Frederique Constant’s long-running Runabout series returns for 2026 with a useful travel complication and a familiar nautical accent.
The new Classics Runabout Automatic GMT continues the brand’s partnership with the Riva Historical Society, bringing the look of polished wooden motorboats into a pair of limited-edition Swiss watches.
It’s a watch aimed at collectors who like the romance of vintage boating, but also want something practical enough for crossing time zones.
At a glance
- Frederique Constant has introduced the 2026 Classics Runabout Automatic GMT in two limited-edition versions.
- The 42 mm stainless steel watch features a 24-hour GMT display, teak-inspired dial finishing and an automatic FC-350 calibre.
- Each version is limited to 888 pieces and priced at €1,995.
A Runabout with a traveller’s complication
The Runabout line has been part of Frederique Constant’s catalogue since 2013, with new limited editions appearing every two years in collaboration with the Riva Historical Society.
For 2026, the key change is the addition of a GMT display, giving the collection a more functional edge without pushing it away from its nautical character.
The watch is offered in two references, both housed in polished stainless steel cases measuring 42 mm across and 12.85 mm thick.
Ref. FC-350RN5B6 comes with a deep blue dial and black rubber strap, while Ref. FC-350RBR5B6 uses a brown dial with a teak-like finish and a brown leather strap.
Teak-deck detailing on the dial
The visual link to classic Riva motorboats is clearest on the dial, where a vertically satin-brushed centre evokes the planked decks of wooden runabouts.
The blue version leans into the open-water mood, while the brown model is warmer and more directly tied to varnished wood.
The display is built around three concentric zones, with a 24-hour scale positioned at the centre for reading a second time zone via the arrow-tipped GMT hand.
This layout avoids the need for a separate day and night indicator, keeping the dial comparatively clean for a travel watch.
A date window sits at 6 o’clock, while applied indexes are joined by Arabic numerals at 3, 9 and 12 o’clock.
The rhodium-plated hour, minute and GMT hands are treated with beige Old Radium Super-LumiNova, as are the markers, giving the watch a restrained vintage tone while preserving low-light legibility.
The FC-350 automatic calibre
Inside is Frederique Constant’s FC-350 automatic movement, which combines a Sellita SW200-1 foundation with an in-house GMT module.
The movement runs at 4 Hz, or 28,800 vibrations per hour, uses 26 jewels and offers around 38 hours of power reserve.
It can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback, where the bridges and oscillating weight are decorated with vertical Côtes de Genève.
The caseback also carries the white Riva Historical Society logo, alongside individual engraving reading “One of 888”.
Details & Specifications
| Brand | Frederique Constant |
|---|---|
| Model | Classics Runabout Automatic GMT 2026 |
| References | FC-350RN5B6 and FC-350RBR5B6 |
| Case size | 42 mm |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Case thickness | 12.85 mm |
| Crystal | Convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment |
| Dial | Deep blue or teak-inspired brown with vertically satin-brushed centre |
| Movement | Automatic FC-350 calibre with Sellita SW200-1 and in-house GMT module |
| Frequency | 4 Hz, 28,800 vibrations per hour |
| Jewels | 26 |
| Power reserve | Approximately 38 hours |
| Complications | GMT and date |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM, 50 metres |
| Strap | Black rubber strap for blue dial, brown leather strap for brown dial |
| Limited edition | 888 pieces per version |
| Price | €1,995 |
Limited editions with a Riva miniature
Each version of the Classics Runabout Automatic GMT is limited to 888 pieces, a number that keeps the watch accessible enough for enthusiasts while preserving the edition’s collectible character.
The blue-dial model is fitted to a black rubber strap with tone-on-tone stitching and a pin buckle, giving it the more casual personality of the pair.
The brown-dial edition is paired with a brown leather strap and folding clasp, which suits its warmer, deck-inspired design.
Both watches are delivered in a dedicated collector’s box that includes a miniature replica of a classic Riva Runabout.
At €1,995, the 2026 Classics Runabout Automatic GMT sits in a compelling place for buyers who want a Swiss automatic travel watch with a specific design story rather than another anonymous GMT.
