Frederique Constant Rings in Black Friday with the All Black Classics Worldtimer Manufacture Globetrotter Limited Edition

If you’re reading this article at the time it was published, then we’re a day removed from spending time with family, stuffing our faces, and being thankful as we celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States. So you know what that means, right? Today is the shopping marathon that brings out the little crazy in us all known as Black Friday. Frederique Constant has most certainly gotten the memo, as they celebrate the shopping holiday quite literally, with an all-black Classics Worldtimer Manufacture. The new release sports a titanium coated case in a stealthy colorway, making their refined travel watch more tool-ish than precious and visually, under the radar.

In the regular production models of the Classics Worldtimer Manufacture, we’ve largely seen stainless steel cases aside from the 18k rose gold case of the FC-718NWWM4H9. The Classics Worldtimer Manufacture Globetrotter LE (let’s go with CWMG for short) still uses a three-part stainless steel case, but has a titanium PVD coating providing a shield against inevitable scratches and the stealth aesthetic. The case maintains the same Classics Worldtimer Manufacture form; a 42mm case width, 12.1mm case thickness and a water resistance rating of 5 atm.

Despite the monochromatic look, the CWGM dial is dynamic thanks to a combination of finishes, patterns and construction layout. The center dial displays a flat image of the globe that’s engraved in relief with a black sunburst finish filling in the negative spaces. The split 24 hour scale works in tandem with the worldtimer disc. What makes the CWGM distinctive is that Frederique Constant has substituted the cities on the disc for their corresponding airport codes. Anchoring the dial is a date subdial adorned with a guilloché pattern.

The CWGM houses Frederique Constant’s in-house FC-718 movement. The automatic worldtimer movement comes with a power reserve of 38 hours on a full wind and is furnished with 26 jewels. The movement operates in three positions. The crown pulled out to its first position winds the movement. The second position operates the date when turned clockwise, as well as the worldtimer disc when turned counterclockwise. The final position adjusts the time.

This is an interesting take on Frederique Constant’s polished worldtimer. The PVD titanium coated case most certainly adds a utilitarian element while still keeping the design language of their Classics Worldtimer Manufacture. The CWGM looks handsome on the provided alligator strap, but I’m a NATO guy, so I’d be curious to see how this model looks with a more casual setup. Compared to the current range, this limited edition is their most understated Classics Worldtimer Manufacture model and appeals to those who are keen on this model, but want something that doesn’t draw too much attention. Frederique Constant, as the kids say, “understood the assignment” by releasing an all-black on Black Friday.

The Frederique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture Globetrotter Limited Edition (FC-718BAWM4TH6) is limited to 300 pieces and retails for $4,495. Frederique Constant