Frederique Constant already impressed us with the version with a salmon-colored dial, which was introduced as a European exclusive model. The recent Frederique Constant Classics premiere on a blue dial bracelet is further proof that “accessible luxury” does not have to mean “common.” It's still the same compact, classically styled three-hand watch that was released in 2023, but the switch to a differently designed dial and steel bracelet gives the watch a fresher, more modern look without losing the elegant feel.
The Classics Premiere line began as a very (too) traditional offering: polished cases, Roman numerals, embossed guilloche centers and onion crowns, all powered by La Joux-Perret's G100 automatic, renamed Caliber FC-301. Technically speaking, it was already an advance over the entry-level Sellita-powered models in the catalog, with a whopping 68-hour power reserve and clean workmanship. Emotionally, however, the first versions leaned quite heavily toward old-school formality. That changed with the salmon-colored 2024 EU-exclusive version, which slimmed down the bezel, converted the dial into a stepped Art Deco layout with Breguet numerals, and gave the leather a more relaxed, “old money” vibe.
This new blue edition, just like the salmon-colored version that was released at the same time, takes up this further developed design and takes it one step further by combining it with a steel bracelet. The case remains familiar: 38.5 mm in diameter, 10.67 mm thick and 43.5 mm from lug to lug. In the hand, the numbers create a really comfortable footprint; The watch sits flat and the curved lugs hug smaller wrists without looking too small on larger wrists. Everything is fully polished, from the bezel to the flanks, enhancing the elegant impression while harmonizing well with the alternating brushed and polished links of the bracelet. The water resistance is 50m, so you can have some confidence in this watch.
The figure lives on the “cloud blue” dial. Frederique Constant has retained the sectoral layout of the salmon-colored EU edition: a circular brushed chapter ring with applied, slanted Breguet-style Arabic numerals, which flows into a grained central disc that is repeated on the outer minute track. The textures are distinct enough to capture the light differently without being too boring. The blue itself is soft rather than saturated, somewhere between sky and pastel, making the watch versatile; It works with a shirt cuff, but won't look out of place with knitwear and jeans. Polished Breguet-style hands with an open tip complete the picture and remain easy to read even without lume.
When you turn the watch over, the LJP G100-based caliber FC-301 is visible behind a sapphire back secured with four screws. A sensible choice: a modern automatic movement with 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power duration of 68 hours, assembled by the Citizen group and refined to a level commensurate with the price: striped bridges, blued screws, a clean layout and a gold rotor. The long power reserve suggests that you can take the watch off on Friday evening and still show good time on Monday, so you don't miss the start of the busy week.
The five-link steel bracelet rounds off the wearing experience with a touch of modern casualness. The wider outer links are brushed and the three inner links are polished, creating a pleasant play of light that is reminiscent of the case. It sits well on the wrist, feels solid without being heavy, and the butterfly-style folding clasp with snaps is unobtrusive in profile. Compared to the previous versions with a leather strap, the watch feels less strictly “elegant” and more like an all-rounder with a classic design suitable for everyday use.
At 2,095 eurosThe Cloud Blue Classics Premiere with bracelet lands in a competitive environment, but the mix of a really well-proportioned case, thoughtful dial work, a modern movement with a long power reserve and a properly executed bracelet makes it one of the more convincing “first good dress watch” options in this segment. More information at frederiqueconstant.com.
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