A Picture Of Elegance : Frederique Constant Watches

06 Jan, 2024

A Picture Of Elegance : Frederique Constant Watches

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Founded on the principles of passion, precision, and a commitment to accessible elegance, Frederique Constant has carved a niche in the watchmaking landscape by seamlessly marrying heritage with innovation. As a brand synonymous with bringing affordable luxury to the forefront of mainstream watchmaking, Frederique Constant watches attest to the belief that exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design need not be exclusive but, rather, should be embraced and celebrated by all.

Building Upon A Legacy of Elegance and Precision Since 1988

Frederique Constant was founded in 1988 in the heart of Geneva, Switzerland. The maison was born from the vision and passion of its founders, Peter Stas and Aletta Bax, a husband-and-wife team. The couple wanted to realise their dream of creating exceptional timepieces that combine tradition, innovation, and affordability. The Frederique Constant name is also a result of their shared values, naming it by combining the names of their great-grandfathers – Frédérique Schreiner and Constant Stas.

One of the defining characteristics of Frederique Constant is its commitment to in-house manufacturing and innovation. In 2004, the brand introduced its first in-house movement, calibre FC-910. It was a significant milestone that set the maison apart from many of its contemporaries who relied on outsourced movements. More so, because even with customised in-house movements, the house kept the timepieces affordable. This move allowed a high level of control over the quality and craftsmanship of the watches.

In the years that followed, the brand continued to expand its in-house manufacturing capabilities, developing a wide range of movements. Although the ownership of the atelier has since passed on to the Japanese company Citizen Holdings, this commitment to in-house production has remained. It culminated in the form of the brand releasing more than 30 in-house calibres since then.

The Five Best Frederique Constant Watches At Second Movement

1. Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Manufacture (FC-705BG4S6)

The Slimline embodies the elegance that forms the very basis of Frederique Constant’s creative direction. It boasts a stunning ivory-coloured dial housing a minimal yet tasteful display. The moon phase indicator at six o’clock is beautifully executed and comes surrounded by a date scale. Powering this subtle-looking yet high-precision timepiece is the automatic calibre FC-705, visible through the exhibition caseback.

2. Frederique Constant Hybrid Manufacture (FC-750MC4H6)

Combining smartwatches with haute horlogerie is definitely a challenge, along with incorporating an elegant design worthy of being called luxurious. But Frederique Constant did it with its Hybrid Manufacture.

True to expectation, this timepiece impeccably fuses traditional watchmaking with cutting-edge technology. The hybrid mechanism combines the in-house FC-750 calibre with a battery-powered module. While the automatic mechanical movement powers functions like date and dual time, the battery gives you the functionality of a comprehensive step counter and sleep monitoring, which can be monitored and tracked by connecting the watch to a smartphone.

3. Frederique Constant Slimline Heart Beat Automatic (FC-312S4S6)

A timepiece from the signature Heart Beat collection of the maison, this watch boasts a distinctive design. It comes with a polished stainless steel case measuring 40mm in diameter and a humble silver dial. The watch stands out with the open aperture at 12 o’clock. This skeletonised window reveals the rhythmic beat of the automatic movement, giving a view of the open balance wheel and offering a peek into the intricate mechanical workings of the calibre FC-312.

4. Frederique Constant Manufacture Classics WorldTimer (FC-718DGWM4H4)

Beneath its elegant facade, this Manufacture Classics WorldTimer harbours the meticulously crafted in-house FC-718 calibre. The automatic movement not only accommodates the practical date function but boasts a remarkable solution to world-time complications as well. This feature facilitated the seamless tracking of diverse time zones, masterfully integrating a 24-hour disc and a constellation of global cities. Housing this stunning complication is the grey dial, which is nothing short of captivating, with a guilloche pattern on the six o’clock sub-dial.

5. Frederique Constant Classics Automatic GMT (FC-350WR5B4)

Combining globetrotting functionality with elegance is this Frederique Constant Classics Automatic GMT that allows you to track multiple time zones. The second time zone can be tracked with the red-tipped arrow at the centre, while the main HSM complication tells the local time.

The sizeable 42mm case allows the layout of this analogue timepiece to be clean and uncluttered, a signature of the Classic collection by Frederique Constant. The hour markers are in Roman numerals and present high visibility in their black typography against the pristine white background. The use of Arabic numerals for the second time zone and the date window at three o’clock further allows a neat overall look.

Conclusion

Today, Frederique Constant is celebrated as a watchmaker who combines classical values with modern sensibilities. With a history steeped in passion, innovation, and a commitment to accessible luxury, Frederique Constant continues to be a timeless symbol of elegant beauty and precision in the world of horology.