Frederique Constant Goes Solar with the New Classics Moneta Solarmetre
Frederique Constant has unveiled a significant evolution of its elegant Moneta collection with the introduction of the new Classics Moneta Solarmetre. While the Swiss brand is best known for delivering traditional watchmaking at accessible prices, this latest release marks a technological milestone as the first Frederique Constant watch to feature a solar powered movement.
Developed in collaboration with La Joux Perret, the new FC 120 calibre brings photovoltaic technology to the Moneta line without altering the refined aesthetic that made the collection so appealing in the first place. Hidden beneath a translucent grained dial are solar cells that capture light and convert it into energy, allowing the watch to run for up to 10 months in complete darkness once fully charged. Even more impressively, just 10 seconds of light exposure is enough to restart the movement, while one minute of light provides sufficient energy for an entire day of operation.
The integration of solar technology is completely invisible to the wearer. Rather than advertising its modern mechanics, the Moneta Solarmetre retains the understated elegance of a classic dress watch, proving that innovation does not need to come at the expense of style.
Three New Dial Variations
For the launch, Frederique Constant has introduced three distinctive dial colours, each featuring a textured grained finish for added depth and character:
Ice Blue
Burgundy
Cloud White
Each dial is paired with a matching leather strap and delivered with an additional stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet, allowing owners to switch between a more traditional or contemporary look.
The collection retains the signature design cues of the Moneta range, including its coin edged inner bezel, faceted applied indexes, dauphine hands and discreet date window at 3 o'clock.
Slim, Elegant and Practical
Despite housing a solar powered movement, the Moneta Solarmetre remains impressively slim. The polished stainless steel case measures 39mm across and just 8.52mm thick, making it an ideal companion for both formal and everyday wear. A convex sapphire crystal with anti reflective treatment protects the dial, while 50 metres of water resistance adds a welcome level of practicality.
What makes the Solarmetre particularly compelling is how seamlessly it blends modern convenience with traditional watch design. There are no batteries to regularly replace, no manual winding requirements and virtually no concerns about power reserve, provided the watch sees occasional exposure to light.
Specifications
References:
FC 120LB3S6 (Ice Blue)
FC 120BRG3S6 (Burgundy)
FC 120W3S6 (Cloud White)
Case:
Stainless steel
39mm diameter
8.52mm thickness
Sapphire crystal with anti reflective coating
50m water resistance
Dial:
Grained finish
Ice Blue, Burgundy or Cloud White
Applied diamond cut indexes
Date display at 3 o'clock
Movement:
Frederique Constant FC 120
Solar powered quartz calibre
Developed with La Joux Perret
Up to 10 months autonomy in darkness
10 second restart time
One minute of light powers one full day
Straps:
Matching leather strap
Additional stainless steel Milanese bracelet included
Price and Availability
The Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Solarmetre is available now in all three dial variations and is priced at £995 GBP / €1,150 EUR. Considering the combination of Swiss made finishing, elegant dress watch proportions and cutting edge solar technology, it presents one of the more interesting value propositions currently available in the sub £1,000 segment.
Winding Things Up
Solar powered watches are hardly new, but they have rarely been integrated into a traditional Swiss dress watch this successfully. Rather than drawing attention to the technology, Frederique Constant has used it to enhance ownership, removing the need for battery changes while preserving the clean, timeless aesthetic that defines the Moneta collection. For anyone seeking an elegant everyday dress watch with genuine practicality and minimal maintenance, the Classics Moneta Solarmetre may well be the one for you.
