Frederique Constant is launching two new Automatic Runabouts, an Italian nautical inspiration which pays tribute to the 1920’s Riva boats.

Since 2009, Frederique Constant has collaborated with the Riva Historical Society: a Milan-based association founded in 1998, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of classic Riva boats. Piero Mario Gibellini and Carlo Riva founded the non-profit organization, whose purpose is to preserve the worldwide patrimony of the established Riva heritage.


To celebrate this partnership, each year Frederique Constant creates a limited-edition Runabout watch inspired by the timeless 1920s Riva boats. The handcrafted wooden powerboats offer the passenger a taste of the Italian dolce vita.


The Runabout range features two new automatic models: a 42 mm stainless steel and a rose gold plated case. The cases undergo a polishing treatment, reminiscent of the lustrous appearance of the Riva boats.


With a convex sapphire crystal, the navy-blue dial bears Frederique Constant’s classic hobnail pattern with a central guilloche which breaks up the dial. The Arabic numerals, indexes, and hands are completed with a luminous treatment. The final detail on the dial is the date window at 6 o’clock with a magnifying lens. Around the outer rim of the dial, the minutes are displayed.


The Runabout range features two new automatic models: a 42 mm stainless steel and a rose gold plated case. The cases undergo a polishing treatment, reminiscent of the lustrous appearance of the Riva boats.

Both models are powered by an FC-303 automatic caliber. The 26 jewel Swiss-made caliber has a 38-hour power reserve and is protected by 10-meter water-resistant case that is perfect for boating.

The sapphire case back reveals the automatic mechanism complete with the engraving of the Riva Historical Society flag. The watches come on a navy leather strap with white stitching.


Both the stainless steel and rose gold-plated Runabout models are limited to 2,888 pieces. Each of the models is delivered in a special limited-edition box including a miniature wooden replica of the Riva boat.

a version of this article first appeared on watchuseek