Frederique Constant Unveils Mechanical Moneta and Highlife Moonphase at Geneva Watch Days

Key points

• The Classics Moneta Handwinding is the first mechanical model in the collection, replacing the previous quartz and solar versions with a hand-wound La Joux-Perret FC-435 movement.
• The Highlife Moonphase Date is a 39mm stainless steel watch featuring the in-house FC-716 automatic movement, a 72-hour power reserve, and interchangeable straps.
• The Moneta is limited to 999 pieces and priced at $2,595 USD, while the Highlife Moonphase Date is priced at $5,595 USD.
• Both watches were unveiled at Geneva Watch Days, continuing the brand's momentum from earlier releases at Watches and Wonders.

Background

Frederique Constant previously launched the Classics Moneta as a quartz dress watch in 2024, followed by a solar version. The Highlife collection was relaunched in 2020 with an interchangeable strap system. The brand has been expanding its in-house manufacturing capabilities, recently introducing a Worldtimer at Watches and Wonders.

How outlets are covering it

Hodinkee emphasizes the in-house nature of the Highlife's FC-716 movement and the cohesive presentation of both watches. Revolution Watch highlights the Moneta's evolution from a quartz dress watch to a mechanical one, noting the price increase from $1,295 to $2,595. Oracle Time points out the Moneta's reasonable price for a La Joux-Perret-powered watch and the Highlife's connection to a previous limited edition. Monochrome Watches focuses on the Moneta's vintage-inspired design and the strategic use of La Joux-Perret movements within the Citizen Group.

Why it matters

The release demonstrates Frederique Constant's ability to diversify its offerings, from accessible mechanical dress watches to more complex in-house movements, appealing to a broader range of watch enthusiasts.

What to watch

Frederique Constant may continue to expand its in-house movement development and introduce more mechanical variants of its existing collections.