Sometimes we miss new watches, and this one slipped beneath the radar. Since Fred Constant is owned by Citizen, we like to check in now and then to see what’s new. Like Lexus and Toyota, the partnership of brands is a good idea, and a brill way of selling luxury whilst sharing development and marketing costs. Here’s the word from Frederique Constant;

In 1988, over 30 years ago, a young and independent family company was established in Geneva, the heart of the Swiss watch industry. Meanwhile, on Italian shores, an association was set up to celebrate La Dolce Vita by preserving the famous Riva, legendary yacht, the first examples of which were made by hand entirely out of wood.

This boat embodied the easy-going Italian way of life from the 20s to the 60s. In 2009, the two entities came closer together, giving rise to a continued partnership, the fruit of which can be seen in the Runabout collection. This year, Frederique Constant is introducing its new Runabout RHS Chronograph Automatic model, available in two limited series each composed of 2,888 pieces.

Tech Details

Housed in a 42 mm steel case, the two new Runabout RHS Chronograph Automatic models share a tricompax chronograph (12 o’clock – 6 o’clock – 9 o’clock) powered by the automatic FC-392 calibre, ensuring a power reserve of 46 hours. The Swiss origins of these timepieces are revealed through the guilloché dial – a traditional finish in Swiss Made Fine Watchmaking – either anthracite grey or silvered, depending on the edition.

It also comes in a presentation box complete with a model of the 1920s style Italian lakes motorboat. Very cool.

Price? We saw one on Chrono24 for £3450.