The New Frederique Constant Moneta Moonphase Collection Draws Inspiration from the Fluted Edge of a Coin

A fluted bezel has grooved ridges or an elevated design around the edges. Originally, these grooves provided a functional purpose: they allowed the bezel to be screwed onto the watch case, which helped preserve water resistance. These types of bezels have evolved into a separate aesthetic characteristic altogether, reflecting light and giving a watch an elegant, expensive appearance. While they are commonly made of gold or other precious metals, some watches have fluted bezels made of stainless steel or other materials. Take Frederique Constant’s new Classics Moneta Moonphase (Ref. FC-206B3S6 and Ref. FC-206N3S6) references that come with fluted bezels of a certain type. To be precise, the black or blue sunray dials have flanges inspired by a grooved guilloché pattern that is reminiscent of the edge of a coin; this pattern is subtly replicated on the inner bezel. 

The sunray finish consists of tiny, radial lines engraved on the dial's surface that fan out from the centre. This design captures light well, resulting in a stunning play of light and shadow that gives the dial a lively, almost shimmering appearance. As the watch moves, the light changes, making the dial appear more vibrant. These dials look great in a variety of colours, from classic silver and black to vivid blue and green. A sunray finish can intensify these colours, resulting in subtle gradients or even changing tones depending on the angle; it can provide character to a watch without the need for complex designs. 

The two timepieces come in 37 mm steel cases, each with a fluted bezel and an onion crown at 3 o’clock. The sunray black and sunray blue dials have diamond-shaped hour markers, dauphine, hand-polished hour, minute hands, and a moonphase at 6 o’clock. The moonphase complication is frequently powered by the main gear train of a watch. The mechanism rotates a moonphase disc, which is frequently decorated with two moon pictures. This disc is typically visible through an aperture (window) on the watch dial. The lunar cycle lasts around 29.53 days, thus the moonphase disc must revolve during this time to appropriately portray the moon's phases.

Most moonphase watches use a 59-tooth gear to power the disc. Every 24 hours, the gear advances one notch, moving the moonphase disc forward by one increment. This permits the disc to complete one full rotation every 29.5 days (59 teeth divided by two moons = 29.5 days each moon). The moonphase on both watches gets a spiral finish in the respective dial colour. 

Powering the watches is Calibre FC-206, a quartz movement whose base is Ronda 706. Each new Classics Moneta Moonphase has a guaranteed battery life of up to 60 months or full five years. Turning the watches showcase closed stainless steel casebacks. Both watches are finished on calf leather with crocodile pattern straps, sporting pin buckles. The colour of each strap matches the respective dial.