While a young and independent family watchmaking company was established in Geneva over 30 years ago, an association, the Riva Historical Society, was set up on Italian shores to celebrate La Dolce Vita by preserving the famous Riva. This legendary yacht, the first examples of which were made by hand entirely out of wood, embodied the easy- going Italian way of life from the 20s to the 60s. In 2009, the two entities came together, giving rise to a continued partnership and the Runabout collection. This year, Frederique Constant is introducing the new Runabout RHS Chronograph Automatic model in honour of this relationship. The timepiece will be available in two limited series each composed of 2 888 pieces.
The chronograph’s comeback
The 2020 collaboration sees the return of a complication that hasn’t been available for a while: the chronograph. It also echoes Riva’s sporting past. From 1962, Riva produced certain models with a powerful motor (2 x 185 bhp) for water sports on Lake Iseo, its birthplace.
Housed in a 42 mm steel case, the two new Runabout RHS Chronograph Automatic models share a tricompax chronograph (12 o’clock – 6 o’clock – 9 o’clock) powered by the automatic FC-392 calibre, ensuring a power reserve of 46 hours. The Swiss origins of these timepieces are revealed through the guilloché dial in either anthracite grey or silvered. Two luminescent hands glide over a date window at 6 o’clock and are complemented by a large central seconds hand in blued steel – a nod to the colour of the great Italian lakes.
Limited series
The exclusive nature of these editions, each of which is strictly limited to 2 888 pieces, is indicated on the back of each watch in two places. Firstly, by the individual number engraved on each watch. And secondly, by an original imprint representing the official Riva Historical Society flag, which features on the sapphire crystal of the watch. Through it, one can appreciate the FC-392 calibre in detail, ticking at 28 800 v/h (4 Hz), complete with a gold coloured oscillating weight.
Technical specifications
| Reference | FC-392RMG5B6 | FC-392RMS5B6 |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph |
| Movement | FC-392 caliber, automatic with chronograph 25 jewels, 46-hour power reserve, 28 800 v/h | FC-392 caliber, automatic with chronograph 25 jewels, 46-hour power reserve, 28 800 v/h |
| Case | Polished stainless steel 2-parts case Diameter: 42 mm Convex sapphire crystal See-through case-back Water-resistant up to 5 ATM | Polished stainless steel 2-parts case Diameter: 42 mm Convex sapphire crystal See-through case-back Water-resistant up to 5 ATM |
| Dial | Grey dial with silver colour applied indexes with luminous Hand-polished silver colour hours and minutes hands with luminous and light blue seconds hand | Silver colour dial with silver applied indexes with luminous Hand-polished silver colour hours and minutes hands with luminous and dark blue seconds hand |
| Strap | Dark grey calf leather strap | Navy calf leather strap |
| Limited edition | 2 888 pieces | 2 888 pieces |
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