Frederique Constant has a 40mm salmon dial perpetual calendar for under US$10k?!
Zach BlassIt used to be that whenever someone asked about high complication for a low price, there weren’t many options to speak of. With the rise of microbrands, independents, and more established brands focused on value-driven watches – Frederique Constant chief among them – it is becoming much easier to answer that question. Often, however, there are concessions to be made when something that is typically expensive suddenly presents itself for a fraction of the cost – perhaps larger cases, or less refined designs. However, the latest generation of Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture sports a 40mm steel case, and, at Watches and Wonders 2025, expanded with a configuration with a crowd-pleasing sunburst salmon dial, all for under US$10,000. Let’s get into the details.
The case
Like I already mentioned, the Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is packaged in a 50-metre water-resistant steel case that measures 40mm in diameter, down from 42mm as seen in the previous generation, and a relatively slender 12.1mm. As you look around the case, you will see it is rendered in a full mirror polish, befitting such a classic, elegant timepiece, and pushers you can engage with to adjust the perpetual calendar mechanism. The lug-to-lug span is not too long, affording the watch a modern dress watch presence without being overwhelming for the average wrist.
The dial
Salmon is a colour so popular within the watch collecting niche it’s obligatory for watch media to create “best of” lists surrounding it. The new Frederique Constant Perpetual Calendar has a salmon dial with a sunburst finish that looks spectacular in the metal. It can be a bit tricky, depending on the balance of orange and pink tones – I often find some salmon dials skewing far too much towards pink, whereas this one really nails the balance and delivers a more copper-adjacent hue. Elegant, polished alpha hands and applied indices are used on the dial, with understandably no lume. You have a day indicator at 9 o’clock, month and leap year indicator at 12 o’clock, date at 3 o’clock, and moon phase at 6 o’clock in the traditional fashion.
The strap
The FC’s dark brown alligator leather strap is a natural pairing for the salmon dial, secured by a folding clasp. That said, I often avoid brown straps due to my largely black wardrobe. If I owned this watch, I would probably look to switch to a grey or blue leather to make it a bit more smart casual and versatile in terms of colour coordinating. Fortunately, the lug width is 20mm, so you can run amok and play strap monster to your leisure.
The movement
Frederique Constant is able to control the pricing of its watches because it designs its calibres in-house, and the latest generation FC-776 achieves a weekend-proof, 72-hour power reserve with perpetual calendar functionality, exhibited in a watch priced under US$10,000. I know I keep repeating that figure, but it’s an impressive achievement! A full-cover plate covers most of the inner workings, but the sunray striping makes the most of the ample real estate in terms of a handsome finish. At the bottom, the balance wheel is in full view, ticking away and revealing the watch is alive. A gold-tone rotor winds the watch, with a large aperture to afford a better view of what is beneath, with some nice brushing and bevelling.
The verdict
In my opinion, if any watch journalist is making a “best perpetual calendars” buying guide, regardless of whether there is a price parameter, this Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is an absolute must. With a salmon dial, in-house, 72-hour perpetual calendar movement, and a refined case with a slim lug profile and tamer diameter, you are getting a lot of watch for the money with effectively zero concessions. Game recognises game, and this watch has it.
Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture pricing and availability
The Frederique Constant Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture will be available beginning in autumn 2025. Price: US$9,995
| Brand | Frederique Constant |
| Model | Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture |
| Reference | FC-776SAL3H6 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 12.1mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Salmon |
| Strap | Dark brown alligator leather strap, steel folding buckle |
| Movement | FC-776, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, perpetual calendar |
| Availability | Fall 2025 |
| Price | US$9,995 |