here’s something to be said about a world timer, the type of watch designed to display the time in multiple time zones simultaneously, typically all 24 of them.
Firstly, that it’s a coveted complication that comes with a level of kudos, and second, it typically carries a few extra zeros at the end of the price tag.
Why?
Because among watches with intricate complications, it is among the most complex.
"A world timer is the cornerstone of any collection. It brings a sense of nostalgia to air travel,” says Arwind Jhand, founder of vintage timepiece dealer Tortoise, noting that Patek Philippe's coveted world timers are frequently among his clientele's holy grails.
“World timers have always been my favourite complication—not just for their practicality but for their sheer aesthetic beauty,” says one such collector. “It’s a reminder that, no matter where I am, my world is always connected.”
They are, in short, attractitve, rare and expensive.
"I am looking for an affordable world timer. Is it even possible?” writes a begrudged Reddit user on a horology-themed thread. As of today, the answer is yes, thanks to Frédérique Constant's novel partnership with the Swiss crowdfunding platform and microbrand incubator, Watch Angels.
The new Frédérique Constant x Watch Angels WorldTimer Manufacture offers a take on the grail wristwear, for about a tenth of the price of some of the big names.
The philosophy behind Watch Angels is rooted in collaborative partnerships with brands, offering a fully Swiss Made solution to transform enthusiast demand into crowd-funded watch projects from concept to completion.
Translation: you asked, they answered for this fan favourite.
The watch was created by modifying an existing Frédérique Constant world timer movement, the FC-718—with the 42mm case that usually houses it reduced to a streamlined 40mm. Subtle curves and sharp bevels frame the atlas on your arm, inclining a city disk and removing the date to allow clean readability of 24 time zones.
From Cairo to Chicago, Anchorage to Azores, day and night segments span two hemispheres, with a poetically polished sun for daytime and a sandblasted crescent moon for night-time.
Limited to 718 pieces, the collector-focused timepiece is available through Watch Angels via a subscription order window that closes on 13 March.
Responding to the growing demand from collectors and enthusiasts who have traded instant global timekeeping on smartphones for something more refined, this new World Timer reflects a watch brand really listening to its consumers.
“Watch Angels brings us the feedback of the collector community, further reinforcing our way of innovating which includes closely listening to the market," says Niels Eggerding, Frédérique Constant's CEO.
All functions on the watch can be set solely via its crown, another touch of magic to this unusual and welcome timepiece.
