Frederique Constant FC-980MT3HPT Platinum Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture 35th Anniversary
Regular price
$46,995.00
2023 marks Frederique Constant's 35th anniversary and the 15th anniversary of its iconic Tourbillon calibre. For the occasion, the Maison has unveiled a Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture in platinum, featuring a meteorite dial and limited to only 35 pieces. This is an absolute first, as each individual timepiece is entirely finished by hand: an undertaking entrusted to two watchmakers from the Manufacture whose only mission was to achieve the highest degree of hand-finishing possible on the movement.
However, the most important aspects are less immediately visible. Only a closer and more knowledgeable eye will be able to detect something that has never been achieved before on a Frederique Constant watch: the entire hand-finishing of all the components of the movement. This exceptional and unprecedented achievement is the work of two watchmakers specialising in the Maison's Manufacture and complication movements.
Using traditional instruments and tools, working by hand, they spent weeks on the meticulous finishing of each of the components: a buff file for bevelling, a hammer and punch for hand-punching, and 9-micron sandpaper for charbonnage of the frame (bridge) and the base of the tourbillon cage, reproducing the aspect of the meteorite dial. A single bridge alone requires between two and three days of work.
The meteorite dial is a precious testament to exceptional craftsmanship: a fragment of space that fell to Earth in a happy and rare occurrence in Gibeon, Namibia offers a perfect illustration of the relationship between humankind, the universe, and the astronomy of which watchmaking is a direct offshoot. At the same time, this piece of celestial history is also the subject of a veritable exploit in terms of craftsmanship: chiselling a meteorite dial, full of metals, requires exceptional skills.
That's because the precious material breaks and crumbles; its high iron content means it may have suffered serious deterioration, mainly corrosion. That in turn means extreme dexterity is called for in order to cut out a perfectly flat, smooth disc without a single flake falling off and damaging the movement beneath it. The meteorite dial - just 0.5mm thick - is also protected by a coat of ruthenium, enhancing its natural grey glints and shielding the surface from oxidation.
To ensure visual coherence with the colour of the meteorite dial, the movement also sports a ruthenium finish. This is very rare for Frederique Constant, and indeed in the watchmaking industry as a whole - all the more reason for adopting it here. Each engraving, including the timepiece's individual number (on the tourbillon cage and also on the caseback) is rhodium-plated to ensure the characters stand out clearly. The oscillating weight is made of brass with a tungsten section around the rim. This material has been selected for its density, which is greater than that of 18-carat gold, providing greater inertia when in motion and thus enabling the barrel spring to be wound more quickly. All the parts of the oscillating weight are also coated with ruthenium.
The Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture comes in a 39mm platinum case. For the first time in its history, Frederique Constant has combined a meteorite dial with this precious metal.
Reference: FC-980
Type of Movement: Automatic
Power Reserve (hours): 38h
Vibrations per Hour: 28'800 alt/h
Jewels: 33
Material: Platinum
Case Color: Platinum
Diameter or Dimensions (mm): 39
Thickness (mm): 10.99
Lug Width (mm): 20
Water-Resistance (ATM): 3 bar (300m)
Dial Color: Gray
Finishing: Meteorite
Indexes: Applied diamond cut indexes 1/2/3/4/8/9/10/11/12
Strap Material: Alligator leather
Strap Color: Black
Dimensions (mm): 75×115
Buckle: Folding buckle
Buckle Width: 18
Strap Width (=lug width): 20
Limited Edition: (of) 35
Functions:
- Hours
- Minutes
- 60 seconds tourbillon
Arizona Fine Time is committed to fast, secure, and reliable order fulfillment. Please review our shipping terms below.
Order Processing Time
- Most in-stock orders ship within 24 hours of purchase (excluding weekends and holidays).
- Orders placed outside normal business hours are processed the next business day.
- Processing times may be extended during high-volume sale periods or for special-order items.
Shipping Coverage
- We have the ability to ship to most locations worldwide.
- However, we reserve the right to decline or cancel any order at our discretion based on shipping risk, security concerns, fraud indicators, or prior delivery experience with a destination.
Delivery Estimates
- Any delivery dates or timeframes shown at checkout or in tracking notices are estimates only.
- Delivery dates are not guaranteed.
- Carrier delays can occur and are outside our control.
- Arizona Fine Time is not responsible for late deliveries once a shipment has been accepted by the carrier.
- Any delivery timing disputes or claims must be addressed directly with the shipping carrier.
Signature Requirements
- Signature is typically required at delivery to help ensure safe receipt.
- If a signature requirement is waived at the customer’s request, the customer accepts full responsibility for the package once delivered.
- Customers who waive signature confirmation are responsible for ensuring a secure delivery location.
Shipping Responsibility
- Once an order is handed off to the carrier, shipping performance and delivery handling are under the carrier’s control.
- We recommend monitoring tracking closely and arranging secure receipt of your package.
We want you to feel confident when shopping with Arizona Fine Time. If you are not fully satisfied with your purchase, we offer a simple return option subject to the conditions below.
Return Window
- Return requests must be made within 7 days of delivery.
Return Eligibility
To qualify for a full refund, the watch must meet all of the following requirements:
- Must be unworn and unused
- Must be unsized and unadjusted
- Must include all original packaging and materials, including:Box and outer packagingTags and protective materialsManuals and warranty cardsAny included accessories or paperwork
- Must be returned in the same condition as originally shipped
Returns that do not meet these requirements may be refused or may be subject to a restocking fee.
How to Return
Please securely package your watch and include your order number inside the box. Ship your return to:
AZ FINE TIME
7830 E Gelding Dr #100
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Shipping Notes
- Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless otherwise approved.
- We strongly recommend using a trackable and insured shipping method.
- Arizona Fine Time is not responsible for items lost or damaged during return transit.
Refunds
Once your return is received and inspected, approved refunds will be issued to your original payment method.
People Also Bought
Here’s some of our most similar products people are buying. Click to discover trending style.