Frederique Constant unveils a new burgundy-dial Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar, a 100-piece limited edition revealed ahead of WatchTime New York. It is the first time this line adopts burgundy, and the color does more than flatter – it sharpens the classical layout without disturbing it.
Housed in a 40mm stainless steel case at 12.25mm thick, the watch keeps balanced proportions for daily wear. The sunray-finished burgundy dial moves from deep wine to bright cherry under light, framing a clear QP architecture: day at 9, date at 3, month and leap year at 12, moonphase at 6 on a midnight-blue field with laser-engraved stars. A sector minute track, applied faceted markers, hand-polished hands, and a fluted onion crown complete a calm, vintage-leaning face.
The in-house automatic FC-776 powers the show, an evolution of the original FC-775. The brand has reworked the barrel and mainspring alloy to reach a 72-hour power reserve, a welcome buffer for a calendar that prefers to keep running. Corrections remain user-friendly via recessed case correctors for moonphase, date, day, month, and leap year. Set once and kept wound, the mechanism accounts for irregular months and the leap-year cycle.
Through the sapphire back, finishing is traditional and tidy rather than theatrical: a 5N gold-plated rotor with vertical satin-brushing and spiral graining, fan-shaped Côtes de Genève on the automatic bridge, and perlage on the remaining bridges. Each piece is individually numbered, and yes, the burgundy does make the movement look a touch warmer when you turn the watch over – not a technical point, simply a pleasing one.
Delivery includes two straps: black leather and a burgundy alligator that extends the color theme, both with an easy-open deployant clasp. A coordinating watch winder is included. Price is USD 12,995, available via authorized retailers and the brand’s US website. Limited to 100 pieces means you will not see it on every wrist, which suits a perpetual calendar that speaks softly but keeps perfect count.
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