If required to describe the essential looks of a dress watch, white dial with black markings and Roman numerals, no doubt would come to mind. White gold would also be preferred to yellow, but stainless steel is a more price-friendly option for most. This color scheme screams “classical” without hardly making a sound. And this Swiss brand has created a quintessential piece of understated sophistication, introducing the: “Frédérique Constant Porcelain”.
Image courtesy of: Frédérique Constant
With time all colors fade a bit, even white. Some even appreciate this corrosion of time as it imprints yet another measurement of time, within its patina. Although this actually won’t be an issue for this watch, since the whole dial is hand-made in porcelain.
Image courtesy of: Frédérique Constant
That material combined with the properly trained craftsmen from the historical Zsolnay Porcelain Manufacture, guarantees longevity. A company founded in 1853 by Miklós Zsolnay, in Pécs, Hungary and renowned worldwide for its quality products. Holding the honors of being featured at international exhibitions, like the World Fair in Vienna, or the one in Paris, where they received a Grand Prix award, back in 1878.
Image courtesy of: Frédérique Constant
The 40mm round case is made in three-parts of stainless-steel with long lugs that hold the strap in place from a comfortable distance. The caseband has a fluted finish that further enhances the vintage look this watch sets off. While the sapphire crystal exhibition caseback lets us glance into the inner workings and overall movement of this impressively simple piece.
Image courtesy of: Frédérique Constant
The white porcelain dial is quite simple, but very elegant, with its classical Roman numerals and svelte hands. Other than that, we can see small minute index markers circling the bezel. As well as “Swiss Made” inscription under the 6 o’clock position and the words “Fait Main Porcelain Enamel Automatic” (which translate to: “Handmade Porcelain Enamel Automatic”) written slightly under the center mark of the dial.
