The Cleaner, Smaller 40mm Frederique Constant Worldtimer Manufacture by Watch Angels

First launched in 2012, the Frederique Fixed Classics Worldtimer Manufacture rapidly grew to become one of many model’s best-selling fashions for being an accessible tackle the complication. Through the years, it has been launched in numerous supplies and hues, usually as restricted editions which can be now not out there. Whereas undeniably a good-looking timepiece with sturdy credentials, even classics have room for refinement. That chance got here when Watch Angels, a community-driven, crown-funded producer, joined forces with Frederique Fixed to raise the beloved Worldtimer to a brand new stage. We take a primary take a look at the results of this collaboration.

First, the Watch Angels x Frederique Fixed Worldtimer Manufacture will get a smaller diameter case – measuring 40.5mm – but features a little bit of thickness in comparison with the unique – 13.4mm towards 12.15mm, barely stunning – a bit greater than a millimetre enhance that isn’t one thing to complain an excessive amount of about, because the watch nonetheless wears comfortably. The case is a three-part chrome steel development with a 50m water resistance, topped with a convex sapphire crystal and that includes an engraved screwed caseback with a crystal to disclose the FC-718 calibre.

The case displays a mixture of brushed and polished finishes, the latter particularly famous on the bezel, whereas the brushed lugs and midsection add a welcome distinction. The fluted crown at 3 o´clock is now not an onion-type however one with a flat high, signed, and huge sufficient to make sure comfy operation to wind the watch, time, date, and metropolis setting… And as with all different earlier editions, there are not any pushers or recessed correctors.

The brand new collaborative Frederique Fixed Worldtimer Manufacture receives a considerate improve with its refined, blue-toned dial. Notably, the date subdial at 6 o’clock has been eliminated (New Yorkers travelling to Bangkok needs to be happy), guaranteeing unobstructed readability of all defining places on the inclined 24-time-zone disc; GMT with -1/+1 indicated in purple. Simply subsequent to this ring, the 24-hour disc is segmented into day and evening, division marked by a gold-coloured solar and a silvered moon for readability.

Shifting inward. The sunburst-finished centre is framed by a circular-grained chapter ring, that includes utilized, faceted rhodium hour indices and a printed minute observe – crisp, legible, and seamlessly built-in into the design. The rhodium, hand-polished arms observe the contours of the hour indices for a cohesive aesthetic, whereas the crosshairs tie the composition collectively. It’s onerous to think about this timepiece with out this small element, but additionally makes one miss the world map featured on the common Frederique Fixed Classics Worldtimer Manufacture editions.

The motion – no shock right here – is identical computerized FC-718 calibre as utilized in all treasured variations of the Frederique Fixed Worldtimer, solely with out the date indication by hand. This FC-718 operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour, has a modest (by trendy requirements) energy reserve of 38 hours, and is properly embellished with Côtes de Genève and perlage, seen by the show caseback. There are additionally blued screws and the gold-coloured openworked rotor.

The Watch Angels x Frederique Fixed Worldtimer Manufacture is obtainable with a black handmade calf leather-based strap closed with a folding buckle. It’s a restricted version of 718 items and is now out there (February thirteenth, 2025) by subscription, solely through watchangels.ch. The worth is CHF 4,490, on par with the common restricted version Classics Worldtimer Manufacture in metal.

So, is that this redesigned Watch Angels version an enchancment over the unique Frederique Fixed Classics Worldtimer Manufacture? As at all times, it comes down to non-public choice. If given a alternative, which might you decide? Whereas I admire the refined simplicity of the brand new Worldtimer, I’d nonetheless go together with the old-school Traditional – what can I say? I’m no angel.

For extra, go to watchangels.ch and frederiqueconstant.com.