A real technological breakthrough for Frederique Constantthe Slimline Monolithic Manufacturedeveloped in collaboration with the famous watchmaking site Revolutionis now adorned with a palette of pink tones and oversized Breguet numerals.
The Slimline Monolithic FP(S) or Future Past (Salmon) Frédérique Constant × Revolution is limited to 100 pieces and comes with two straps, one in black calfskin with a folding clasp and the other in gray calfskin.
Future Past (Salmon)
FP, the last two letters are the abbreviation of “Future Past” because the idea was to design a watch capable of creating an extreme dynamic tension between modernity and classicism. Modernity comes from this truly revolutionary oscillator, placed prominently on the watch at six o’clock. Drawing inspiration from the past, the dial references classic men’s chronographs from the 1940s. The dial is defined by three distinct parts.
The inner dial and edges of the railroad are hammered to give them a solid frosted finish. The circular embossed area below the hour markers has a satin finish, which appears lighter due to the finish. The time scale adopts very large oversized applied Breguet numerals and the Breguet-style hands are retained. Like any precious chronometer, this timepiece has a large visible central second hand. Finally, in a nod to dandyism and joie de vivre, Revolution has chosen a superb salmon color for this first watch. As its full name suggests, this monolithic watch is the FP(S) or Future Past (Salmon), which hints at other models to come. But let’s first look at the underlying innovation represented by the Monolithic, which makes it one of the most important watches of our time.
Mega Monolith
The Slimline Monolithic FP(S) embodies the vision of reliable, contemporary and durable watchmaking. Its unique circular monocrystalline silicon wafer is associated with two regulating masses, replacing the standard series of 26 components – including the lever, the balance wheel and the hairspring.
A virtually indestructible monolithic oscillator ensures long life. As monocrystalline silicon does not require lubrication, the use of this material eliminates the major weaknesses of traditional balance wheels and hairsprings. It is 100% anti-magnetic, can withstand temperature changes, is less susceptible to gravity and is four times lighter than a conventional assortment. The absence of mechanical coupling reduces friction and component wear. Therefore, a small power is enough to drive the escape wheel and the oscillator.
Finally, its amplitude angle is 6 degrees less than the 300 degrees of a traditional balance wheel and consumes very little energy, even though it oscillates 10 times faster than a normal watch with 288,000 vibrations per hour or 80 alternations per second. For an identical movement with a traditional oscillator, the watch would have a power reserve of 38 hours. With the FC-810 movement and the monolithic oscillator, the power reserve is 80 hours.
Frédérique Constant maximizes performance with a frequency of 40 Hz, ten times faster than traditional mechanical movements. The first requirement was to find a way to tune the oscillator efficiently, which was achieved by adding two small masses that vary the inertia of the balance wheel. The slightest variation in the position of these elements can lead to enormous differences in chronometric performance, which is why Frédérique Constant’s watchmakers have developed their own know-how to regulate them. Then the monolithic oscillator is not fixed in any axis for movement. Instead, it’s held in place by an incredible bridge that acts as a frame to hold it in place.
The frame also helps keep the oscillator from flexing to breaking point, like a shock absorber. The small silicon escape wheel is alone fixed on an axle. When it moves, the movement of the oscillator is barely visible. However, looking at the seconds hands, we see that the watch is in motion. With 80 vibrations per second, the hand seems to float mysteriously around the dial.
Wei Koh declares: ” It is a great pleasure to work with a brand with unrivaled courage, on an incredible advance and an unbeatable value of what, for me, represents one of the most important technical innovations in the watch industry. »
This limited edition is available for purchase online only on the Revolution site since April 6, 2023: www.revolutionwatch.com. For further information shop@revolutionmagazines.com
Technical sheet
Frederique Constant x Revolution Slimline Monolithic FP(S)
Reference FC-800SREV3S6 Housing polished stainless steel in three parts / domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective treatment / transparent case back / diameter: 40 mm; height: 11.38 mm / waterproof to 30 meters Dial 4N rose gold color with sunray finish and circular brushing / silver applied Arabic numerals / hand polished silver hands / Heart Beat aperture at 6 o’clock showing the oscillator Functions hours, minutes, seconds Bracelet black calfskin with nubuck finish / additional strap in gray calfskin with nubuck finish Movement automatic, Manufacture FC-810 caliber, Heart Beat / monolithic oscillator in silicon / perlage, circular satin-brushing, chamfering and circular Côtes de Genève decorations / 118 components including 19 jewels, 80-hour power reserve, 288,800 vph, 40HZ
Recommended retail price: 4,795 euros – Edition limited to 100 copies.
Andre Tirlet