While we typically associate quartz watches with accessible price tags and daily wearers, there’s also a strong tradition of quartz movements in dress watches. Their smaller proportions make them ideal for the slim wristwatch archetype and they’ve long seen use in watches like the Cartier Tank. Frederique Constant have released a new version of their quartz dress watch, the Classics Moneta Moonphase. Which is one of their nicest dress watches of the year.
Measuring 37mm x 7.65mm it fits right into the pocket of the recent popularity of smaller dimensions. While larger sizes are starting to creep back into the zeitgeist, 37mm continues to be the goldilocks zone of unisex design, suitable for wrists of all sizes. The case of the new edition is made from steel with a gold PVD coating, heightening the dressy vibe.
While a gold PVD version of the Moneta has been released previously, where the new watch differs is in pairing it with a black dial. It gives it a much classier, refined, serious aesthetic. The smoothness of the dial pairs nicely with the coin edge bezel, although calling it a coin edge bezel is technically inaccurate. The coin edge part of the design sits below the sapphire crystal, making it technically a coin edge flange.
At 6 o’clock is the titular moonphase, which is also very classical in its depiction of the moon and stars in gold against a blue night sky backdrop. It’s controlled by the FC-206 calibre, which as noted is a quartz movement. It has a 60-month battery life, giving you plenty of use before needing a change.
The Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Moonphase is presented on a calf leather strap embossed with a crocodile pattern, again playing into the classic dress watch style. Thanks to the gold PVD case, it’s priced at £1,095. Definitely on the more luxurious end of the quartz spectrum.
Price and Specs:
More details at Frederique Constant.
