Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase

Last year has seen many watches with either moon phases or ultra-thin cases. Luckily, Frederique Constant has had the foresight to combine these two aspects of watchmaking creating the Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase.

Many enthusiasts have posited that this timepiece looks quite similar to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Moonphase 39mm. The truth is that it does but in no way has Jaeger-LeCoultre acquired the patent on thin watches with moon phase complications and a minimalist aesthetic.

To set the record straight, there is also the Montblanc Meisterstuck Heritage 39mm that was released this year. Are we going to then say that this watch is a copy of either the Frederique Constant or the Jaeger-LeCoultre minus the ultra-thin case? Let’s hope not.

A minimalist design is just that and entails not having too much going on with the dial. In fact, the Slimline Moonphase has done extremely well to create a feeling of lux normally only attainable by the more expensive watch manufacturers.

The Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase comes in stainless steel and is also offered in 18kt rose gold. Dial options are black, white, and blue. This model is larger than many others in this category with a case diameter of 42mm. This is a bit larger but will still fit under a tailored suit without any trouble. Frederique Constant uses an onion crown to enhance the vintage and refined style of the timepiece. Straps vary from brown or black leather to seven-piece link bracelets for the stainless steel models.

The dial features indexes and a subdial at 6, which contains both the moon phase and a date indicator in analog format. The hands are Feuille shaped and lack lume in the style of many contemporary dress watches. Protecting the dial is a scratch resistant sapphire crystal.

Powering the Slimline Moonphase is a self-winding caliber FC-705 movement, which is made completely in Frederique Constant’s workshops in Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland. This automatic movement has a power reserve of 42 hours.