frederique constant runabout gmt automatic

Made by La Joux-Perret (also owned by the Citizen Group), this movement is more pleasant to use with smoother pushers, more appealing to look at and also more powerful, with a 55-hour power reserve. While previous models were equipped with a classic cam-operated chronograph (made by Sellita over a Valjoux architecture), the 2021 Runabout Chronograph Automatic have an upgraded movement that now features a column wheel architecture. The second evolution has to be seen under the sapphire caseback decorated with the official RHS flag. The strap is done in navy blue, to be consistent with the dial colour. These are silver or gold-coloured, matching with the case. Besides the luminous hands, all hour indexes, either Arabic numerals or baton markers, are filled with Super-LumiNova. Elegantly designed, with a stamped “clous de Paris” pattern in the centre, they have a classic 6-9-12 layout for the chronograph with small seconds, 12-hour and 30-minute registers, as well as a date function at 6 o’clock. Indeed, these 2021 Runabout Chronograph Automatic have an even more nautical touch with their deep, navy blue dial. One of the two major differences with the editions of 2020 is the dial.

Well executed and sleek, the watches have a certain presence on the wrist but remain comfortable. The case features sapphire crystals front and caseback, and is water-resistant to 50 metres (in all fairness, a bit on the short side). The surfaces are entirely polished and you’ll have the choice between standard steel and rose gold-plated steel, for a more luxurious and warmer touch. Both versions of the Frederique Constant Runabout Chronograph Automatic are housed in 42mm stainless steel cases with pump-style pushers for the chronograph. As such, these new editions are still chronograph models, they still have that nautical, Mediterranean vibe that matches with the Riva boats and they are still classic, yet not too dressy either. Visually, Frederique Constant doesn’t break the codes of the collection and remains true to the design that has been shaped a few years ago. Here are the two 2021 Frederique Constant Runabout Chronograph Automatic. Following the watches for the 2020 collection we presented here, the brand is now unveiling some new limited editions, with quite some upgrades on the movement side. As expected, we’re talking nautical-inspired watches with a certain casual elegance.

In the frame of this partnership started in 2009, the brand has been releasing several limited edition models intended as a matching accessory for these amateurs. For now over a decade, accessible luxury watchmaker Frederique Constant is teaming up with the RHS (Riva Historical Society), an association of amateurs and collectors of the famous Italian boat.

Frederique constant runabout gmt automatic