Frederique Constant – Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture Edition

 

Frederique Constant – Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture 39mm Platinum Edition 2023

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 Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture:
Frederique Constant’s Most Exclusive Creation

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2023 marks Frederique Constant’s 35th anniversary and the 15th anniversary of its iconic Tourbillon calibre. For the occasion, the Maison has unveiled a Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture in platinum, featuring a meteorite dial and limited to only 35 pieces. 

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This is an absolute first, as each individual timepiece is entirely finished by hand: an undertaking entrusted to two watchmakers from the Manufacture whose only mission was to achieve the highest degree of hand-finishing possible on the movement.  

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For collectors, this Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture, of which just 35 handcrafted and numbered pieces will be made, is the ultimate must-have. The cut-out in its dial at 6 o’clock reveals the Manufacture tourbillon created by Frederique Constant just 15 years ago, in 2008. It’s one of the few tourbillons available in a platinum case with a meteorite dial to be currently available on the market.

Movement: the pinnacle of hand-finishing

However, the most important aspects are less immediately visible. Only a closer and more knowledgeable eye will be able to detect something that has never been achieved before on a Frederique Constant watch: the entire hand-finishing of all the components of the movement. This exceptional and unprecedented achievement is the work of two watchmakers specialising in the Maison’s Manufacture and complication movements.

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Using traditional instruments and tools, working by hand, they spent weeks on the meticulous finishing of each of the components: a buff file for bevelling, a hammer and punch for hand-punching, and 9-micron sandpaper for charbonnage of the frame (bridge) and the base of the tourbillon cage, reproducing the aspect of the meteorite dial. A single bridge alone requires between two and three days of work.

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Beading and graining the flanks was done entirely by hand, and all the components have been decorated on both sides – even those that aren’t visible. And for what can be seen, Frederique Constant has worked on even the tiniest details, including block-polishing the screws. 

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This especially demanding technique involves diamond polishing on a zinc plate. Once polished, the screws take on a dark or steel sheen depending on the light, creating endless and unique contrasts depending on the movement’s orientation. 

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Indeed, the latter has some forty such screws, and it takes some forty minutes to polish and bevel each of them by hand.

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Once the timepiece is assembled and finished, each of its components is checked according to the highest quality criteria, in line with Haute Horlogerie standards. 

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This process puts Frederique Constant on a par with independent workshops: a significant step change in the quality of the Manufacture that paves the way for future developments.

35 truly unique pieces thanks to the dial

The meteorite dial is a precious testament to exceptional craftsmanship: a fragment of space that fell to Earth in a happy and rare occurrence in Gibeon, Namibia offers a perfect illustration of the relationship between humankind, the universe, and the astronomy of which watchmaking is a direct offshoot. At the same time, this piece of celestial history is also the subject of a veritable exploit in terms of craftsmanship: chiselling a meteorite dial, full of metals, requires exceptional skills.

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That’s because the precious material breaks and crumbles; its high iron content means it may have suffered serious deterioration, mainly corrosion. 

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That in turn means extreme dexterity is called for in order to cut out a perfectly flat, smooth disc without a single flake falling off and damaging the movement beneath it. The meteorite dial – just 0.5mm thick – is also protected by a coat of ruthenium, enhancing its natural grey glints and shielding the surface from oxidation.

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All this hard work has been well worth it, nonetheless: since the material is natural, each meteorite dial is different from any other. In other words, this is not so much a limited edition of 35 pieces as a set of 35 unique pieces.

A harmonious creation

To ensure visual coherence with the colour of the meteorite dial, the movement also sports a ruthenium finish. This is very rare for Frederique Constant, and indeed in the watchmaking industry as a whole – all the more reason for adopting it here. 

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Each engraving, including the timepiece’s individual number (on the tourbillon cage and also on the caseback) is rhodium-plated to ensure the characters stand out clearly. The oscillating weight is made of brass with a tungsten section around the rim. 

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This material has been selected for its density, which is greater than that of 18-carat gold, providing greater inertia when in motion and thus enabling the barrel spring to be wound more quickly. All the parts of the oscillating weight are also coated with ruthenium.

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The Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture comes in a 39mm platinum case. For the first time in its history, Frederique Constant has combined a meteorite dial with this precious metal.

The Manufacture tourbillon

Unveiled in 2008, the Manufacture FC-980 tourbillon movement – developed in-house and fitted with a silicon escapement wheel and anchor – can be seen from the rear of the piece. It boasts a 38-hour power reserve.

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Bringing a tourbillon to life requires a high degree of watchmaking skill. Originally designed to improve timekeeping performance, tourbillons are now valued for the mechanical ballet they perform – centre stage here – to the delight of spectators.

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The architecture of the piece provides collectors with a breath-taking view of the escapement wheel linked to the anchor pallet, the balance wheel rocking back and forth, and the concentric beat of the hairspring. A hand located above the tourbillon cage indicates the passing seconds.

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It’s also worth noting that Frederique Constant was one of the first watchmakers to adopt silicon in order to make the most of the many benefits it offers. Here, it has been used for the escapement wheel and anchor. 

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The combined weight of these purple-hued parts and the rest of the escapement, regulating organs and tourbillon cage is just 0.59g, so very little energy is required to get them moving.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection   Classic

Model    Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture Edition

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Reference  FC-980MT3HPT

Functions
Hours, Minutes, 60 Seconds tourbillon
Movement
Calibre FC-980 in-house caliber, automatic
Chamfering (anglage), hammering (martelage), circular graining
(perlage & cerclage), flanks drawing (étirage des flancs), mirror
polishing (poli miroir) decorations made in-house
Silicon escapement wheel and anchor
38-hour power reserve, 28'800 alt/h, 33 jewels
Case
Polished platinum 3-part case
Diameter of 39 mm
Height of 10,99 mm
Scratch-resistant and anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 3 ATM/30m/100ft
Dial
Grey meteorite dial
Applied diamond cut indexes
Hand-polished silver colour hour and minute hands
Heart Beat opening at 6 o’clock with 60 seconds tourbillon, silver
colour second hand
Strap
Black alligator leather strap with matt finishing

Limited edition
🔰 Edition of ✅only to 35 pieces

🔴 Price : RRP  € 42’995 / 43.100 USD 💰

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For further Press & Public Relations inquiries, please contact Ms Caroline Feller, PR & Communication Coordinator for Frederique Constant:  cfeller@frederique-constant.com
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TAG HEUER – CARRERA Chronograph 39 mm Yellow Gold Automatic

TAG Heuer – CARRERA Chronograph 39 mm Yellow Gold Automatic 60th Anniversary 2023

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TAG Heuer introduces the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph, drawing inspiration from the timeless link between cars, drivers, and motor racing. 

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This exceptional timepiece captures the essence of legendary drivers, symbolizing their relentless pursuit of excellence on the racetrack and encouraging wearers to embrace thrilling challenges with the same passion that has defined motorsport history.

Golden times

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph is a remarkable showcase of craftsmanship. It goes beyond being a watch; it’s a testament to TAG Heuer’s commitment to creating timepieces that resonate with those who reach for the extraordinary.

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This narrative traces back to Jack Heuer, a visionary who introduced a game-changing concept: gifting gold timepieces to racing drivers. This ingenious gesture forged an unbreakable bond between TAG Heuer and the world of motorsports. These watches surpassed their role as rewards; they became loyal companions in the relentless pursuit of victory. Amidst the roar of engines and the thrill of speed, these timepieces graced the wrists of drivers like Ronnie Peterson, and Niki Lauda, urging them to shatter their limits.

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Jack Heuer’s audacity reshaped the realm of luxury watch marketing forever. Those gold timepieces became more than timekeepers; they encapsulated the essence of accomplishment, courage, and an unwavering quest for excellence. Every tick of the chronograph echoed the pulse of a driver’s bravery, a constant reminder of their path to greatness.

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The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 39mm pays tribute to this vintage era, exuding retro charm and timeless aesthetics that stand as a testament to the brand’s unstoppable spirit.

Pushing for success in 2023

The 18K 3N yellow gold case of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph marks the splendid conclusion to the 60th anniversary saga of the Carrera collection. This timepiece upholds the timeless essence of the TAG Heuer Carrera with its classic round case, seamlessly integrated lugs, and user-friendly chronograph pushers positioned at 2 and 4 o’clock. These pushers gracefully bridge the vintage allure of the watch with a modern flair.

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The spirit of the original 1960s designs finds resonance in the luxuriously balanced 18K 3N yellow gold-plated dial of the new model. For improved legibility, this dial features contrasting black “azuré” subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock, reminiscent of the iconic reverse panda configuration.

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Yet, the pinnacle of the Carrera’s 60th anniversary celebration lies within the exquisite golden-cased TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph, featuring the groundbreaking Glassbox design which encompasses the watch’s overall aesthetics. When viewed in cross-section, the watch’s silhouette is fluid thanks to the seamlessly curved edges of the domes sapphire crystal, yet also angular due to the case’s taut flanks and muscular, avant-garde lugs. This innovation breathes new life into the 2023 Carrera collection, elevating its visual elegance and making it an exceptional centerpiece. The gracefully curved flange not only amplifies visibility but also simplifies the reading of the 60-second / minute scale that encircles the edge of the dial.

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  To ensure optimal legibility, the black lacquered central hand creates a striking contrast against the luxurious gold dial, and its vertical brushed finish, reminiscent of the racetrack markings.

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 The new TAG Heuer Carrera’s elegant 39mm diameter case, is equipped with TAG Heuer’s in-house chronograph movement Heuer 02, listed as TH20-00. This movement features a bi-directional winding, and an impressive 80-hour power reserve.

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  The watch is accompanied by a black perforated calfskin leather strap, secured with a 18K 3N yellow gold pin buckle, enhancing the timepiece’s connection to its racing-inspired heritage while adding an air of exclusivity and luxury.

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As the celebration of 60 years of Carrera concludes, this TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph stands as a beacon of achievement, encouraging wearers to embrace their own journey of success, just as legendary drivers have done throughout history.

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The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph is more than a watch; it’s a talisman embodying challenge and determination.

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TECHNICAL DETAILS

Model: TAG Heuer – CARRERA Chronograph 39 mm Yellow Gold

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Reference : CBS2240.FC8319

 Case
    Material: 18K 3N solid yellow gold fine-brushed, polished case
    Diameter: 39 mm
    Thickness: 13.9 mm
    Lug-to-lug: 46.0 mm
    Glassbox domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment
    18K 3N solid yellow gold standard crown at 3 o’clock
    Fine brushed, polished 18K 3N solid yellow gold round push button at 2 o’clock
    Fine brushed, polished 18K 3N solid yellow gold round push button at 4 o’clock
    18K 3N yellow gold screw-down sapphire caseback
    Water-resistant to 100 meters
Dial and hands
    18K 3N yellow gold-plated vertical brushed dial
    18K 3N yellow gold-plated flange with 60 second / minute scale
    3 counters:

•  3 o’clock: black “azuré” minute chronograph counter; 18K 3N yellow gold-plated hand
•  6 o’clock: 18K 3N yellow gold-plated permanent second indicator; black lacquered hand
•  9 o’clock: black “azuré” hour chronograph counter; 18K 3N yellow gold-plated hand

    18K 3N yellow gold-plated facetted, polished hour and minute hands with white Super- LumiNova®
    Black lacquered central hand
    Black TAG HEUER printed logo
    6 o’clock date
    CARRERA SWISS printed
Movement
    Calibre TH20-00 Automatic

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Balance frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: about 80 hours
Chronograph : 1/4 second, 30 minutes counter, 12 hours counter, Date
Functions/Indications
    Hours, minutes, seconds
    Chronograph, date.
Strap and buckle
    Perforated black calfskin leather strap
    Fine brushed, polished 18K 3N yellow gold pin buckle, TAG Heuer shield
 

🔴 Price : € 21.750 / 21.500 USD / CHF 21'000💰

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Press Release - 2023
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For further information, please contact:
Sonja Hagmann, International PR Manager
Tel. +41 32 919 81 52
Mobile: +41 79 898 54 73
E-mail: sonja.hagmann@tagheuer.com
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