Unique timepieceFrederique Constant: HBM Automatic Moonphase-Date
Genf, März 2007:
After the sustained success of the Heart Beat Manufacture, first launched in 2004, and the introduction of the first automatic version of the Heart Beat calibre in 2006, Frédérique Constant proudly introduces a new version in 2007, the Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic Moonphase-Date.
The moon inside a window at twelve o’clock on the dial of this model progresses through its various phases against the background of a night-blue sky. The aperture is bordered by the 31 numbers of the hand-type date display, exactly the way this type of indicator was arranged on classic watch models dating from the 1940's and 1950's. The Heart Beat aperture is perfectly centred at six o'clock with the fine regulation at the side of the dial, creating a technically new, appealing and robust calibre design.
Moon Phase Display
The moon has always captivated humanity with its fascinating phases. The Frédérique Constant Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic Moonphase-Date provides a reminder of horology’s numerous and ancient links to astronomy. Those who desire complications without giving up looks will find that the two aspects have met in watches that feature the phases of the moon. Functionality and aesthetics come together wonderfully with graphical representations of the moon on a dark blue background. The moon phase indicator on the Heart Beat Manufacture FC-935 is run by a 59-tooth star, which corresponds to twice the full lunar cycle of 29.5 days. A regular rotation of the moon is once around the earth every 29 days, 12 hours, and 44 minutes. Once set, the Moonphase indicator of the Frédérique Constant Heart Beat Manufacture accurately displays the phase of the moon.
Attention to detail
The automatic calibre for the FC-935 Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic Moonphase-Date is made of 142 individual parts, that have been engineered and machine produced to the highest precision. All components are painstakingly polished and controlled by hand. The edges of the steel springs are beveled and polished manually. This degree of attention to detail is not a means unto itself. It reduces friction at the wheel contact points and contributes significantly to the high level of precision and longevity of the Frédérique Constant Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic movement. The bridges of the calibre are decorated with Côte de Genève pattern and the main plate is circular-grained on the top. Edges are diamond-cut to an angle of 35 degrees. Assembly of the calibre takes a month on average due to the many intricate operations and inspections required. The striking rose gold plated rotor has a two-way winding system and is decorated with Côte de Genève pattern. The center of the rotor is left open, enabling the iconic Heart Beat opening to remain completely visible from both the back and front side of the watch. The rotor is positioned on top of the ball bearing, which increases the durability of the movement. The result is a flawless calibre that is an official acknowledgment of the ultimate standards of quality in mechanical timepieces.
Limited Editions in Rose Gold and Stainless Steel
The Frédérique Constant Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic Moonphase-Date will be available in an 18K Rose Gold case, limited to 188 pieces per model. In addition, a Stainless Steel version is available limited to 1888 pieces per model. A sapphire crystal covers the delicately crafted dial with Arabic or Roman numerals. The sapphire crystal case back reveals the movement’s exquisite decorations and engraving. Annual production of these timepieces is restricted due to the limited capacity at Frédérique Constant that is required in crafting, assembling, and regulating these watches. Owners will be delighted to know that they possess a rare and unique timepiece that is in a class of its own with regard to esteem and value appreciation.
Development of the Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic
One of the critical issues with automatic watches is their winding function. In an automatic watch, the mainspring is charged by the movement of the arm of the person wearing the watch. The movement of the arm makes the rotor inside an automatic watch turn. The turning rotor then winds the mainspring that is the source of energy of the calibre. Some people however move their arms only few times per day and infrequently. Even for such persons, the mainspring should be kept wound to ensure that the calibre continues to function properly. Frederique Constant incorporated the following features to increase the winding efficiency of the new Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic.
10 Jewels
Ruby jewels inside a mechanical movement ensure minimum friction between various component parts. The most important friction that is reduced by the rubies is the friction between the axes of wheels and the bridges of the calibre. Typically, an automatic winding mechanism of Swiss quality watch manufacturers makes use of 8 jewels. The automatic mechanism of the Frederique Constant Manufacture is built with 10 jewels. The additional jewels are set inside the reverse click wheels (2x), reducing the friction of the components of these complex wheels dramatically.
Patent and Design Registration
Frédérique Constant applied for an extensive patent on the new design of the Heart Beat calibre. Furthermore, various design elements of the calibre, as well as the product line carrying the calibre, are in the process of an international design registration. Lastly, Frédérique Constant Heart Beat has been registered as a Trademark of Frédérique Constant.
Increased Rotor Size
Many automatic calibres have rotors with a size of 25.6 mm. The rotor of the Frédérique Constant Heart Beat Automatic is 29.5 mm. Increasing the size of the rotor places the heavy metal component further from the center axe of the rotor. The longer distance increases the swing efficiency of the rotor by approximately 55% compared to a typical 25.6 mm rotor.
