Geneva watchmaker Frederique Constant revisits transalpine heritage and the spirit of la dolce vita with the launch of the new Classics Runabout Automatic GMT. This timepiece continues a long-standing partnership formed in 2013 with the Riva Historical Society to support the preservation of historic mahogany motorboats.
For this 2026 edition, the 42mm watch introduces a major evolution for collectors: a manufacture-developed GMT module seamlessly integrated onto its core movement.
Nautical Aesthetics: Teak Decking on the Wrist
The aesthetic signature of the Classics Runabout Automatic GMT draws direct inspiration from the hand-assembled wooden decks of Riva vessels. The dial features a satin-brushed surface adorned with a printed vertical stripe motif, evoking the teak planking that defines these legendary Italian boats.
The collection offers two distinct colorways, each strictly limited to 888 pieces worldwide:
Abyssal Blue Dial (Ref. FC-350RN5B6): A deep ocean shade paired with a black rubber strap, tonal stitching, and a pin buckle.
Teak Brown Dial (Ref. FC-350RBR5B6): A rich wood-toned layout matched with a genuine brown leather strap, tonal stitching, and a folding clasp.
Legibilidad Tripartita y Módulo GMT de Manufactura
Clear Layout and In-House GMT Module.
The dial layout uses three concentric rings designed for effortless legibility:
- Inner 24-Hour Scale: Tracks the second time zone (GMT) via a central hand with a luminescent arrow tip. This intuitive display removes the need for a separate day/night indicator.
- Middle Minute Scale: Blends applied hour markers with applied Arabic numerals at 3, 9, and 12 o’clock. All hour markers feature a warm beige “old radium” luminescent coating for a refined vintage feel.
- Outer Flange: Measures elapsed seconds around the perimeter of the dial.
A date window at 6 o’clock completes the dual-complication design.A las 6 horas se ubica una discreta ventana de fecha que completa la doble complicación del guardatiempos.
FC-350 Caliber and Collector Details
Housed inside a polished three-piece stainless steel case is the self-winding FC-350 caliber. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it incorporates 26 jewels and provides a 38-hour power reserve.
The exhibition caseback features smoked sapphire crystal decorated with vertical Côtes de Genève finishing on the bridges and rotor. Printed in white across the sapphire is the official flag emblem of the Riva Historical Society, along with an engraved “ONE OF 888” individual edition mark.
Each watch comes presented in a luxury gift box containing a miniature scale replica of a historic Runabout boat.
Technical Specifications: Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT
| Technical Feature | Abyssal Blue Edition | Teak Brown Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | FC-350RN5B6 | FC-350RBR5B6 |
| Case Material | Polished 3-piece stainless steel | Polished 3-piece stainless steel |
| Dimensions | Diameter: 42 mm / Height: 12.85 mm | Diameter: 42 mm / Height: 12.85 mm |
| Crystal | Convex anti-reflective sapphire | Convex anti-reflective sapphire |
| Dial | Satin-brushed blue with printed vertical stripes | Satin-brushed brown with printed vertical stripes |
| Luminescence | Beige “old radium” Super-LumiNova® on hands & markers | Beige “old radium” Super-LumiNova® on hands & markers |
| Movement | Self-winding FC-350 Caliber (In-House GMT Module) | Self-winding FC-350 Caliber (In-House GMT Module) |
| Frequency / Jewels | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) / 26 jewels | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) / 26 jewels |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours | 38 hours |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM (~50 meters / 164 feet) | 5 ATM (~50 meters / 164 feet) |
| Strap | Black rubber with pin buckle | Brown genuine leather with folding clasp |
| Limited Edition | 888 pieces (Engraved “ONE OF 888”) | 888 pieces (Engraved “ONE OF 888”) |
| Retail Price | €2,095 | €2,095 |
