Sir Richard Branson offers his Frédérique Constant watch for charity

Over 3000 guests gathered at the Hangar in Brisbane for the star studded evening hosted by Global Entrepreneur and Virgin Group Chairman, Sir Richard Branson, The Hon. Anna Bligh, Premier of Queensland and Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey.

Following a candlelit dinner from 8pm when event organizers switched off the lights for Earth Hour along with millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities, entertainers Marcia Hines, Rogue Traders, Evermore and Housequake kept the crowd on the dance floor until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Nearly $1 million was raised on the night for projects and initiatives under the theme ‘Indigenous Peoples, Natural Environment’. Amongst the array of 'money can't usually buy' items in the mega charity auction, were two Frederique Constant timepieces worn by Sir Richard and Elka. Sir Richard’s Limited Edition timepiece from the High Life Collection is a signature piece from the brand featuring the unique ‘heart beat’ movement.

The ‘Heart Beat’ watch first developed by Frederique Constant in 1994 features a dial opening revealing the mechanical movement (or its “beating” heart). In 2004, after three years of research and development, Frederique Constant presented its first in-house movement, the ‘Heart Beat Manufacture.’ The company has since become a member of the small and exclusive group of Swiss watch manufacturers that produce their own calibres.

Frederique Constant is distributed in Australasia by the AVSTEV Group. Steven Rom, CEO, AVSTEV Group, acquired the distribution rights to the brand in 2006.