Frederique Constant Embraces Solar-Power with Classics Moneta Solarmetre

Back in 2024 Frederique Constant introduced their new range of accessible dress watches in the form of the Classics Moneta, a coin-edged timepiece with a quartz movement at its heart. Last year they expanded the range with the Moneta Moonphase in black and gold which was one of my favourite quartz timepieces of the year thanks to its minimalist beauty. Now though, the Moneta plays home to some innovation as Frederique Constant introduce their first ever solar-powered movement in the new Classics Moneta Solarmetre.

Solar-powered movements or to give them their more scientific name ‘photovoltaic movements’ convert light into electricity via light-receiving cells in the dial. They then use that electricity to charge a battery and power a quartz regulator. It’s a well-established concept in watchmaking especially among accessible brands like Citizen (FC’s parent company) and Seiko. Swiss brands have also been adopting solar technology as well with the Tag Heuer Solargraph releasing in summer pastel colours last month.

Now Frederique Constant are also getting in on some of that sunshine action. The movement inside is the new FC-120 produced in partnership with La Joux-Perret. LJP are also responsible in part for the TH50-00 in the aforementioned Tag Heuers, so it is clearly them bringing the solar experience to the table. The FC-120 takes one minute of light exposure to power the watch for one day, with a maximum capacity for 10 months of autonomous operation in total darkness. Of course, the benefit of a solar movement is that it essentially has infinite power reserve so long as it’s not kept in the dark permanently.

To house the new movement, they’ve updated the dimensions of the case. It now measures 39mm x 8.52mm instead of 37mm x 7.65mm. It’s still well within dress watch parameters but noticeably larger, which I think works in the watch’s favour as it will suit a wider variety of wrist sizes. It’s made from steel with the signature coin-edge decoration that gives the collection its name.

For the dials, there are three to choose from: ice blue, burgundy and cloud white. While they might appear opaque, they’re actually translucent, which is what lets the light pass through the dial to the receptors just below and allowing the movement to function. They also introduce a new style of finish to the Moneta line thanks to their grained texture. They’re completed with dauphine hands, facetted hour markers and a date window at 3 o’clock.

All three colours are priced at £995, the same as the existing non-PVD moonphase models. They’re also provided with both a leather strap and a Milanese style steel bracelet, giving you two elegant options worthy of a dress watch. With the Classics Moneta Solarmetre, Frederique Constant only make the argument that the Moneta is the best accessible dress watch even stronger.

More details at Frederique Constant.