Frederique Constant has just unveiled its newest addition to the Runabout Collection, paying homage to the classic wooden Runabout boats most commonly seen on the canals of Venice. The new Runabout Automatic watch is a limited edition of 2,888 pieces, retailing for $1,550. in stainless steel and $1,850. for rose gold plated stainless steel. A portion of the proceeds of the sales from this collection is donated to the Riva Historical Society, which helps in the preservation and care for these collectible wooden watercraft. The 43mm watch is sold in a polished wooden gift box with a miniature replica of a Riva boat.

Frederique Constant celebrated the launch of this new watch in New York City on the Hudson River in a beautiful “Destino” Runabout wooden boat. The boat was captained by the man who built the boat itself, Ole Nielsen.

In 2009, Frederique Constant began a longstanding partnership with the Riva Historical Society. Since the beginning of their partnership the watch company annually promotes and commemorates the runabout boats with a nautical-inspired limited edition watch. The Runabout collection combines distinctive styling and unique design. Inspired by yachting, the Runabout watches fuse the best of classic Italian style with the latest technical innovation. Just like the runabout vessels, the new runabout watches will become your companion either for racing or pleasure boating.

The non-profit Riva Historical Society was founded by the architect Piero Maria Gibellini along with the engineer Carlo Riva and a group of friends with the main purpose of preserving still-existing Riva boats. The goal of this charitable group is to help the owners conserve these vessels in the best possible way. The first runabouts yachts date back to the 1920s. They were originally small, fast and powerful. Made of highly polished wood and chrome, they could accommodate four to eight people and were fairly adept at moving swiftly on the water.

Both versions of the Runabout watches feature a 43-mm case, in either rose gold plated or stainless steel, a diamond-hard convex sapphire crystal protecting the dial, as well as a sapphire window in the case back to display the movement. The flag of the Riva Historical Society is etched into the case back window, as a tribute to this association and to the runabout gentlemen’s sport boats of the roaring twenties. The wonderfully silvered or brown dials have a guilloche decoration in the center and Arabic numeral markers. Anyone who likes to spend most of their time outdoors and needs to be able to read the time, whether it be in light of day or under the dark night’s sky, will be at ease thanks to its luminescent hands and indexes — the Runabout offers its wearers perfect readability.

These two new timepieces are powered by the FC-303 automatic caliber, which is assembled in the Frederique Constant manufacture. This self-winding caliber with its frequency of 28 800 alt/h and is 25 jewels has a 42-hour power reserve. The robust case of this sailing watch stays water-resistant down to approximately 30 meters. A black or brown strap completes this elegant and uncluttered watch.

Peter Stas, Frederique Constant CEO

Frederique Constant is based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland. The company is involved in all stages of watch production, from initial design, to final assembly and quality control. They develop, manufacture, and assemble in-house calibers, 21 different versions since 2004.

In 2015 Frederique Constant introduced the first Swiss made Horological Smartwatch, entirely displayed with analog dial, thereby creating an entirely new watch category in the Swiss watch industry. These watches are defined by their high quality and differentiation and precision in design and manufacturing. Their perceived value, through quality of design, materials, and manufacture, is a key component of their success. Each watch is assembled by hand, with the latest equipment and extensive controls, to ensure maximum quality and durability. The company embraces innovation to offer creativity and exceptional value. Its 32,000 square foot facility in Geneva is ultra modern and offers the best environment for its passionate watchmakers.

For more information visit www.frederiqueconstant.com