A recession often hastens the need for a more sensible approach to pricing. We’ve seen the fruits of that reaction from the splashiest names in watchmaking, but affordability has always been at the core of Frederique Constant, from its perpetual calendar priced under US$7500 to the recent in-house Flyback Chronograph for US$3990.

The latest value proposition from the brand is an updated Slimline Moonphase Manufacture. It’s now equipped with a new, in-house automatic movement that’s produced at Frederique Constant’s recently expanded facility in Plan-les-Ouates.

The first generation Slimline Moonphase had the moon phase and pointer date on the same sub-dial at six o’clock. The redesigned automatic cal. FC-702 now splits the two displays positioned symmetrically. Once again, both functions are set via the crown.

Visible through the open back, the movement runs at 28,800 bph and has a power reserve of 42 hours. It’s dressed up with Côtes de Genève and perlage.

Frederique Constant has also addressed the gripe many have had with the dimensions of the first generation model that was a largish 42mm. The new Slimline Moonphase Manufacture is now in a size more befitting its classical styling, at just 38.8mm.

It arrives in three variations: a silver dial in a stainless steel or rose gold-plated case, and a black dial in a rose gold-plated case.

Price and Availability

The rose gold-plated versions are priced at €2995 or US$3195 while the steel version goes for €2695 or US$2895.