The story behind this Frederique Constant Runabout Chronograph
Since 2009, the Frederique Constant Runabout has paid tribute to the varnished wooden runabouts that made the Italian lakes famous in the 1950s and 1960s. Founded in Geneva in 1988, the brand developed this collection in collaboration with the Riva Historical Society, an association of enthusiasts that catalogues and maintains classic runabouts built on Lake Iseo. In 2021, Frederique Constant is introducing two new Runabout chronographs with navy blue dials, each in a limited edition of 888 pieces – one in steel and the other in rose gold-plated steel. The reference FC-392RMN5B4 denotes this second version. This model is also the first in the collection to offer a 55-hour power reserve, whilst previous Runabout models had a maximum of 46 hours.
Case, movement and strap of this Runabout Chronograph
The 42 mm round case in rose gold-plated steel features polished surfaces, a crown stamped with the brand’s logo and two pushers with fluted heads. The sapphire crystal caseback bears the individually engraved serial number and the association’s pennant printed on the glass, above the gold oscillating weight. The navy blue dial features a Parisian clous de Paris guilloché centre, surrounded by a satin-finished hour ring. The even-numbered Arabic numerals and hour markers are applied and luminescent, as are the sword-shaped hour and minute hands, in rose gold. The tricompax chronograph comprises a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, above the date window. The FC-392 automatic calibre beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 55-hour power reserve. The slim bezel leaves almost the entire width of the case for the dial, ensuring that all three counters remain clearly visible at a glance. The 21 mm strap, crafted from midnight blue calfskin with a crocodile-patterned finish and ecru topstitching, fastens with a rose gold-plated steel folding clasp bearing the Frederique Constant logo.
Why this Frederique Constant watch
This mechanical three-counter chronograph, housed in a 42 mm rose gold-plated case, maintains classic proportions on the wrist. The model is no longer listed in the brand’s catalogue, and a complete set, including its box and display stand, can now only be found on the second-hand market. The navy blue dial and rose gold tones give the watch a dressy look, whilst the leather strap and 50-metre water resistance mean it is equally at home with casual attire. The pennant printed on the case back links the watch to the world of Riva motorboats, which will appeal to enthusiasts of both classic boating and watchmaking.
Contents and condition
This Frederique Constant Runabout is supplied as a full set, in its lacquered wooden presentation box accompanied by its green outer box. The box contains a model of a wooden runabout flying the Swiss flag, moored next to the watch, as well as the limited edition certificate numbered 281/888, the reference label and the instruction booklet in its sleeve. The watch has been worn previously and shows only slight signs of external wear. The rose gold-plated case and strap remain in excellent overall condition, and nothing is missing from the original set.
Warranty and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.
* Very good condition – watch has been worn. Slight signs of external wear. Case and strap in excellent overall condition.
