The New Frederique Constant Classic Tourbillon Manufacture Gets a Blue Aventurine Dial

Luxury watch makers often use new and innovative materials to create dials, thus pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. Materials like enamel, mother-of-pearl, meteorite, and aventurine have gained prominence in this regard over the past few years. The choice of the dial material often reflects a brand's identity and the specific message it wants the timepiece to convey; this choice also has a significant impact on the total weight of the watch. At the Geneva Watch Days 2024, Frederique Constant showcased an innovative use of aventurine in the form of the 36-piece limited-edition timepiece, Classic Tourbillon Manufacture (Ref. FC-980AV3H8). The blue aventurine dial of the new variant attests to the brand’s creativity and craftsmanship. 

Blue aventurine is a distinct type of quartz that contains gleaming particles of colour-changing dumortierite and mica (fuchsite and haematite). Discovered in the 18th century, this crystal is thought to have been utilised in ancient times to protect the shields of Amazon Warrior Queens. Blue aventurine is usually found in countries with significant natural energy resources, such as Brazil, Chile, Spain, Russia, China, Tanzania, and India. The most valuable blue aventurine comes from India, where it is believed to have been used to ensure good luck and protection in ancient times. Rajasthan, a state in northwestern India, is known for its aventurine mining; the aventurine mined in this state is highly valued for its quality, and is commonly used in jewellery and crafts.

The newly unveiled Frederique Constant reference has a 39 mm 18 ct white gold case, lugs, and crown. The single-piece blue aventurine dial has diamond-cut hour markers and polished hour, minute hands. There is a one-minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock, and the second hand revolves inside it. Also, the large cut-out at 6 o'clock reveals the precious escapement, whose bridge features the model's limited series number engraved in gold letters.

Powering the watch is Calibre FC-980-4, a self-winding movement, wherein the escapement and the anchor are made of silicon. This material shields the escapement from any running deviations caused by temperature changes or magnetisation from speakers, laptops, fasteners or phones, which can impair movements sensitive to even the slightest magnetic field. The movement delivers a 38-hour power reserve. The watch is finished on a blue alligator leather strap.