Festina Automatic Day-Date Reference F16884
Complications Watch (Calendar / Open Heart Hybrid) · Festina (Festina Group). Brand tier: Affordable/Entry-level Luxury. Known for its association with cycling (Tour de France) and producing accessible mechanical options.
Period: Modern Lifestyle (2010s-Present). Stylistic indicators include the oversized case diameter popular in modern watch design and the use of 'pseudo-complication' sub-registers found in contemporary affordable mechanicals.
Type
Complications Watch (Calendar / Open Heart Hybrid)
Brand
Festina (Festina Group). Brand tier: Affordable/Entry-level Luxury. Known for its association with cycling (Tour de France) and producing accessible mechanical options.
Movement
Automatic/Self-Winding. Likely a Miyota 8000 series (82S7 or similar variant), featuring 21,600 vph, a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, and standard non-hacking functionality.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 42mm; Thickness: 12.5mm; Lug-to-lug: 49mm; Lug width: 22mm. It wears large due to the thin bezel and expansive dial.
Description
This Festina Automatic represents the brand's commitment to delivering a 'horological look' at an accessible price point. Its layout mimics high-end perpetual calendars with three subdials, giving it a sophisticated, technical aesthetic. The polished steel case and dark dial provide a versatile look that bridges the gap between a business suit and casual weekend wear.
Key Features
Distinctive subdial layout with the date at 12 o'clock, open-heart view (implied or visible on specific variants of this movement), and a prominent retrograde-style day track at the bottom of the dial.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with a multi-register layout. It features Roman numeral indices at 12, 3, 6, and 9 with baton indices elsewhere. Includes a date subdial at 12 o'clock, a 24-hour indicator at 9 o'clock, and a retrograde-style day indicator at 6 o'clock. Silver-toned alpha/sword hands.
Case Material
316L Stainless Steel with a polished finish on the bezel and lugs, and a brushed finish on the case flanks.
Crystal Type
Hardened Mineral Glass. Flat profile with no visible AR coating. Shows minor surface micro-scratching.
Bezel Details
Fixed, polished stainless steel sloping bezel. Integrated into the case design for a sleek, contemporary look.
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, fluted for grip, featuring the Festina logo. No additional pushers; calendar adjustments are made via the crown.
Bracelet or Strap
Smooth black leather strap with matching stitching, ended with a signed stainless steel pin buckle. Likely an aftermarket replacement based on the leather texture.
Caseback Details
Exhibition/Display case back, screw-down, displaying the Miyota automatic movement and a branded rotor. Engraved with water resistance and material specs.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-Winding. Likely a Miyota 8000 series (82S7 or similar variant), featuring 21,600 vph, a power reserve of approximately 42 hours, and standard non-hacking functionality.
Water Resistance
50 Meters (5 ATM). Suitable for light splashes and rain. Not recommended for swimming or showering, especially to preserve the longevity of the leather strap.
Origin & Provenance
Spanish-owned company (Festina Group). Movement is Japanese (Citizen-Miyota), final assembly often occurs in China or Europe depending on the specific line level.
Age Estimate
Circa 2015-2018. The design language and movement choice align with Festina's push into mechanical complications in the mid-2010s.
Cultural Significance
Festina is historically significant as the official timekeeper of the Tour de France for over two decades, cementing its reputation in the world of sports and tool watches before pivoting toward lifestyle and fashion-focused mechanicals.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The case shows light signs of wear/swirls. The crystal appears clear. The leather strap shows some creasing from regular use. Dial and hands remain in excellent condition.
Value Estimate
$100 - $180 USD. Value is maximized when including the original box and documentation. The mechanical nature of this model holds value better than Festina's quartz fashion lines.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service every 5 years to lubricate the movement. As it uses a Miyota movement, parts are easily sourced. Avoid magnets and extreme shocks. Wipe leather with a damp cloth; do not submerge.
Similar Watches
Orient 'Sun and Moon' (similar complexity but higher finishing), Tissot Tradition Perpetual Calendar (quartz alternative), or Seiko Presage 'Cocktail Time' (more refined dress aesthetic).
Interesting Facts
The Festina Group also owns high-end movement manufacturer Soprod and luxury brands like Perrelet, which allows them better access to movement engineering and design than many other brands in the affordable bracket.