The Cleaner, Smaller 40mm Frederique Constant Worldtimer Manufacture by Watch Angels

First introduced in 2012, the Frederique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture quickly became one of the brand’s best-selling models for being an accessible take on the complication. Over the years, it has been released in various materials and colours, often as limited editions that are no longer available. While undeniably a handsome timepiece with strong credentials, even classics have room for refinement. That opportunity came when Watch Angels, a community-driven, crown-funded manufacturer, joined forces with Frederique Constant to elevate the beloved Worldtimer to a new level. We take a first look at the result of this collaboration.

First, the Watch Angels x Frederique Constant Worldtimer Manufacture gets a smaller diameter case – measuring 40.5mm – yet gains a bit of thickness compared to the original – 13.4mm against 12.15mm, slightly surprising – a bit more than a millimetre increase that isn’t something to complain too much about, as the watch still wears comfortably. The case is a three-part stainless steel construction with a 50m water resistance, topped with a convex sapphire crystal and featuring an engraved screwed caseback with a crystal to reveal the FC-718 calibre.

The case exhibits a mix of brushed and polished finishes, the latter especially noted on the bezel, while the brushed lugs and midsection add a welcome contrast. The fluted crown at 3 o´clock is no longer an onion-type but one with a flat top, signed, and large enough to ensure comfortable operation to wind the watch, time, date, and city setting… And as with all other previous editions, there are no pushers or recessed correctors.

The new collaborative Frederique Constant Worldtimer Manufacture receives a thoughtful upgrade with its refined, blue-toned dial. Notably, the date subdial at 6 o’clock has been removed (New Yorkers travelling to Bangkok should be pleased), ensuring unobstructed readability of all defining locations on the inclined 24-time-zone disc; GMT with -1/+1 indicated in red. Just next to this ring, the 24-hour disc is segmented into day and night, division marked by a gold-coloured sun and a silvered moon for clarity.

Moving inward. The sunburst-finished centre is framed by a circular-grained chapter ring, featuring applied, faceted rhodium hour indices and a printed minute track – crisp, legible, and seamlessly integrated into the design. The rhodium, hand-polished hands follow the contours of the hour indices for a cohesive aesthetic, while the crosshairs tie the composition together. It’s hard to imagine this timepiece without this small detail, yet also makes one miss the world map featured on the regular Frederique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture editions.

The movement – no surprise here – is the same automatic FC-718 calibre as used in all precious versions of the Frederique Constant Worldtimer, only without the date indication by hand. This FC-718 operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour, has a modest (by modern standards) power reserve of 38 hours, and is nicely decorated with Côtes de Genève and perlage, visible through the display caseback. There are also blued screws and the gold-coloured openworked rotor.

The Watch Angels x Frederique Constant Worldtimer Manufacture is offered with a black handmade calf leather strap closed with a folding buckle. It is a limited edition of 718 pieces and is now available (February 13th, 2025) through subscription, exclusively via watchangels.ch. The price is CHF 4,490, on par with the regular limited edition Classics Worldtimer Manufacture in steel.

So, is this redesigned Watch Angels edition an improvement over the original Frederique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture? As always, it comes down to personal preference. If given a choice, which would you pick? While I appreciate the refined simplicity of the new Worldtimer, I’d still go with the old-school Classic – what can I say? I’m no angel.

For more, visit watchangels.ch and frederiqueconstant.com.