pattern printed in the center
Hand-applied indexes
Arabic numerals at 3, 9 and 12 o’clock filled with beige old radium luminous treatment
Rhodium hour and minute hands filled with beige old radium luminous treatment
Rhodium second hand and printed 60 seconds track on outer ring
Rhodium GMT hand filed with beige old radium luminous treatment and printed 24 hours disk in the middle
Date window at 6 o’clock

Movement

FC-350 caliber
Automatic movement
Frequency: 4 Hz, 28'800 vph
Number of jewels: 26
Power reserve of 38 hours

Functions/Indications

Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT

Strap and buckle

Black rubber strap with tone-on-tone stitching
Pin buckle

MSRP: EUR 1'995

Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT Ref. FC-350RBR5B6