REPAIRS
Frederique Constant Manufacture FC-700 - Service & Precision at The-Watchmaker
Oct
Frederique Constant is one of the most interesting contemporary brands in Swiss watchmaking. Founded in Geneva in 1988, at a time when most companies relied on ready-made movements, it chose a different path: developing its own in-house calibers. With an "accessible luxury" philosophy - affordable luxury without compromising on quality - Frederique Constant managed to combine the traditional character of Swiss watchmaking with technological autonomy.
Today, the company has more than 30 self-built mechanisms, designed and assembled entirely at its Geneva facility. Among them, the FC-700 stands out, a stylish and technically balanced movement with a date subdial at 6 o'clock, found on models in the Slimline Manufacture series.
The FC-700 machine: aesthetic and functional harmony
The FC-700 is an automatic movement with 26 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 oscillations and a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. On the back, the gold-plated rotor with the distinctive "Frederique Constant Manufacture" inscription visually dominates, while the perlage decoration and Côtes de Genève bridges reveal the attention to detail. This is a movement that combines classic watchmaking with a contemporary, clean aesthetic - proof that Swiss quality is not limited to the "big" houses.
The service at The Watchmaker
In The Watchmaker's workshop, this particular FC-700 went through a complete disassembly, cleaning, lubrication and adjustment to factory standards.
The process began with the removal of the bridges and the gradual release of the winding wheel and barrel to ensure proper torque control. This was followed by cleaning all components in an ultrasonic bath with special solutions, and inspecting them with a stereomicroscope for possible damage to the teeth and stones.
During assembly, special attention was paid to the correct lubrication of the bearings, the adjustment of the endshake of the escape wheel, and the smooth operation of the date mechanism. The balance wheel with its fine regulator and Incabloc anti-vibration system was set to the desired precision values, and timing checks were carried out at multiple positions. Technically, the FC-700 offers stable performance and smooth power flow, a characteristic that was clearly evident after the service, with the movement operating with excellent precision and stability.
The philosophy behind the construction
What makes Frederique Constant stand out is its determination to offer manufacture movements at an affordable price - something almost unthinkable a few decades ago. The Caliber FC-700 embodies this philosophy: elegance, mechanical purity and functional simplicity.
Traditional decorations, such as circular graining surfaces, blue screws and gold rotor, are not only embellishments, but also an indication of the maturity of the company's in-house program.
Epilogue
This project is yet another example of The Watchmaker's dedication to precision and quality. From complete disassembly to final adjustment, each stage was carried out with the care that a manufacture caliber requires.
Frederique Constant may be a "new" company for many, but its expertise and consistency have already established it as a substantial representative of Swiss watchmaking. And when such a machine passes through the hands of a skilled watchmaker, its true value is once again highlighted - where art meets precision.
Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant
