A Mechanical Heart For The Frederique Constant Classics Moneta And Two New Highlife Moonphase Dates

Frederique Constant expands two of its most distinctive collections with the introduction of the Classics Moneta Handwinding, the first mechanically powered Moneta in the collection’s history, and two new Highlife Moonphase Date models. Presented at Geneva Watch Days, the releases bring together traditional dress-watch proportions, contemporary finishing and, in the case of the Moneta, a more engaging mechanical experience.

The two models take different approaches to Frederique Constant’s aesthetic. The Moneta Handwinding focuses on a restrained, vintage-inspired design, while the Highlife Moonphase Date combines a more modern case architecture with a moonphase and date display.

Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Handwinding

The Classics Moneta Handwinding introduces a mechanical movement to a collection previously associated with quartz and solar-powered watches. Its design remains faithful to the Moneta’s elegant character, but the new calibre brings an additional dimension to the watch: the interaction of a traditional hand-wound movement.

The watch is powered by the FC-435, a Frederique Constant-specific variant of the La Joux-Perret G100. The manually wound movement operates at 4 Hz and provides a 63-hour power reserve, allowing the watch to run for more than two days when fully wound.

The choice of a hand-wound calibre also has a practical consequence for the case. Without the need to accommodate an automatic winding rotor, Frederique Constant has been able to maintain a relatively restrained profile while introducing a mechanical movement.

The steel case measures 38.50 mm in diameter and 10.13 mm in thickness, placing it between the smaller 37 mm Moneta Moonphase and the 39 mm Moneta Solarmetre. The increase in thickness is a natural consequence of the new movement, but the proportions remain suited to a dress-watch design. Water resistance is rated at 50 metres.

The mechanical upgrade is accompanied by an open caseback, offering a view of the movement and its decoration. The Frederique Constant seal is engraved on the main bridge, adding a distinctive detail to the presentation of the hand-wound calibre.

The dial draws inspiration from the Moneta Solarmetre, particularly its facetted, wedge-shaped hour markers and dauphine hands. However, the layout has been adapted to accommodate a small seconds display at 6 o’clock rather than the date window found on the Solarmetre.

The most distinctive feature is the salmon fumé gradient dial, which transitions from a lighter centre to a darker outer edge. This is the first gradient dial introduced in the Moneta collection, and its tropical-style appearance reinforces the watch’s vintage-inspired character.

The dial also features a railway minute track and a coin-edge inner bezel, details that contribute to its traditional dress-watch appearance without making the design feel overly ornate.

In our view, the new Moneta is truly beautiful. The tropical-style gradient dial is a particularly successful addition to the collection, and its combination with the mechanical movement makes perfect sense. It is a watch that places the Classics Moneta Handwinding among our favourites.

The watch is paired with a black alligator leather strap, complementing the dial and reinforcing its formal character. The Classics Moneta Handwinding is limited to 999 pieces and priced at CHF 1,995.

Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Handwinding, FC-435BBL3S6. Salmon to black gradient dial, stainless steel case, 38.50 mm diameter, 10.13 mm thickness, sapphire crystal. Black alligator leatherc strap. Calibre FC-435, hand-wound movement, hour, minutes, small seconds, 28,800 Vph, 63 hours of power reserve. Price: CHF 1,995 limited to 999 pieces.

Frederique Constant Highlife Moonphase Date

The second release is a new pair of Highlife Moonphase Date models, which bring a moonphase and date complication to the permanent Highlife collection. They follow the limited-edition collaboration created with Time + Tide in 2025, but introduce a more traditional dial layout and two new colour options.

The Highlife Moonphase Date retains the collection’s distinctive tonneau-shaped case and integrated bracelet design. Measuring 39 mm in diameter and 12.82mm in thickness, the watch offers a more contemporary presence than the Moneta, while remaining within a relatively compact case size.

The two variants are presented with either a blue or rose champagne sunray-brushed dial. Both feature applied hour markers and a railway minute track, giving the dial a more complete and traditional appearance than the minimalist onyx dial used for the earlier special edition.

At 6 o’clock, the moonphase and date display combines two functions in a single subdial. A pointer hand indicates the date, while a rotating disc displays the current moonphase.

Inside the Highlife Moonphase Date is the FC-716, an automatic movement developed in-house by Frederique Constant. It offers a 72-hour power reserve, providing three days of autonomy when fully wound.

The movement is visible through the exhibition caseback, where its decoration includes perlage and Côtes de Genève in an arabesque pattern. The finishing adds a decorative element to the technical side of the watch and makes the movement part of the overall presentation.

The new Highlife Moonphase Date models are both beautiful, and their combination of integrated-bracelet architecture, refined dials and practical moonphase-date display makes them compelling additions to the collection. However, we should not forget the beautiful limited-edition Highlife Moonphase Date with its onyx dial, which continues to be our favourite.

The new blue and rose champagne variants are part of the permanent collection and are priced at CHF 4,495 each.

Frederique Constant Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture, FC-716BL3NH6 (blue), FC-716RG3NH6 (rosé champagne). Blue/rosé champagne dial, stainless steel case, 39 mm diameter, 12.82 mm thickness, sapphire crystal. Blue Saffiano calf leather strap plus stainless steel bracelet. Calibre FC-716, automatic movement, hour, minutes, seconds, date, moonphase, 28,800 Vph, 72 hours of power reserve. Price: CHF 4,495.

Two different expressions of Frederique Constant

The new releases highlight two distinct sides of Frederique Constant’s watchmaking. The Classics Moneta Handwinding takes a compact, traditional dress-watch design and introduces a mechanical movement for the first time. Its hand-wound calibre, restrained case and gradient dial give it a more traditional horological character.

The Highlife Moonphase Date, meanwhile, combines the collection’s integrated-bracelet architecture with a more complex display and an automatic movement. Its larger case, contemporary proportions and moonphase-date complication make it a more substantial alternative to the Moneta.

Together, the two models expand Frederique Constant’s offering with different approaches to mechanical watchmaking, while maintaining the brand’s focus on accessible luxury and classic design.