Frederique Constant Reinvents the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture with a New In-House FC-719 Calibre

For more than a decade, the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture has been one of the brand’s defining creations. Introduced in 2012, it combined an elegant world time complication with an accessible Swiss Manufacture movement, making high-end watchmaking more attainable for collectors. In a market where world time watches often command premium prices, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture carved out a reputation for offering exceptional value without compromising on craftsmanship.

Now, Frederique Constant has given one of its most celebrated watches its most significant update yet. The latest generation introduces the brand-new Manufacture FC-719 calibre, a refined 40mm case, cleaner date-free dials, a longer 72-hour power reserve, fresh colourways, an interchangeable steel bracelet, and a dazzling gem-set limited edition.

Rather than reinventing an icon, Frederique Constant has carefully refined every aspect of it.

A Modern Evolution of a Horological Favourite

The Classic Worldtimer Manufacture has always stood apart for its elegant simplicity. It delivered one of horology’s most useful complications in an intuitive package, allowing wearers to read all 24 global time zones at a glance.

The newest version remains faithful to that philosophy while introducing meaningful upgrades that improve both aesthetics and everyday usability.

The redesigned collection now features:

  • New in-house FC-719 Manufacture movement
  • Extended 72-hour power reserve
  • Slimmer 40mm case
  • Streamlined date-free dial
  • New dial colours
  • New interchangeable five-link steel bracelet
  • Limited edition gem-set version with just 88 individually numbered pieces

Each update has been carefully considered, ensuring the watch feels contemporary without losing the timeless appeal that made it a cornerstone of Frederique Constant’s collection.

Introducing the New FC-719 Manufacture Calibre

At the heart of the new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture lies Frederique Constant’s 35th in-house Manufacture movement, the FC-719.

Developed entirely within the Maison’s Geneva workshops, the movement builds upon the reliability of its predecessor while introducing significant technical improvements.

The biggest advancement is its 72-hour power reserve, nearly doubling the previous 38-hour autonomy. This impressive increase comes from a longer mainspring and an optimised alloy composition, all while maintaining a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) for excellent timekeeping performance.

Remarkably, despite housing a larger mainspring, the movement fits inside a more compact 40mm case, showcasing the engineering efficiency behind its redesign.

World Time Made Beautifully Simple

World time complications can often appear intimidating, but Frederique Constant has long believed they should be intuitive enough for everyday use.

The Classic Worldtimer Manufacture simultaneously displays the time across all 24 global time zones, with a two-tone city ring allowing wearers to instantly distinguish between daytime and nighttime regions.

One of the most noticeable changes is the removal of the date display.

Without the date aperture interrupting the dial, the layout feels cleaner, more balanced and significantly easier to read. The result is a dial that highlights the world time complication rather than competing with it.

Whether travelling across continents or simply appreciating the artistry of mechanical watchmaking, the display remains elegant and remarkably practical.

One Crown Controls Everything

One of the defining characteristics of the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture is its incredibly user-friendly operation.

Unlike many complicated watches requiring recessed pushers or correction tools, every function is adjusted through a single crown.

This approach offers several practical advantages:

  • Faster and simpler adjustments
  • Fewer mechanical components susceptible to wear
  • Improved reliability
  • Enhanced water resistance of 5 ATM
  • Cleaner case proportions without additional correctors

Sometimes good engineering is less about adding more parts and more about having the restraint to remove them.

Handcrafted Finishing Through and Through

Turning the watch over reveals the FC-719 movement beneath a sapphire crystal caseback.

Frederique Constant continues its commitment to traditional Swiss finishing with decorative techniques that elevate the movement beyond pure functionality.

Highlights include:

  • Sunburst Côtes de Genève decoration
  • Circular graining on the bridges
  • Snailing on the atin-finished oscillating weight
  • Hand-assembled and individually regulated movement

Every calibre undergoes careful assembly within the Manufacture, where each component is pre-assembled before final adjustment. Precision tasks such as balance spring centring and regulation require microscopic accuracy, ensuring every movement leaves the workshop performing to exacting standards.

A Refined Exterior with Contemporary Appeal

The new generation also introduces a more compact 40mm stainless steel case, offering improved proportions and enhanced wrist comfort.

Its redesigned five-link stainless steel bracelet alternates satin-brushed and polished surfaces, delivering a refined look while remaining suitable for daily wear. The interchangeable system also gives owners additional flexibility to personalise the watch.

Frederique Constant has also refreshed the collection with new dial colours that complement the cleaner, date-free layout while maintaining the Classic Worldtimer’s unmistakable identity.

For collectors seeking something even more exclusive, the Maison introduces a spectacular gem-set edition limited to 88 individually numbered pieces, adding a luxurious interpretation to one of its most recognisable creations.

Swiss Manufacture Watchmaking at Exceptional Value

Frederique Constant has spent nearly four decades pursuing a mission that remains surprisingly rare in modern watchmaking: creating true Swiss Manufacture timepieces while keeping them accessible to enthusiasts.

The new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture embodies that philosophy perfectly.

From the newly developed FC-719 movement and extended power reserve to its simplified operation, refined proportions and elegant finishing, every improvement reflects thoughtful engineering rather than unnecessary complexity.

For seasoned travellers, frequent flyers and collectors alike, it remains one of the most compelling world time watches available today, proving that genuine Manufacture craftsmanship doesn’t always have to come with an unreachable price tag.

Technical Specifications

Movement: Manufacture FC-719 Automatic
Functions: Hours, Minutes, World Time (24 Time Zones)
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 vph)
Case Size: 40mm
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Bracelet: Interchangeable Five-Link Stainless Steel Bracelet
Caseback: Sapphire Crystal Exhibition
Special Edition: Gem-set Limited Edition (88 Pieces)

ELKA x Ace “Essence” MD09: When Less Truly Becomes More

In a world where luxury watches often compete through complex complications and increasingly elaborate dials, the ELKA x Ace “Essence” MD09 takes the opposite approach. It strips away everything that isn’t essential, proving that true elegance often lies in restraint. Inspired by ELKA Watch Co.’s philosophy of “Form Follows Feeling,” the MD09 is a watch designed to be experienced rather than simply read.

A Collaboration Rooted in Minimalism

Created in collaboration with Ace Jewelers, the Serie D “The 36” Essence is a celebration of pure design. Limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, the watch removes traditional hour markers and numerals, allowing the dial itself to become the focal point. Instead of measuring time with visual precision, the MD09 invites the wearer to appreciate time through emotion and simplicity.

The Beauty of an Uninterrupted Blue Dial

The first thing that captures your attention is the stunning sunray blue dial.

Free from indices and numerals, the uninterrupted surface allows light to move effortlessly across the dial, creating changing shades of deep navy and electric blue depending on the viewing angle. The absence of visual clutter gives the watch a calming, almost meditative presence that is increasingly rare in modern watchmaking.

Designed to Feel Natural

Housed in ELKA’s signature 36mm pebble-shaped case, the MD09 reflects the brand’s focus on comfort and organic design. Its smooth contours recall vintage pocket watches, while the compact proportions make it equally suited to both contemporary and classic wrists.

Completing the design is ELKA’s distinctive Chevé-box sapphire crystal, whose generous curvature evokes the charm of vintage acrylic crystals while delivering the scratch resistance expected from modern sapphire.

Less Design. More Emotion.

The MD09 isn’t about displaying technical complexity. It’s about creating an emotional connection with the wearer.

By removing every unnecessary element, ELKA allows the dial, proportions and light to become the watch’s defining features. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most memorable designs are those confident enough to leave space for simplicity.

EyesOnTime’s Take

The ELKA x Ace “Essence” MD09 Blue Minimalist is a refreshing reminder that minimalism doesn’t have to feel empty. Every design choice has a purpose, from the uninterrupted blue dial to the perfectly balanced 36mm case.

For collectors who appreciate independent watchmaking, understated elegance and thoughtful design, the MD09 offers something increasingly rare in today’s market: a watch that whispers instead of shouting.

Elka Watch Co. and Christian Coigny Present “Noir et Blanc”: A Monochrome Tribute to Art and Time in Geneva

The Art of Monochrome: Christian Coigny and Elka Watch Co. Unveil an Exclusive Collection in Geneva.

The Diorama exhibition space in Geneva is set to become the stage for a major artistic collaboration this autumn. From November 4 to December 10, renowned Swiss photographer Christian Coigny and Hakim El Kadiri, founder of the watch brand Elka Watch Co., are joining forces to present “Noir et Blanc” (Black and White), an exhibition celebrating the timeless aesthetic of monochrome.

The Dialogue Between Light and Shadow

Christian Coigny, based near Lausanne, is celebrated for his mastery of traditional black and white photography. Coigny prioritizes analog film and darkroom work, ensuring unadulterated images that capture the pure essence of a moment. His elegant and timeless body of work spans still lifes, nudes, and landscapes, along with famous campaigns for luxury houses such as Hermès and Chopard.

“I’ve always used film… I like knowing that people are seeing a photograph that has not been altered in any way… and I will continue to do so until the end.”

This philosophy of authenticity and craftsmanship deeply resonates with the vision of Hakim El Kadiri. The collaboration brings together Coigny’s dedication to purity of image with Elka’s commitment to lasting, high-quality design.

ELKA Watch Co.: A Tribute to Photography

The watches being unveiled are two Monochrome Editions of the S Series, a genuine tribute to the black and white aesthetic:

· The Black Edition: A total immersion in shadow. This entirely black watch embodies the dramatic contrasts and bold sophistication of classic photography.

· The White Edition (Monochrome White Edition): A study of light. This entirely white piece celebrates the highlights, soft whites, and subtle gradients of a perfectly exposed image, symbolizing design clarity and purity.

Technical Details and Availability

Exclusivity and Pricing

The collection comprises four distinct models (The Black Edition and The White Edition, each offered in 40.8 mm and 36 mm sizes).

· Limited Edition: Each of the four models is strictly limited to only 100 individually numbered pieces (0/100 per model).

· Retail Price: 1855 CHF (Swiss VAT 8.1% included) per model.

Exclusive Pre-Sale and Delivery

The watches will be available for pre-sale exclusively at the Espace Diorama for the entire duration of the exhibition, marking a world exclusive. Deliveries to clients are scheduled for around December 10, 2025.

Key Technical Specifications

The collection is powered by a La Joux-Perret G101 Automatic movement (Swiss Manufacture, La Chaux-de-Fonds), offering a substantial 68-hour power reserve at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). The crystal is a Chevé-Box Sapphire, a design that mimics the domed, warm appearance of vintage Hesalite crystals while ensuring the superior scratch resistance of sapphire.

Brand and Venue Information

The Story of Elka Watch Company

Founded by Hakim El Kadiri, a veteran of the watch industry, Elka Watch Company (re-established in 2022) draws inspiration from the aesthetics of the 1960s. The name is both Hakim’s childhood nickname and a tribute to the historic ELKA Watch Company once operated in Amsterdam. Elka’s modern collections are guided by a philosophy focused on simplicity, clarity, and human connection.

Espace Diorama

Espace Diorama is an exhibition space in the heart of Geneva where the medium of photography serves as a common thread. It is dedicated to the discovery of Switzerland’s cultural diversity and its diasporas.

 

Favre Leuba Chief Date Royal Purple

Why blend in, when you can stand out?

Chief Date Royal Purple –Favre Leuba Heritage, Elevated

Favre Leuba builds on the momentum of its celebrated 2024 revival of a 1970s icon with the Chief Date Royal Purple – bold, bright, and impossible to ignore.

True to its storied heritage, yet open to contemporary energy, this latest iteration makes a confident statement with an electrifying purple dial.

The Power of Purple

Steeped in the codes of royalty, mystery, and creative power, purple is more than a color – it’s a presence. Favre Leuba harnesses its chromatic richness not just for its visual impact, but for its symbolic heft. More than a reflection of inner strength, character, and purposeful elegance, Royal Purple becomes a declaration of intention and craft – qualities that have defined the Chief Date’s singular, enduring spirit from the outset, now reasserted and elevated in this striking new expression.

Radiance, Refined

The Chief Date Royal Purple’s dial commands attention, its dial shimmering with intensity from every angle. Favre Leuba’s signature high-relief hourglass motif anchors the design, while a sunburst finish catches the light, adding unexpected depth and dimension.

A polished, three-dimensional Favre Leuba monogram adds a sculptural accent to the dial’s precise geometry. Rhodium-plated hands glide above, their Super-LumiNova C1 X1 coating, ensuring crystal-clear legibility, day or night. At 3 o’clock, the neatly integrated date window delivers functionality without interrupting the dial’s harmony.

Form and Function in Balance

Beneath the showstopping dial, the Chief Date Royal Purple faithfully retains the clean, contemporary architecture that has always defined the Chief collection. It builds on the iconic 40 mm cushion-shaped stainless-steel case, with a harmonious interplay of polished and satin-brushed surfaces.

At just 10.81 mm thick, the case is thoughtfully proportioned for both wrist presence and everyday wearability.

Deeper within, yet fully visible through the sapphire caseback, beats the FLD03 automatic movement, engineered in partnership with La Joux-Perret. Robust and refined, this caliber delivers unwavering  precision and reliability along with a 68-hour power reserve.

Every element of the movement is a testament to Favre Leuba’s uncompromising watchmaking standards – from the custom-designed skeletonized rotor, adorned with intricate colimaçonnage (a brushed spiral pattern) and soleillage (sunburst) finishing, to the Geneva stripes across the mainplate and thermally blued screws. Attention to detail is evident at every turn.

Distinctive Versatility

The Chief Date Royal Purple offers versatility without compromise. Its integrated stainless steel bracelet – defined by vertically brushed surfaces and polished center links – creates a cohesive, refined profile that flows seamlessly from the cushion-shaped case. This architectural integration ensures both all-day comfort and a secure, confident fit on the wrist.

For those seeking a contemporary edge, a matching purple FKM rubber strap is also available, fastened with a Favre Leuba pin buckle. This visually striking alternative injects a sport-driven character into the timepiece, giving it a distinctive flair while meeting the demands of modern, dynamic lifestyles.

Each strap choice reflects the Chief Date Royal Purple’s unique ability to transition effortlessly between sophistication and spirited individuality – defining versatility through both design and intent.

Chief Date Royal Purple – Technical Specifications

Case: Stainless steel, water resistant to 10 ATM, curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, sapphire caseback, and crown with embossed monogram.

Diameter: 40 mm

Thickness: 10.81mm

Movement: FLD03
Self-winding
68 hours of power reserve
28,800 vph (4 Hz)
24 jewels
Geneva stripes, thermally blued screws, colimaçonnage, soleillage, engraved monogram on the rotor

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date

Dial: Patterned dial in a semi-glossy sunray finish with a recessed 3D logo set into the surface. Applied rhodium-plated indexes featuring a polished finish with sandblasted grooves, enhanced with Super- LumiNova C1 X1 (blue). The hour and minute hands are rhodium-plated with a brushed finish and sandblasted grooves, also treated with Super- LumiNova C1 X1 (blue).

Bracelet: Integrated stainless steel bracelet with alternating brushed and polished finishes, designed for a seamless fit with the case. Secured with a butterfly clasp engraved with the Favre Leuba logo.

Rubber Strap: Durable FKM rubber strap in matching purple, offering a sportier, lightweight alternative. Secured with a stainless steel pin buckle engraved with the Favre Leuba logo.