A DIFFERENT LOOK AT TIME

The Geneva-based watchmakers have released two new models in their Classics collection featuring a 24-hour display to give a new look to time

On a watch dial, the time is traditionally shown over 12 hours with the help of hands moving around a series of hour markers or figures. But with this system, you cannot tell day from night, unless you look out the window, which is impossible if you are a diver in the ocean’s depths or an astronaut travelling through space. For these atypical customers, but also for anyone wishing to take a different look at time, Frédérique Constant has designed a new model named the Classics Automatic 24H and available in two different versions.

The watches are in a very attractive price segment, since they cost less than 1,000 Swiss francs. As their name suggests, they come with a 24-hour display. In the centre of the silver grey or anthracite dial with a Clou de Paris pattern, a satin ring displays the said function in black or white Arabic figures. “Regular” time, covering 12 hours, as well as the minutes, are shown by a couple of silver and luminous dauphine-style hands. There is also a central hand for the seconds.

The 43mm-wide steel case is water-resistant down to 100m and houses the calibre FC-332. This self-winding movement runs at the standard frequency of 4Hz and provides a power reserve of 38 hours.

A dark grey crocodile-style strap rounds off the timeless and elegant spirit of the Classics Automatic 24H watch.

Price: 995 CHF

By Sharmila Bertin