Introducing Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar Burgundy Limited Edition (Live Pics)

Last year, Frederique Constant released its classic perpetual calendar with a new movement, the FC-776, and eighteen months later, the brand is releasing a burgundy edition of its Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar, limited to 100 pieces. As Mark Kauzlarich wrote when the previous edition was released right before last year's Watches and Wonders, the watch "has been one of, if not the premier affordable mechanical perpetual calendar on the market," and with the burgundy edition, the brand is offering a limited-edition option to the collection.

The polished stainless steel case measures 40mm by 12.25mm and has an anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal, 50 meters of water resistance, and an engraved case back carrying the individual edition number.

The sunray-finished dial shifts from deep wine tones to brighter reflections, with a Côtes de Genève pattern on the counters. The day sits at 9 o'clock, the date at 3 o'clock, and the month and leap year at 12 o'clock. The moonphase at 6 o'clock runs against a midnight-blue background with laser-engraved stars. A chemin de fer minute track, applied faceted hour markers, polished hands, and a fluted onion crown complete the dial.

The Frederique Constant Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar Burgundy Limited Edition comes on a black alligator strap with a folding buckle and includes a second strap in burgundy alligator with an easy-open deployant clasp. It is priced at US$12,995 and limited to 100 pieces. AU/NZ pricing and availability TBC.

Call me biased, because I went to the University of South Carolina and garnet was our colour, but burgundy (which is basically garnet) has always been my favourite shade of red, and it's a good addition to this lineup, even in a limited run. The matching burgundy alligator strap is a smart inclusion, since it gives the owner a second look straight out of the box.

This is the sixth version of the redesigned perpetual calendar in about eighteen months, and it's clear Frederique Constant intends to keep building out the line. The only other limited edition was a 37-piece 18k yellow gold watch at A$68,990, a substantially different price bracket from the rest of the line. This burgundy model sits far closer to the steel watches in the standard line, and it gives collectors who want something rarer a way in without the gold premium.

Brand: Frederique Constant
Model: Manufacture Classic Perpetual Calendar Burgundy Limited Edition

Reference Number: FC-776BRG3H6
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 12.25mm
Case Material: Polished stainless steel
Dial Colour: Burgundy with sunray finish
Indexes: Applied, faceted nickel
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Black alligator with folding buckle, plus a second burgundy alligator strap with easy-open deployant clasp

Calibre: FC-776, in-house
Functions: Hours, minutes, moonphase, date, day, month, leap year
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Jewels: 26

Price: US$12,995, AUD and NZD TBC
Availability: TBC
Limited Edition: Yes, 100 pieces

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