RUNABOUT VENICE LIMITED
EDITIONS
Since 2009, Swiss watch
Manufacturer Frédérique Constant celebrates the legendary Runabout yachts of the
Roaring Twenties, by offering an attractive series of limited edition timepieces
named “Runabout”.
In
2012, Frederique Constant introduces the ‘Venice Editions’ of the Runabout,
consisting of a Chronograph version and a Three-hand Automatic with date. Both
timepieces feature a stainless steel case and a silvered dial with applied, rose
gold plated Arabic indexes. A light brown strap with off-white stitching
accentuates the rose gold plated indexes on the dial. Our Italian clientele
defined this sophisticated combination of design elements. This year Frederique
Constant hosts the Runabout Challenge in Venice, Italy, so it was only logical
to design the Runabout Venice Edition, based on the input from the Italian
market. The outcome is a beautiful collection! But then again, it’s not for
nothing that Italy has always been famous for its sense of
style…
The new models are available in
a limited editions of 1’888 pieces per version. Featuring a case diameter of
43mm and presented in stainless steel, the new Runabout Venice Editions offer
finely decorated silvered dials. With a delicate guilloche decoration at the
centre, hand-applied Arabic indexes, and perfectly positioned Chronograph
counters, these watches exude an uncluttered elegance, just like the Runabout
yachts by which they were inspired. Through the sapphire case-back, the
decorated automatic movement can be admired. Traditionally, each Runabout
timepiece comes with its own luxurious, handmade wooden case that echoes the
passionate craftsmanship of the yachts. Alongside the watch, a miniature
reproduction of a classic Runabout boat can be found inside the unique gift
box.
Runabout Challenge 2012
in Venice
End of April 2012, Frederique
Constant hosted a unique event on the waters of Venice, to celebrate its
connection with Runabout boats. After sponsoring the Helice Classique on Lake
Geneva and the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance in the USA, it was time to
organize a dedicated Frederique Constant Runabout event. A select group of 200
clients and members of the press enjoyed a three-day event in the City of Water.
A large fleet of Runabout boats, gathered specifically for this event proved to
be stylish means of transportation and offered amazing views of Venice. During
the actual Challenge, teams in each Runabout boat had to compete for the
Frederique Constant Runabout Trophy. The event’s aim was to pay homage and to
gather many of the remaining Runabout yachts. Yachts that today - as in their
heyday - symbolize elegance, sophistication and ageless design. It is these
characteristics that make the devotion of Frédérique Constant to Runabout boats
so apt, so perfect, because those same values and qualities apply to the
Runabout Collection.
Runabout
A
Runabout is a gentlemen’s motorboat holding between four and eight people, well
suited to moving about on the water. The first runabouts date back to the 1920s
and were originally small, fast, powerful varnished wooden boats created to take
advantage of the power of a V8 inboard engine. In order to gain speed, the hull
shape had to be designed to take advantage of hydroplaning; a hydrofoil-like
design would allow the boat to skim atop the water's surface at high speed
instead of needing to push aside large quantities of water to move forward. A
classic Runabout boat is a design icon, a moving sculpture in wood, chrome and
glass that commands attention wherever it goes. Add to this a long list of
famous owners and an association with exotic Mediterranean locations such as
Monaco and San Tropez, and it is no wonder that the Runabout has, over time,
become a legend. The iconic style of Runabouts frequently features in
advertisements and editorials.
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