First Mechanical Moneta Timepiece Makes Debut at Geneva Watch Days, Following Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Nomination
Geneva, Switzerland (September 2, 2026) – Frederique Constant introduces the Classics Moneta Handwinding, the first mechanical timepiece to debut in the Swiss watchmaker’s Moneta collection, at Geneva Watch Days. The new 38.5mm limited edition is powered by a hand-wound movement developed by La Joux-Perret and delivers a 63-hour power reserve, while a smoked salmon gradient dial and black alligator leather strap give the watch its distinctly neo-retro character. Limited to just 999 pieces and retailing for $2,595, the model debuts with acclaim, already shortlisted by the 2026 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Academy in the Challenge category.
Since its launch in 2024, the Classics Moneta has made a striking impression. The collection’s defining feature lies in the geometry of its case. While a watch case is typically distinguished by its shape or finishing, the Moneta’s signature lies in its inner rehaut, subtly sculpted with fluting reminiscent of the edge of a coin: the detail that inspired the collection’s name. The aesthetic is both familiar and distinctive, placing a traditional hallmark of fine watchmaking in an unexpected location and creating a striking sense of originality.
That same balance defines this first mechanical Moneta edition. Limited to just 999 pieces, the Classics Moneta Handwinding presents a considered harmony between the finest elements of contemporary watchmaking and the inspiration of the great classics of the last century.
First mechanical movement
The new timepiece marks the introduction of the collection’s first mechanical movement: a finely crafted hand-wound caliber produced by La Joux-Perret in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and customized exclusively for Frederique Constant.
Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement showcases distinctive Côtes de Genève engraving, a fitting tribute to Frederique Constant’s Genevan heritage, with the brand’s coat of arms at its center. The escapement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz, supporting excellent chronometric stability. A portion of the generously sized barrel is also visible, helping provide the new Moneta with its impressive 63-hour power reserve. The choice of a hand-wound caliber not only allows its finishing to be fully appreciated without the obstruction of an oscillating weight, but also helps preserve the watch’s slim profile and neo-retro character, in tribute to 1950s watchmaking design codes.
A unique dial
Among the watch’s vintage-inspired features, the new dial stands out most prominently. Its subtle smoked salmon gradient transitions to deep black around the edges, allowing the applied, mirror-polished hour markers to stand out more clearly and enhancing legibility. In keeping with its distinctly neo-retro character, the Moneta features two central dauphine hands complemented by a small seconds display at 6 o’clock. Together, they draw on the classic design codes of 1950s watchmaking, combining simplicity with timeless vintage elegance.
Completing the composition, Frederique Constant pairs the watch with a new black alligator leather strap featuring small-scale patterning, offering both a supple feel and a subtly patinated look. The result is a well-balanced expression of vintage refinement within contemporary watchmaking, while maintaining the strong added value integral to the Frederique Constant’s approach.
The Classics Moneta Handwinding is one of several Frederique Constant timepieces shortlisted by the 2026 GPHG Academy. The Classics Moneta Handwinding has been selected in the Challenge category.
The selection follows a vote by members of the GPHG Academy and represents further recognition of the Maison’s watchmaking expertise, which places horological added value at the heart of its creations.
ABOUT FREDERIQUE CONSTANT
Founded in 1988, Frederique Constant is a Swiss watchmaking manufacture based in Geneva with over 38 years of ever-advancing watchmaking expertise. Through the decades, Frederique Constant has been characterised by creativity and inventiveness – and even more so by mechanical ingenuity and pragmatism.
Born out of the shared passion of an independent entrepreneurial spirit, Frederique Constant has written its own rules, blazing a trail into territory where none had dared venture before. Today the brand can proudly offer a range of quartz and mechanical models – and most importantly, a collection of 34 calibres designed, developed and assembled in its own Manufacture at Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. These movements include Tourbillon, Perpetual Calendar, Flyback Chronograph, Worldtimer, Power Reserve and Big Date complications as well as the Monolithic escapement, made of a single piece of silicon and beating at a rate of 40Hz.
Frederique Constant presently has close to 3,000 points of sale in 120 countries. To pursue its international expansion and develop new synergies, since 2016 the Frederique Constant Group (Frederique Constant, Alpina Watches, Ateliers DeMonaco) has been part of the Japanese group Citizen.
For more information, visit us.frederique-constant.com.
