Frederique Constant  Runabout  Watches

Frederique Constant Runabout: A Celebration of Heritage and Craftsmanship

The Frederique Constant Runabout collection brings forth a combination of heritage and craftsmanship at its finest. First released in 2009 by Swiss watch manufacturer Frederique Constant, the collection features timepieces that showcase the best of watchmaking. Built with the company’s in-house movements and finished with a noteworthy design, these timepieces are worthy of the boats that they are inspired from. With each release of the collection comes different timepieces which are guaranteed to catch the eye of watch aficionados and boating fans alike. Each timepiece in the collection takes inspiration from Runabout boats, their heritage, and imagery among others. The Frederique Constant Runabout collection is to support the efforts of the Riva Historical Society who continues to preserve and restore Runabout boats since 1988.  

Prices at a Glance: Most Popular Frederique Constant Runabout Watches

How much does a Frederique Constant Runabout watch cost?

The Frederique Constant Runabout has a small selection of watches in their collection. Do note that these watches are limited edition and they are quite hard to get a hold of. However, the timepieces in the collection are still highly sought after despite the rarity. That said, you might want to keep an eye out for them in the market since the timepieces from the Frederique Constant Runabout collection are some of the few that hold their value despite being rare gems in the market. 

To start, the Frederique Constant Runabout RHS Chronograph Automatic FC-392RMS5B6 is a highlight of the collection. The timepiece carries a complication that has not been part of the collection for a few years which further adds to its rarity. The timepiece is a chronograph and this is a complication that has not been seen in the collection for a while. This timepiece features a 42mm case and features a tricompax chronograph. It is powered by the company's in-house caliber FC-392, which assures that the timepiece has a 46-hour power reserve. 

The Runabout RHS Chronograph Automatic FC-392RMG5B6 is also a chronograph watch under the collection. It features the same tricompax chronograph and is also powered by the FC-392 caliber. The only difference between the two models is the color of the strap that comes with it. This model comes with a dark grey calf leather strap while the other comes with a navy calf leather strap.

Both models of the Runabout RHS Chronograph Automatic feature the guilloché dial which is a traditional finish in the Swiss Made Fine Watchmaking industry. Both models retail for about $3,300. 

Next in the collection is the Runabout Automatic FC-303RMN5B6. These automatic timepieces come in stainless steel and a rose gold-plated case. Both are 42mm and are polished to perfection which mimics the treatment given to Runabout boats to achieve their lustrous appearances. 

The Runabout Automatic is powered by the FC-303 caliber, which gives the timepieces a 38-hour power reserve. Moreover, it also features a convex sapphire crystal and Frederique Constant’s classic hobnail pattern. The timepiece is also ideal for boating because it is encased in a 100M water-resistant case which means that you can boat without having the fear of ruining your timepiece. The automatic models are priced at $1,540. 

The Frederique Constant Runabout Automatic FC-393RM5B4 is an old model of the collection but this is one of the pieces that you might come across in the market today. Originally released in 2014, this timepiece is a chronograph that runs on the FC-393 caliber. This rose gold-plated timepiece features a silver dial with black and rose gold-tone hands that further add to the aesthetic properties of the timepiece. Further, you'll find minute markets and a date display on the watch. The timepiece, thanks to the in-house movement that powers it, has a 46-hour power reserve. Lastly, the timepiece is 50m water-resistant which might not be the best for boating in long distances but it's good if you're looking for a watch that you can use for recreational swimming. The Runabout Automatic FC-393RM5B4 is currently priced at $3,599.

History Behind the Frederique Constant Runabout Collection

The Frederique Constant Runabout collection first debuted in 2009 as a result of the partnership between Frederique Constant and the Riva Historical Society. It features timepieces that take inspiration from classic runabout boats. 

The Riva Historical Society was founded by Carlo Riva in 1988. They are a non-profit amateur sports and cultural association that is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Runabout boats. Because of the existence of society, many boats have been able to see the waters again after being forsaken and abandoned. Now, the Riva Historical Society continues to shed light on these boats with their annual events and the continuous promotion of their activities and efforts.

Since coming together, Frederique Constant has continuously produced limited edition timepieces for the collection to support the Riva Historical Society. The timepieces are inspired by the heritage and imagery of Runabout boats as well as elements of escapism and yachting. Put simply, this collection is a showcase of the luxury and the craftsmanship that can be found in both watchmaking and the boating industry. 

Every timepiece released in the collection is different. For instance, the Frederique Constant Runabout collection has seen chronographs and moon phases in the past. The additions to the collection are ever-changing and aficionados will never know what the company has in store for their next release. This makes for something to always watch out for when it comes to the Runabout collection. The timepieces in the collection are sought after because of their rarity and because no two similar watches can exist at the same time within the collection.

Ultimately, the Frederique Constant Runabout collection becomes a part of history because only a few pieces are produced with every release. They commemorate not only Runabout boats, but also the craftsmanship that goes into curating a watch that is worthy of being added to the collection. 

4 Reasons to Buy a Frederique Constant Runabout Watch

There is much to adore about the Frederique Constant Runabout collection. If you're still torn about whether you should purchase a timepiece from the collection, here are a couple of reasons that you might want to consider. 

1. Their watches utilize in-house movements. Since 2004, the company has produced over ten in-house movements that are used to run their watches. Since the rise of their Heart Beat movement in 2001, they have continued to bring new and distinct movements to the market. This ensures that their watches are of the highest quality and have an undisputed performance.

2. They are affordable. Unlike other luxury watches, Frederique Constant Runabout has produced luxury watches at affordable prices. Despite being affordable, the quality of the watches isn't compromised. While they are comparatively cheaper than other luxury watches, the watches prove that luxury doesn't always have to cost much but can still be of the highest quality. 

3. They are limited edition. The Runabout collection is usually limited edition which means that there are only a few timepieces available in the market. There are only about 2,000 models available in the market at the moment and odds are, you won’t see the same timepiece being released in the next year. Not only is it a great collectible but it’s also a great investment because of its rarity.

4. Frederique Constant Runabout watches hold their value. Apart from being limited edition, the watches hold their value well. Along with other watches from the company, the timepieces hold and even raise their value as the years go by. They make great investments because they are bound to fetch a great price when sold in the market. Watch aficionados will take interest in the watch because of its rarity. 

Frederique Constant Runabout: Heritage, Craftsmanship, and Timelessness in One Watch

The Frederique Constant Runabout watches are a great way to commemorate Runabout boats. Not only do they bring awareness to those who are not aware that such boats exist but they also help to grow the industry by showcasing timepieces that are inspired by such boats. Both the Runabout bots and the timepieces in the Frederique Constant Runabout collection are symbols of their company’s heritage and craftsmanship that is guaranteed to shine through the years. Moreover, the watches in the collection are elegantly timeless which means that you won’t have a problem wearing them for years to come. In all, despite being limited edition timepieces, the Frederique Constant Runabout collection is guaranteed to catch the attention of watch aficionados and boating fans alike.