Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Moonphase
Frederique Constant’s New Classics Moneta Moonphase is So Money
There is no denying the inherent sophistication of a moonphase indication, especially if included on men’s dress watches. And while the latest additions to the men’s Classics collection have a nice moonphase, the real draw of these pieces is all the unexpected details Frederique Constant’s artisans have included.
By Mike Espindle
Executive Editor
We aren’t exactly sure when the use of “money” as an adjective became widely used slang. However, if Urban Dictionary is to be believed, this usage originated in the classic 1996 comedy Swingers. In fact, we hear “money” used as an adjective a lot in the movie:
Throughout Swingers, it seems as if the two main characters (played by Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau) are attempting to recreate the “rat pack” vibe in their mundane by using throw-back, jazzy language. And while most of the slang in the movie didn’t stick, the “money” pretty much caught fire.
“Moneta,” if you were unaware, is Italian for “money,” which segues us from the ridiculous to the sublime and allows us to introduce you to the new Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Moonphase timepieces that debuted today (and, baby, each is a total honey).
The Moon and More
Available in silver, blue, and black dial executions, these new 37mm steel-encased watches rely on a very classic moonphase indicator at 6 o’clock, minimalist hands (minus a seconds hand, more on that in a bit), and angular indices to create a smooth presentation of traditional luxury and sophisticated elan.
Also, dig the guilloché pattern on the flange that resembles the edges of coins; it is a decidedly artful but bold riff on a fluted bezel.
Another bold move? The in-house FC-206 quartz movement powers all three. Yes, you read that correctly. Quartz.
From the press release about the new Classics Moneta Moonphase models: “The idea is to erase the differences that traditionally distinguish mechanical watches from their quartz-powered counterparts.”
That is why this new trio doesn’t have a seconds hand. By removing the seconds hand and including a complication (the moonphase indication) generally associated with mechanical watches, the watchmakers at Frederique Constant have essentially negated the primary visual indications that tell you how a watch is powered.
Of course, being quartz-powered, you won’t need to wind the Classics Moneta Moonphase timepieces. Fortunately, the battery is also top-notch, with a guaranteed life of up to 60 months (5 years!).
Color Scheme
The collection’s visual elegance is further buoyed by the classic choices of both dial color and strap accompaniment.
The silver-colored white dial model showcases the subtle brushing of the dial’s sunray finish better than its blue and black siblings, playing up its metallic look and its radiant qualities. Paired with a tone-on-tone, stitched brown croc-pattern strap made from calf leather, this referencec has the most conventional styling of the three.
The intense blue execution really plays up the sunray-finished dial due to the color being particularly friendly in the light-catching department. Delivered on a color-matched calfskin strap with crocodile-pattern embossing, the blue dial version definitely feels a bit more nautical than the others.
Finally, the black dial version is the perfect wrist companion for night animals and black-tie events. Moreover, the combination of its inky black dial with the circular guilloché pattern on the cloud cut out of the moonphase indicator gives this model an almost vinyl LP sheen and reflection.
Available on a black calf leather strap with a crocodile pattern embossing, the dashingly modern black dial verison pairs the best, in our opinion, with the coin-milled flange and polished case. Let the moonshine in!
Pricing & Availability
Released today and so money, all three of the new Classics Moneta Moonphase models each retail for €1,095 and non-limited. You can learn more via the Frederique Constant website.
