Hi all, I am planning to buy this watch for myself.

What do you think about the brand and this particular piece (perpetual calendar)?

I believe it's an in house from its manufacture collection movement.

 

I can't tell you anything about the movement, but the layout of the dial would drive me crazy after some time.

But don't let my opinion on the design hold you back from buying what you like.

 

I find it too sterile looking and lacking in any character whatsoever.

 

Agreed, kind of reminds me of a redial on a vintage piece where they don't reapply minute markers.

 

If it has to be a NEW perpetual calendar I think the Frederique Constant is the cheapest, but it doesn't have a very compelling dial. Looks dull and flat. I would look at a Glashutte Original model as a pre owned piece; better movement, better finishing and just nicer packaging. There are plenty of pre-owned versions available. In my view the greatest bargain is a pre-owned Audemars Piguet perpetual calendar. You can pick these up for under $10k, send it to AP service in Clearwater (or wherever you live) and have it overhauled. You'll have a top class watch at a bargain price. The F. Constant just doesn't do anything for me, even at their price point.

 

Get what you like, after all that is the point of all this.

 

Agree with @77deluxe . My only emphasis would be to see it in the flesh and see how it wears on your wrist before you pull the trigger.

 

I like a lot of FC’s pieces. I just wish this had a better dial for what I assume is the price.

It just looks a little plain.

 

If the OP is asking this question, one has to presume he likes the aesthetics and was asking about he quality of the brand and movement?

So why are several of you gents trashing the aesthetics, which he can readily see for himself, without answering any of the real questions?

I personally don’t mind that dial, many are overly ornate and conceited, this one looks like a Bauhaus version of the Moonphase —if I may say despite the contradiction in terms.

+1 on getting what you like, sorry I know nothing about FC. (But I just asked someone who does).

 

Don’t get me wrong it’s a hell of a movement at 9k usd. I just wish the dial and furniture looked like a 9k watch not a cheap fashion piece.

It’s my problem with all FC pieces. Just put a little more money/detail into the piece and it would be epic. That little more money would not make them loose money.

 

9k USD ?
Okay, then I apologize to all, at that price any discussion is fair game.
And i would have to agree the level of detail and finishing on the dial is grossly insufficient to warrant the very high end price.
Just looking at it I thought it was considerably cheaper and therefore totally good enough if the OP had found a cheaper option he liked.

 

Nine grand for a Frederique Constant? Ouch.

I bet you'd take a horrible loss on that one if you ever got tired of it and tried to sell it.

Something to keep in mind.

 

Not my fav Perpetual Calendar honestly

 

I think anyone paying list would be taking a bath of epic proportions if they ever decided to sell. I really can't see that watch at more than €2k used

 

FC is a youngish Swiss manufacturer, recently bought by Citizen Group. They have some classic dial designs, but I agree, this is not a layout that excites me. Their movements are solid, nicely decorated, and definitely fit a certain niche. Sales in North America have not been kind, our local AD dropped the brand about 2 years ago. I have three that I like, a bit more ornate than that of the OP.

 

If you are looking for an alternative I recommend Omega's Louis Brandt perpetual calendar with it's 18k sold gold case, see through back, automatic winding mechanism, and what I personally think is a very pleasing dial face. I have seen many reviews o FC and they are positive, especially since most of their movements are made in house. The Omega Louis Brant I have was purchased through Ian Blowers jewelers in England. Several are listed on Chrono24 right now. WWIW I paid $6800 2 years ago. One is listed near that price. https://www.chrono24.com/omega/omega-ewiger-kalender-louis-brandt-automatik--id10147209.htm

 

So I have an Instagram pal who worked for Frederique Constant for about a year, he says the perpetual calendar movement is what makes the price expensive, and that they all are.
He says the price for this model is actually quite reasonable compared to other brands, even though he doesn’t feel beholden to Frederique Comstant.

 

I would be looking at
RW Maestro


Hell of a lot cheaper

 

Thank you all for the reply.

I'm actually getting a very good discount on this, it is value for money perpetual calendar. I don't think I will loose if I ever plan to sell it off Always wanted a perpetual calendar, probably to give to my children

They have option of gold plated, solid gold and steel. Gold is almost double the price of steel. Don't want to to buy gold plated.

For steel these two options are available, not able to decide between these 2. What are your thoughts?

 

Most AD’s sell those at a hefty discount. It will never be an investment piece. If it speaks to you then go for it. But at the 6.5k I assume they quoted there are other pieces that speak to me more.

I’d get the one with the more detailed dial.