Frederique Constant releases a solar powered collection based on the FC-120 developed by La Joux-Perret Manufacture. This movement comes to the Classics Moneta collection, and is a line within called the Solarmetre.
Press Release with commentary in italics.
New: Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Solarmetre
The Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Solarmetre in Ice Blue, Burgundy and Cloud White retails for EUR 1,150 / SGD 2,010 each. Both RRPs are inclusive of tax.
Commentary
Interesting development on the Frederique Constant Classics Moneta collection with the addition of a solar powered movement. The collection was first released in 2024, and is one which is very classical in style with a fluted coin edge on the rehaut.
The first watches were quartz powered movements with moonphase display. And with this new release of three new references executed in three dial colour variants, are now just time only two hand watches (Hour and minutes) with a date display.
The movement is still quartz, but now solar powered. This technology used is a development by sister company La Joux-Perret. No doubt, drawing from the class leading solar technology of parent company Citizen. The La Joux-Perret website does not list any solar powered movements. But we do know that they supply the movements for the TAG Heuer F1 Solargraph watches. And that Citizen is the world’s premier manufacturer of solar powered quartz movements, with their Eco-Drive being the class leader.
Here is what we suspect. The movement, the TAG TH50-00 is the same as the FC-120 used in this novelty, and is probably an up-speced the Eco-Drive E168, assembled in Switzerland. The E168 is the base Citizen/Moyota offering, and the improvements have been made in at least the power reserve which is 10 months in the TH/FC offerings and only 6 months in the basic E168.
Possible speculation.
The watches still look very classical, and now simpler with only the essentials. The hour and minute hands with just applique hour markers. A small aperture frames the date at 3 o’clock. The hands and markers are all faceted and presented in high polish.
he dial carries a grained dial, which looks like it is textured. The three dial options offer different personalities. Whichever hue is selected, the entire ensemble pulls very elegantly. Though if we had to choose, the Ice Blue dial calls out to us as being the most beautiful of the lot. It brings a bit of pastel blue pop to elevate from the plain silver dial, but less than the eye catching red version.
Release information
The Classics Moneta Solarmetre becomes the first reference from the Frederique Constant Manufacture to be equipped with the solar-powered FC-120 calibre, developed by La Joux-Perret Manufacture. Launched in 2024, the Classics Moneta collection is a pure exercise in style: its flange is inspired by the fluted edge of a coin — hence its name. Today, the complete invisibility of the solar process enhances its design. Technology fades into the background, autonomy becomes potentially perpetual, and innovation sets the Solarmetre models apart from their counterparts. This includes the new 39 mm case diameter and the collection’s first grained-effect dial, available in three versions: ice blue, burgundy, or cloud white. Each watch is delivered with both a leather strap and a Milanese mesh bracelet.
For five centuries, watchmaking has pursued one quest: perpetual motion. While mechanical movements now seem destined to gain only a few additional hours of power reserve, Solarmetre technology provides the ultimate answer: as long as there is light, the watch will run. In complete darkness, it guarantees 10 months of autonomy. Once exposed to light again, it needs only 10 seconds to restart. Just one minute of exposure is enough to recharge the energy required for a full day of operation.
The principle of photovoltaic energy is not new in watchmaking. However, two major issues had until now limited its widespread adoption: bulkiness and less-than-appealing aesthetics. Together with its partner La Joux-Perret, Frederique Constant Manufacture has overcome both obstacles. The solar movement is slim, and its technology is translucent. The three new Classics Moneta Solarmetre models are proof of this.
This new Classics Moneta introduces numerous “firsts.” They are the first Frederique Constant watches equipped with solar technology; the first Classics Moneta references in 39 mm; the first grained-effect dial in the range; and the first delivered with two interchangeable straps—a leather strap with alligator pattern and an elegant Milanese mesh bracelet.
All the retro-modern aesthetic codes are preserved: the slim case, the fluted flange, the two dauphine hands, and the faceted applied indexes. A simple date window allows the grained-effect dial to breathe, its delicate surface revealing nothing of the solar technology it conceals. Yet it is carefully integrated within, layered across three levels. The uppermost level is the dial itself. It appears opaque but is in fact translucent, allowing light to pass through and power the solar movement. The photovoltaic cells are positioned beneath it. Finally, at the deepest level lies the heart of the FC-120 calibre. Its rechargeable battery stores solar energy converted into electricity. An integrated circuit manages the energy flow, acting like a switchyard: part is directed for immediate use, while the remainder is stored in the battery, enabling up to 10 months of autonomy without light.
Driven by its philosophy of innovation, Frederique Constant Manufacture continues to break down barriers in watchmaking. The Classics Moneta captivates with its refined aesthetic, meticulous finishing, and remarkable technology. Swiss Made watchmaking at its finest, delivering exceptional added value. The distinctive design of the Classics Moneta, with its fluted flange, has established itself as one of the brand’s most appreciated signatures. Its Solarmetre variation opens limitless solar horizons for collectors who value innovation.
Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Solarmetre Specifications
Reference FC-120W3S6 * FC-120LB3S6 * FC-120BRG3S6
Functions Hours, minutes, date at 3 o’clock
Movement FC-120 caliber, solar quartz * Run for 10 months without any light (total darkness)
Case Polished stainless steel 3-part case * Diameter of 39 mm * Height of 8,52 mm * Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal * Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft * Engraved screwed case back
Dial Blue dial with grained finishing * Coin-edge inner ring * Applied diamond cut indexes * Silver colour hour and minute hands * Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap Navy blue genuine leather strap with crocodile pattern embossing and tone-on-tone stitching * Including one extra stainless steel Milanese style bracelet * Pin buckle
