Frederique Constant – Meteorite Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture - Only Watch 2019
Frederique Constant supports Only Watch with a spectacular
Meteorite Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture timepiece
Democratic complications
The Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture timepiece embodies the founders' visionary quest to render Swiss watchmaking savoir-faire and innovation more accessible.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO
In 2004, after a few years of research and development, Frederique Constant introduced its first in-house patented manufacture movement: the award-winning Heart Beat Manufacture Calibre. Four years later, the brand unveiled its first in-house manufacture Tourbillon, one of the industry’s most intricate complication based on the Heart Beat Manufacture calibre.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO
The movement
Aiming to provide ultimate precision, the in-house automatic FC-975 movement is equipped with a silicium escapement wheel and anchor. This specific material counters problems caused by the effect of the earth’s gravity when the movement is in a vertical position and is resistant to temperature change.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO
This grand complication also bears a smart weight balance wheel and a delicate and even Tourbillon cage. Frederique Constant patented its Tourbillon cage composed of 80 components all produced with a precision of 1-2 micron (0.001-0.002 mm) thanks to its CNC machines.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO
In order to achieve the highest degree of precision, small weights are added in the Tourbillon’s cage to obtain a perfect balance. When the Tourbillon is constructed, the cage’s stability is slightly off, as the escapement wheel and anchor are decentred. Frederique Constant added a “smart screw” system on the outer edge of the Tourbillon to equalize the weight and deliver a perfect balance within the cage, resulting in a more stable amplitude and rate.
The watch
The Meteorite Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Only Watch model is a unique piece presented in a 42mm diameter 3-part 18K rose gold case with a see-through case back to let one admire the delicate Perlage & Côtes de Genève decorations.
The watch features a stunning, skeletonized blue tint meteorite dial. This four billion-year-old, very rare material fell on Earth 80’000 years ago and was found in Namibia, Africa back in 1839.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO
The Perpetual Calendar complication also displays the day, date and month and requires even less adjustments than an annual calendar. This highly sophisticated complication acknowledges the number of days each month, displays the year and automatically adjust itself on the leap years. Once set, it will remember the months with 30 and 31 days, the 28 days of February as well as the leap year cycle with the return of 29th of February every four years.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO
The Perpetual Calendar doesn't require any manual correction before 400 years, although there is an exception in the Gregorian Calendar, the watch will need to be adjusted on March 1st, 2100. The hour and minute functions are all adjustable through the crown. The dial presents at 12 o’clock the months and leap year, at 3 o’clock the days and at 9 o’clock the week days.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO
The tourbillon’s cage sits at 6 o’clock, with its incorporated seconds hand that rotates once every minute.
Frederique Constant decided to develop this one-of-a-kind timepiece and support the 8th edition of Only Watch to finance scientific research for the rare Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The Brand is looking to offer the best fruit of its high-end watchmaking know-how to do good.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Collection Manufacture Classic Tourbillon
Model: Meteorite Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture
Reference FC-975BMT4H9
Case
18K Rose gold-plated polished 3-parts case
Diameter of 42 mm
Convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant to 3 ATM
Movement
Manufacture caliber FC-975
Automatic with date adjustable by crown and connected counter activated by pusher
Perlage & Circular Côtes de Genève decoration on the movement
33 jewels, 38 hours power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Silicium escapement wheel and anchor
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day, month, leap year
Dial
Squelette blue meteorite dial with heart beat opening at 6 o’clock
Meteorite is a very rare material that is 4 billion years old,
fell on earth 80’000 years ago and is found in Namibia, Africa in 1839
Hand polished white hands with red leap year hands
Bracelet
Navy blue alligator leather strap and rubber finishing
Limitation: Exclusive – Unique Limited to Only 1-Pieces
WHERE CAN I SEE
THE ONLY WATCH COLLECTION
BEFORE THE AUCTION?
THE ONLY WATCH COLLECTION
BEFORE THE AUCTION?
ONLY WATCH UNVEILS THE 50 UNIQUE WATCHES THAT WILL BE AUCTIONED FOR THE 8TH EDITION OF THE BIENNIAL CHARITY AUCTION TO BENEFIT RESEARCH ON DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and due to the initiative of Luc Pettavino, President of the Association Monégasque Contre les Myopathies, ONLY WATCH is proud to unveil today the names of the 52 watch brands participating in the 8th edition of the biennial charity auction benefitting research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as the 50 lots that will be auctioned.
This exceptional and unparalleled project supports the battle against a devastating myopathy that affects 1 in 3000 male births on the planet by funding research.
It is expected, this year again, to become the most talked-about topic in the watchmaking industry.
“I am grateful to all the watchmaking groups and independent brands participating in this 2019 ONLY WATCH edition demonstrating dedication and heart through their creativity and craftmanship for this year’s auction which promises to be, once again, record-breaking”, says Luc Pettavino.
These 52 brands will offer sought-after rarities that can be accessed nowhere else. Unique pieces showcasing the best savoir-faire in the horology world in all of its diversity.
For the second time Christie’s is the auctioneer of choice on November 9 when the 50 one-of-a-kind timepieces will be auctioned at the Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues at 2 pm (UTC+1).
“Christie’s is looking forward working once more closely with the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies on their 8th edition of ONLY WATCH, under the guidance of Luc Pettavino. On behalf of Christie’s, I would like to extend my sincere Thank You to all involved in making this project a priority and to be present on 9 November in Geneva to compete for one – or more – of the 50 unique and specially made timepieces for ONLY WATCH”, commented Earl of Snowdon, Honorary Chairman Christie’s EMEA
Ahead of the auction, this unprecedented watch collection will be exhibited to the public from 25 September 2019 to 9 November 2019, in 10 different cities around the world. This world tour will be starting in Monaco, during (and on the site of) the Monaco Yacht Show.
- Monaco 25 to 28 September at the Monaco Yacht show
- Dubai 1 to 3 October at Christie’s in association with Seddiqi
- Paris 7 to 8 October at Christie’s
- London 11 to 13 October at Christie’s
- New York 16 to 17 October at Christie’s
- Tokyo 22 to 23 October at Christie’s
- Singapore 25 to 26 October at Malmaison by the Hour Glass
- Hong Kong 28 to 29 October at Christie’s
- Taipei 30 to 31 October at Christie’s
- Geneva 7 to 9 November at Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues
Since its creation in 2005, ONLY WATCH has raised over CHF40 million. Again, 100% of the proceeds achieved with the 8th edition of the charity auction will be directly invested in scientific and medical research on neuromuscular diseases in general and on Duchenne muscular dystrophy in particular. An achievement made possible by to the generous donation and participation of the 52 watch brands, the partners offering a variety of services and logistical support, the media offering substantial coverage and, of course, the auctioneer, Christie’s.
“With ONLY WATCH everyone creates beauty to do good, meaning in this case supporting the work of dozens of researchers around the world, financing studies, purchasing material, creating biotech companies in the chemistry and biology sector… to bring this science to the clinic and one day maybe to find a cure. We have done a lot already and are conscious that there is still much to be done and that this initiative needs, more than ever, help and support.” Luc Pettavino.
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www.OnlyWatch.com
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Press release - 2019
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For further Press & Public Relations inquiries please contact Mrs. Maria Thalia Terezakis,
Frédérique Constant International PR: mterezakis@frederique-constant.com
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