Flyback Chronograph Manufacture: two new variations from Frederique Constant
LOFT2017, 2018 and 2020: For the third time and to meet collector demand, Frederique Constant is adding two new variations to its Flyback Chronograph Manufacture collection.
This creation for expert aficionados is developed, manufactured, and assembled entirely within the brand's Geneva manufacture. It is one of the most prized collections by chronograph enthusiasts, both for its uniqueness and its difficulty of creation.
A story that goes back to the origins of the chronograph
The flyback function was one of the first to be added to the chronograph in the 1930s . The principle is simple: it allows the chronograph to be stopped, reset, and restarted with a single press of a pusher, instead of requiring three successive presses.
However, behind this ingenious idea, particularly relevant for measuring successive race times during sporting events, lies a genuine mechanical complexity: while the chronograph's stop, reset and start functions were previously distributed across two push-pieces that were actuated consecutively, flyback mode means they are absolutely simultaneous and associated with a single press of a single push-piece.
Six years of development and a complete rebuild
The traditional flyback mechanism consists of a series of column wheels that act as the chronograph's clutches and releases. The FC-760 caliber that powers the Flyback Chronograph Manufacture is stripped of this complexity thanks to its star wheel , not its column wheel. Fewer components, fewer operations, and less height: the Frederique Constant FC-760 caliber is simpler, more reliable, and smoother.
Pressing the pusher at 4 o'clock disengages the chronograph movement and resets it to zero. Releasing this pusher reengages the movement and the chronograph, restarting the movement. It took no less than six years of development to achieve this level of sophistication. Furthermore, this FC-760 caliber is more aesthetically pleasing, a quality that this new collection reveals through the sapphire caseback. The flyback module comprises only 96 components (out of a total of 233 parts in the entire movement), making it one of the most efficient in the world, but also one of the most accessible, thanks to its ingenious and patented construction. Finally, the new Flyback Chronograph Manufacture is available from 3,895 euros.
Two shades, two new variations
Currently, two out of four models in this collection have already sold out. To meet collector demand, Frederique Constant is now launching two new offerings. They have one in common: a two-tone aesthetic, with silver-plated counters. This is the first time this design has included counters in a different color than the dial. This unique contrast results in improved legibility and a sportier aesthetic.
In the first version, the three counters are presented on a chocolate brown dial, with a 42 mm rose gold-plated case. In the second, the blue dial is paired with a steel case. Modern and dynamic, these new Flyback Chronograph Manufacture models feature luminescent baton indexes and hands, as well as an alligator leather strap with a folding clasp emblazoned with the Frederique Constant Manufacture coat of arms.
| Flyback Chronograph Manufacture FC-760CHC4H4 |
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| Flyback Chronograph Manufacture FC-760NS4H6 |
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About Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant is a watch manufacturer located in Plan-les-Ouates, in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland. The company is involved in all phases of watch production, from initial design to final assembly and quality control. Frederique Constant develops, manufactures, and assembles its calibers in-house and boasts a collection of 29 distinct models since 2004. In 2015, Frederique Constant launched the first Swiss-made Horological Smartwatch, featuring a classic dial with a fully analog display, thus creating a new category in the Swiss watch industry. Frederique Constant models are defined by their high quality, unique features, and precision in their design and craftsmanship. The quality of design, materials, and craftsmanship are hallmarks of the brand and constitute one of the keys to its success. Each watch is hand-assembled using the latest equipment in its 6,200 m² factory in Geneva, and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure the highest quality and longevity.Source: Frederique Constant
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