A timepiece is not just round-shaped. This sentence might sound trivial, but the watches sporting a somewhat rectangular case design have represented, and still do, a different take on classic watchmaking. Unique case styles have always grabbed my attention, even more so with a “carré watch,” which identifies a specific product category. And I am not the only lady to love them, so far. Square, rectangular styles are generally more prevalent among women, and Frederique Constant has introduced two timepieces geared towards an audience of women who are equally looking for form and function.
When I find myself standing in front of something that I do appreciate, the description is even more passionate; I will nonetheless try and be as objective as I possibly can. The Classic Carrée Lady by Frederique Constant offers a two-piece steel case whose design is close to being perfectly square sized (23 x 21 mm); its style is geared towards guaranteeing exceptional wearability on any female wrist, and sports a two-tone steel and rose gold plated link bracelet. What stands out is, from a detailing standpoint, the choice of adopting a contrasting rose gold plated crown. The glass that covers the dial is slightly convex and, thanks to the application of an anti-reflective treatment, allows you to admire the silver dial adorned with guilloche decoration. The Roman numerals printed on the dial are a beautiful, elegant touch, making it for a readable and clean style, and are coupled to a shiny, black hour and minute hands.
The two-tone Frederique Constant Classic Lady comes equipped with the FC–200 quartz caliber, whose total energy is around 72 months before the battery has to be replaced. It retails for 895 Euros. If you are less into full-metal bracelet watches and prefer your timepiece to sport a strap instead, the Frederique Constant Classic Carrée Lady is also available in a second option, offering a marine blue leather and crocodile strap paired to a case crafted in polished steel, and adorned with 34 brilliant–cut diamonds set on opposite sides of the case itself (0.4 ct.). Another addition is the refined mother-of-pearl dial with, once again, printed Roman numerals and shiny black hands. This version also comes with the FC–200 quartz caliber mentioned above, and the recommended retail price is 1,995 euros.
As a woman, I reckon a wristwatch is more than just a timing instrument, but rather a luxury accessory. I think these two new variations of the Frederique Constant Classic Carrée Ladies cover two not opposite, but complementary needs of a modern woman. All in all, they both offer understatement and enhanced wearability: one is more discreet and adaptable to an every-day, and all-occasions use; the other is instead more precious, although not so hard to wear also occasionally. If I had to share which I do prefer, I’d go for the variant on a leather strap, no doubt: it is pure elegance, perfect during a classy dinner or evening, without being off-topic if you’re wearing a pair of jeans during your weekend getaway, too.
(Photo credit: courtesy of Frederique Constant)
Mirella Codeghini
