Frederique Constant unveils an enticing new dual-time watch

• The Classics Runabout Automatic GMT is a nautically inspired watch. • Its automatic movement drives the hours, minutes, seconds, date and GMT or dual-time function. • It is presented in a Navy Blue and Brown dial. • Both versions are limited to 888 pieces each.

Kunaal Khemka

July 8, 2026

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Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT. Brown dial version.

What is the new Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT?

The Classics Runabout Automatic GMT is a nautically inspired watch that pays “special tribute to the legendary boats preserved by the Riva Historical Society.” It is an hours-minutes-seconds watch with a date and GMT or dual-time function. It is presented in two dial colours: Navy Blue and Brown.

“The Classics Runabout has fast become been one of Frederique Constant’s most eagerly awaited collector’s pieces, beginning in 2013, when the Geneva-based Manufacture and the Riva Historical Society first began their partnership. Every two years, the Maison unveils a limited-edition timepiece in tribute to these legendary boats, while also supporting their preservation. The collection has seen many interpretations over the years and continues to reinvent itself with each new release, in step with the Manufacture’s latest technical advances.”

What are its dial features?

Frederique Constant Classics Runabout Automatic GMT. Navy Blue dial version. — Image: Navy Blue dial version. Its deep blue shade evokes *“deep waters.”* The header image is the Brown dial version. Its teak-brown shade *“conveys the warmth of teak wood”* as found on classic teak boats. The vertical lines in the centre are reminiscent of *“the foredecks of the boats preserved by the Riva Historical Society.”* The 24 hours disc in the centre and the 60 seconds scale on the outer ring or flange are printed. The date window at 6 o’clock provides aesthetic balance. Overall, a beautiful sector dial with just the right amount of details.

Both the Navy blue and Brown dial versions feature vertical satin-finishing. The hands are rhodium-plated and coated with beige old radium luminous treatment (hours, minutes and GMT hands). The hour-markers, both Arabic numerals and baton-shaped indices are applied on the dial, with the 3, 9 and 12 (in a vintage font) coated with beige old radium luminous treatment.

What are its case and strap features?

Its 3-part case is made from polished stainless steel, measuring 42 mm (diameter) * 12.85 mm (thickness). Dial side features a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. Caseback features a sapphire crystal. Water resistant up to 5 ATM or approximately 50 metres.

Navy Blue dial version comes with a black rubber strap with tone-on-tone stitching and is fitted with a pin buckle. Brown dial version come with a brown genuine leather strap and is fitted with a folding buckle.

Is it powered by a Manufacture automatic movement?

Yes. It is powered by Calibre FC-350, an automatic movement that incorporates the brand’s Manufacture GMT module. It drives the hours, minutes, seconds, date and GMT function. It comprises 26 jewels, beats at a modern rate of 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and delivers a power reserve of 38 hours. All functions are performed via the crown at 3 o’clock.

What do we think?

Frederique Constant excels at crafting haute horology watches obtainable to a broader segment of watch collectors. These include watches with complications and grand complications (such as their perpetual calendars and tourbillons). The Classics Runabout Automatic GMT is no exception.

Featuring an attractive nautically inspired sector dial with a GMT function, priced at a relatively affordable CHF 1,995 and limited to 888 pieces for each version, I will be surprised if these do not fly off the shelves as soon as possible.

Also Read: Frederique Constant and Ahmed Seddiqi unveil a new worldtimer