Frederique Constant has introduced the Classics Moneta Solarmetre, the first watch from the brand to use solar power. It is driven by the FC-120 calibre, developed with La Joux-Perret, and hides its solar technology so well that the dial gives no hint of it.
How the Solarmetre works
As long as there is light, the watch keeps running. In complete darkness it holds enough energy for 10 months, and once it is back in the light it restarts in 10 seconds. One minute of light exposure stores enough energy for a full day.
The technology sits in three layers. The dial looks opaque but is translucent, letting light reach the photovoltaic cells below it. Beneath those is the FC-120 calibre, with a rechargeable battery and a circuit that sends part of the energy straight to the movement and stores the rest.
A series of firsts
The Solarmetre brings several firsts to the collection. It is the first Frederique Constant watch with solar technology, the first Classics Moneta in a 39 mm case, the first in the range with a grained-effect dial, and the first to come with two straps: a leather strap with an alligator pattern and a Milanese mesh bracelet.
The dial comes in ice blue, burgundy or cloud white. The design keeps the collection’s signatures: a slim case, the coin-edge fluted flange, two dauphine hands, faceted applied indexes and a small date window.
The Classics Moneta collection has also gained its first mechanical model, the limited-edition Classics Moneta Handwinding.
Disclaimer: The image used in this article has been provided to The Daily Brunch by Frederique Constant.
