Frederique Constant manufactured their first in-house mechanical movement in 2004. A feat that was not easily achieved. Ask anyone in the watch business how hard it is for an independent brand, or any brand for that matter, to produce their own movement in-house and they will tell you: it is very difficult.
After beginning development in 2001, Frederique Constant succeeded in 2004, and now a decade later – they produce 15 calibers in-house. To celebrate 10 years of manufacture-status, the Geneva-based brand has produced a collection of special edition Heart Beat models.
Today, we are bringing you a hands-on look at the most exclusive piece from the collection: the Heart Beat Manufacture Silicium Jubilee edition “10 Years HBM.“ This 18 piece limited edition is presented in a mirror-polished 42 mm diameter platinum case and is equipped with a brand new Heard Beat manufacture movement. Each piece is individually numbered.
For 2014, the brand developed a more complicated, automatic version of the original caliber FC-910 (which was manually wound). The all-new caliber FC-942 features the date, moonphase, and a silicium escapement wheel, anchor, and double-roller. It is decorated with perlage on the main plate and both circular Côtes de Genève and straight Côtes de Genève, on the bridges. It is a modern automatic and runs at 4Hz, has 25 jewels, and a 42-hour power reserve.
The dial is black and is adorned with delicate engraved guilloche patterns. Hand-applied indexes with Arabic numbers. Hand polished poire corps renflé shaped hands.
The “Heart Beat” opening at 6 o’clock reveals the balance wheel as it oscillates back and forth at a rate of 28,800 times per hour. A visual treat for the wearer and any onlookers. The aperture is framed by the balance bridge which is visible on the dial side and adorned with straight Côtes de Genève finishing and two blued screws.
The Heart Beat Manufacture Silicium Jubilee edition (Ref. FC-942ABSHPT) has a solid platinum crown, a clear caseback, and is 30 meters water-resistant. It is paired with a black alligator leather strap with a folding platinum buckle and the retail price is $36,500.
