A Tempting Proposition: Hands-On with the Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Moonphase
In the daily avalanche of press releases that enter the WatchTime mailboxes, some stand immediately out. Without even reading a word, I was captivated by the Moneta Moonphase, a recent release from Frederique Constant. Well-proportioned, restrained in appearance, yet abundant in details, the Moneta Moonphase has a lot going for it, as it proved all the more when it arrived in the metal for a hands-on review.
Frederique Constant most likely knew that they were adding a beautiful watch to the line-up but probably wasn't ready for the warm welcome it received. This model wasn't initially even planned to be released in the US market, but fortunately, Frederique Constant decided otherwise. The Moneta Moonphase should not be an exciting watch, at least not for collectors with some experience. On paper, this quartz-powered timepiece seems to offer little thrills, but that changes when you put it on the wrist.
The Moneta Moonphase is very detail-driven and gets its appeal from how they all interact with each other. The setup of the design is relatively simple, with two hands telling time and a moon phase indicator adding some historic charm. The text is kept to a minimum and printed in a matt gold tone, the same that outlines the moon phase complication. The moon phase window is slightly recessed in the dial, adding a dash of depth. The dial itself has a matte sheen to it, making the sword hands and the arrowhead-shaped hour markers stand out all the more. They are very well polished, and because they have different angles, one always reflects the light while the others turn a darker tone. This makes the dial very vivid, and that is something that it also needs as it has the chapter ring with which to compete.
It is this element of the watch that truly sets it apart from its peers. The chapter ring is shaped like the edge of a coin, vibrantly reflecting light. It is also where the Moneta Moonphase gets its name from. Optically, it makes the Frederique Constant look larger than the 37mm in diameter that it is. This size is spot on, as it gives the watch an understated sense of luxury, as it knows it doesn't need to be larger in order to make an impression. The crown is the only thing that could perhaps be a bit larger, but as a quartz movement powers the Moneta Moonphase, you don't use it that often anyway.
Some might have prefered if Frederique Constant fitted this model with an automatic movement, but some very nice examples of that are already available in its Manufacture collection. The Moneta Moonphase has a different aim, being more of an entry into luxury watches or providing established collectors with a carefree yet good-looking watch. The quartz movement also helps to keep the profile of the Moneta Moonphase nice and slim. The strap is made of high-quality leather with a surprisingly real alligator embossing. The clasp is simple but robust, with the Frederique Constant crest adding the right touch.
Frederique Constant is offering the Moneta Moonphase in three different variations: this black dial version, one with a silver dial, and one with a blue dial. The price of all three versions is the same: $1,295 and they are available in the US in December 2024
For more info, visit Frederique Constant, here.
