Slimline Monolithic Manufacture – 40Hz – Frederique Constant discloses a technological breakthrough in the horology world. Frederique Constant introduces a silicon oscillator featuring an amazing pace of 288,000 vibrations per hour, or 40 Hz.
As a step to redefine the principles of mechanical watches, Slimline Monolithic Manufacture ticks ten times faster than regular mechanical movements. This revolutionary high-frequency silicon oscillator has been innovatively designed and reduced in size in order to fit inside a traditional movement configuration.
The initial idea of Monolithic Oscillator was first discussed between co-founder and former CEO of Frederique Constant, and Dr Nima Tolou, founder and CEO of Flexous 3 years ago. Frederique Constant team commissioned Flexous with the production of a unique, flexible oscillating system.
Frederique Constant replaces the 26 components of a standard assortment with a single component fitted with two regulation weights. Thanks to a new geometry of flexures and masses, the size of the oscillator (9.8mm diameter x 0.3mm thickness) is substantially reduced to match for the first time that of a conventional regulator.
Another factor that kept the dimensions in check and create an ultrathin oscillator and to keep all functions in one thin silicon layer was the integration of the anchor system in the flexures.
The third innovation responds to the adjustment weights used to regulate the flexure oscillator (just like the system used in a traditional free-sprung balance), a feature that allows watchmakers to fine-tune the frequency with exceptional ease.
This model is available in three limited editions: 810 pieces in stainless steel with blue or silver dials and 81 pieces in 18kt rose gold.
The case in stainless steel or in 18kt rose gold, measures 40mm. It features a convex sapphire crystal, a display back, and it is water resistant to 30 meters.
Powered by automatic Frederique Constant in-house caliber FC-810 with 19 jewels, it operates at a frequency of 288,000 vph (40 Hz) and it has a power reserve of 80 hours. Perlage, circular satin-finishing, anglage and circular Côtes de Genève finishing methods have been used. The functions of the timepieces are hours, minutes, seconds, and date.
The dial is Silver or blue with guilloché Clous de Paris finishing and there are printed black or white Roman numerals. The Breguet hands are hand-polished in black or white.
The model comes with a Navy blue, black or brown alligator leather strap with a steel or gold buckle.
The price of the model is EUR 4,495 in steel case and EUR 14,995 in gold case.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | FREDERIQUE CONSTANT |
| Model | SLIMLINE MONOLITHIC MANUFACTURE |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel or 18k rose gold |
| Dial | Silver or blue dial with guilloché Clous de Paris finishing and printed black or white Roman numerals as well as hand-polished braguet hands in black or white. |
| Lume | |
| Water Resistance | 30 meters |
| Strap / Bracelet | Navy blue, black or brown alligator leather strap with a steel or gold buckle. |
Movement Basics
| Caliber | FC-810 |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds and date |
| Caliber Dimensions | |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Winding | Manual winding |
| Frequency | 288,000 |
Pricing
| Price | EUR 4,495 in steel EUR 14,495 in gold |
| Limited | 810 pieces – steel/blue dial – FC-810MCN3S6 810 pieces – steel/silver dial – FC-810MC3S6 81 pieces – gold/silver dial FC-810MC3S9 |
