Showing posts with label Peter Stas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peter Stas. Show all posts

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Frederique Constant Core Values - ACHIEVEMENT

Frederique Constant Growth 1992-2012At Frédérique Constant, we believe that for any company to be successful, they must aspire to, establish and abide by a strong and dynamic set of core values.

We see our core values not as rigid guidelines that limit or inhibit our workforc

e, but as a creed that constantly encourages our dedicated and talented employees, and reassures our customers that Frédérique Constant will never be satisfied just to be successful. We aim for more...much more...which is why the first of our clearly defined core values is “Achievement.”

Frederique Constant Growth 1992-2012

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How do you measure achievement?

Achievement can be measured in so many ways, and at Frédérique Constant we look at all these standards of measurement; then we look for more.

Growth is what drives our company, because through growth, we can continue to encourage and invest in the many things that are important to Frédérique Constant. Over the past quarter of a century, the company has experienced unrivalled growth in the Swiss watchmaking industry, averaging a 25 percent increase in sales each year during that time.

People at Frédérique Constant watches come to work with a winner’s mentality, knowing they are an important part of a highly successful company. Our employees’ achievements have brought recognition and rewards. Because of their success, the company has been able to invest in an ultra-modern, 32,000 square foot facility with the most attractive, dust-free and climate controlled working environment.

The exceptional growth in the sales of Frédérique Constant watches has allowed the company to invest in the newest, most technologically advanced equipment in the industry, helping to ensure and sustain growth in the years to come and job security for our employees. At Frédérique Constant, achievement has led to success, and that success has been one of our greatest achievements. We work hard to sustain this success.

With success comes responsibility

Donation 75'000 US$ to the ICHF Donation 75'000 US$ to the ICHF

Rather than rest on our laurels and concentrating solely on sales and profits, the men and women who are the driving forces at Frédérique Constant have always believed that successful companies have a responsibility to give something back to people at home and abroad, and to the planet on which we live.

We understand that we have been fortunate, and we see it as our duty to do our utmost to help those less fortunate than ourselves. As such, Frédérique Constant has been a passionate advocate of and contributor to a wide variety of charities, and in particular those that deal with children, education and heart disease.

In China, the company joined forces with one of that country’s greatest movie stars, Miss ShuQi, to visit young patients in the cardiology department of Beijing Children’s Hospital. Frédérique Constant also sponsored the redecoration of the hospital’s wards in conjunction with the Paint a Smile Foundation.

Achievements in innovation

One of the greatest achievements to which any watch maker can aspire is the creation and production of their own calibres. In the past 11 years, Frédérique Constant have managed this achievement with not one, but eleven calibres in our Manufacture Range of watches. Our company is one of the very few Swiss watch manufacturers that can actually claim to produce and use their own calibres in-house, a fact even more amazing considering Frédérique Constant is a family-owned business, not part of some giant, faceless corporation.

Passion drives us to achieve

“Live Your Passion” is the company slogan, but it doesn’t just apply to our customers. Every watch maker who works at Frédérique Constant is truly passionate about what she or he does for a living. This is what we encourage and what we expect from each of our employees.

Frederique Constant Original Heart Beat 1994 Frederique Constant Original Heart Beat 1994

Passion is what makes the heart beat faster, so what better way to demonstrate our passion than through our most successful watch. In 1994, we developed our first Heart Beat watch.

We wanted our customers to be able to see the inner workings—the heart and soul—of our mechanical watches, so our designers placed an aperture directly over the balance wheel. This allows the proud owner of a Heart Beat watch to see the intricate movements that go on beneath the surface.

Greater achievements to come

Our goal has not just been to achieve. It is to continue to achieve, to succeed...to win for generations to come. Only by continued investment in our workforce and new technology can we be assured of

future success.

By continuing to achieve, we can also continue to do those things we are most passionate about; helping others and giving back to the global community. For that is our greatest achievement of all.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Frederique Constant “Smart Buy”

Frederique Constant Automatic Runabout Modern luxury culture fueled by commercialism seems to advocate purchases of luxury items at very high prices. Some people seem to focus only on how expensive an item is instead of focusing on its value. This unfortunate practice has eroded the true traditions of luxury where price was ultimately the function of the intrinsic value and quality of the item being purchased.

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Frederique Constant’s buying viagra concept of providing accessible luxury timepieces stays true to the tradition of providing luxury items for an owner’s personal satisfaction. Frederique Constant provides value regardless of price and not the other way around where value is used as an excuse to drive prices of luxury items higher.

Such purchases could be termed a “smart buy”, where the buyer knows they own a respected and recognized item known for its value rather than its cost.

As smart buyers, Frederique Constant owners are self-satisfied; they acquire products of luxury that have been developed by passionate watchmakers with an perfectionist eye and drive for detail. Frederique Constant owners know the value of what they own.

Live Your Passion.

Friday, March 2, 2012

What is Accessible Luxury?

Frederique Constant Manufacture

Manufacture Calibers are a Luxury Differentiator

By definition accessible luxury refers to items of luxury which are available at an accessible price, however to some the idea of accessibility seems alien when the subject of luxury is discussed. Take for example the undiscerning buyer who might have the financial wherewithal to purchase an expensive product without understanding the finer details about its intrinsic qualities. This sort of person merely understands luxury products as expensive items which are largely unavailable to most. With this in mind, why should anyone want a luxury item which is available to a greater number of people at an accessible price?

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The answer to this question lies with the discerning buyer of luxury purchases, who understands that luxury products are not just about their prices alone but mostly about the quality of the item being purchased. Quality refers to the constituent materials used in making the product, the finesse and extent of the craftsmanship involved and the reputation of the brand behind the product.

With items such as luxury watches, it is widely known that the best items in this niche are largely made in Geneva, Switzerland, an area renowned for its watchmaking practices and innovations which have held the attention of those who understand the nature of timepieces for centuries. However, some brands have taken advantage of this reputation to develop expensive products on a purely commercial basis which limits the purchase of such items to a very few, including buyers who view the cost factor as the sole criterion for identifying items of luxury.

These practices are usually justified as being due to the rarity of the watches in question, the number of items made for a particular collection as well as cost of precious materials used in their manufacture.

Frederique Constant New Classics Manufacture


Still a watch buyer should always be able to relate the cost of a product with the value of the item being purchased. At Frederique Constant, our focus is creating luxury timepieces with an intrinsic value usually greater than the offer price of the products being sold. Intrinsic value involves the quality of product both in terms of design, materials used in manufacture and adherence to Swiss watchmaking standards as well as traditions.

Our timepieces are exclusively manufactured by hand while the processes involved are regulated with the latest precision equipment available in the industry backed by years of research & development. We recruit passionate watchmakers from time honored watch making schools whose reputations are an intricate part of Swiss watchmaking history.

Unlike a number of other brands worn for the name recognition and price tag alone, you will rarely find a Frederique Constant watch in the hands of an individual who is not a connoisseur of finer points of watches and life in general.

Frederique Constant offers watches as an accessible luxury while maintaining a perfect and delicate balance in terms of pricing, quality and availability. Making watches with a beautiful design and of quality is our passion. Lovers of the brand, and what it stands for, are partners in this shared passion

for fine timepieces.

Thank you for your attention. Please feel to contact me and share your thoughts. Thank you in advance.

Peter Stas

Saturday, December 10, 2011

When Swatch will reduce movements' supply

MaximeFor about 20-30 years, Swatch has been the supplier of mechanical movements and their components for most of the Swiss watch industry. Despite its historical relationship, Swatch would like to reduce deliveries of calibers and assortments.

The watch industry has always been a horizontally organized industry. Also the Swatch Group purchases many parts, caliber anti-shock systems, rubies in calibers, dials, cases, etc from specialized manufacturers. Many factories that produce these components are shared by multiple brands, including Frederique Constant and Swatch Group brands. The horizontal organization of the Swiss watch industry has been one of the key drivers for the comeback after the nearly fatal Quartz Crisis in the 1970-1980’s.

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In the Western World, when a monopolistic stakeholder decides to cut supply, antitrust authorities protect smaller players, giving them time to organize themselves. However, in this case, the Comco (the Swiss antitrust governing authority) immediately awarded the Swatch Group an ability to reduce deliveries up to 30%.

So, do independent watchmakers have to give-up? Certainly, a number of smaller manufacturers will be forced out of business. Fortunately, Frederique Constant is large enough to develop its own watch calibers.

Frederique Constant Manufacture Calibers Frederique Constant Manufacture Calibers


In 2001, Frederique Constant began the development of its first manufacture caliber in co-operation with the École d'Horlogerie de Genève, École d'Ingenieurs de Genève and the Horloge Vakschool Zadkine. The Heart Beat Manufacture has the characteristic bridge for the balance wheel on the front side of the caliber. Having the bridge for the balance wheel on the front side of the caliber made it possible to have the spiral and fine regulation on the front side as well, creating a much more appealing Heart Beat design. This construction was new - allowing Frederique Constant to obtain a patent.


In 2008, Frederique Constant introduced its first Tourbillon Manufacture movement with Silicium (Silicon) Escapement Wheel. There are three main advantages compared to a regular escapement wheel:

  • No oiling necessary

  • Surface ultra smooth

  • Weight 1/5 of steel


As a result, the Frederique Constant Tourbillon has an amplitude of over 300 degrees in dial-up and dial-down positions. Even in the crown-down position, the amplitude is over 275

degrees, which is substantially better than the performance of other high-end tourbillons.

Frederique Constant Maxime Caliber

In 2009, Frederique Constant launched its second base manufacture caliber. Component rationalization and assembly efficiency were the top priorities for the development of this caliber. Result was an overall 35% cost saving compared with the earlier Heart Beat Manufacture caliber.  Various new technologies were incorporated. For the first time, a Swiss watch manufacturer introduced a watch with a manufacture caliber below Euro 2000 retail.

Peter Stas
Co-Founder and CEO
Frederique Constant SA
Geneva, December 2011

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Frederique Constant 5th Anniversary of the Manufacture


Last Thursday, June 16th, 2011, the Frédérique Constant Group celebrated the 5th Anniversary of its Manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. The wonderful party, which took place in various tents in front of the Manufacture was attended by over 300 guests from around the globe.


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Distributors, Retailers, Brand Ambassadors, Members of the Press, Friends and the company’s Staff enjoyed a great night-long party, to celebrate the great success achieved by the Brands that the group consists of today: Frédérique Constant SA, Alpina Watch International SA and Ateliers deMonaco SA.


‘In 2006, we inaugurated our Manufacture and some of you were already present back then. At that time, of course we forecasted a significant growth of our production. However, nobody could have expected or even dreamed that today we are able to announce that our production grew over 250% in just five years time! We are honored and delighted to announce this great news, and we deeply thank all our partners -of which many are here tonight- for their never-failing support’ said Peter Stas, Co-Founder & CEO of the Group.


During the evening, Peter Stas revealed three special timepieces featuring in-house movements, one for each Brand. All of them specifically developed and produced to celebrate this Anniversary, and all of them released in Limited Editions.


Frédérique Constant launches the Manufacture Tourbillon in 18K Rose Gold, with a unique, white ‘Grand Feu’ enamel dial, limited at 188 pieces. Alpina releases the Startimer Pilot Manufacture in 18K Rose Gold, limited at 888 pieces. Last but not least, Ateliers deMonaco presents the very special ‘La Sirène’. This exclusive timepiece celebrates the entrance of dMc into the women’s high-end watch category. The dMc La Sirène, in 18K White Gold, is inspired by and named after Mrs. Charlene Wittstock, in honor of her marriage to HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. Production is limited at 8 pieces.


The Frederique Constant Group works together with numerous Ambassadors that proudly endorse its Brands. Many of them were present to celebrate this milestone, among them the newest member of the family: Frederique Constant Ambassador Miss Earth 2010 & Miss India 2010, Ms. Nicole Faria. Nicole actively participated in one of the highlights of the evening: together with Aletta & Peter Stas, she led the Charity Auction benefiting the International Children’s Heart Foundation. The brand has been associated with this wonderful foundation for several years, through its global advertising campaign for the Chocolate Double Heart Beat Ladies’ Watch.


Two timepieces were auctioned off among the guests. First up was the last available Frederique Constant ‘Heart Beat Manufacture Edition Plan les Ouates’ (ref FC-910MC4H8). This is a rare limited edition of 188 pieces in 18K White Gold, launched in 2006 to commemorate the inauguration of the Manufacture Building. Second piece was a Chocolate Double Heart Beat (ref FC-310CDHB2PD4) worn by Nicole Faria and offered by her especially for the Charity Auction. Together, the two lots recorded an amount of US$ 24’250. Frédérique Constant gladly accepted these means towards a check of US$ 75'000, donated that same evening to the Founder & CEO of the International Children’s Heart Foundation, Professor Dr. Bill Novick.


Nicole Faria said: “I am delighted to be here tonight and proud to be part of the Frederique Constant family! I have noticed the successful development of this beautiful brand around the world, and in particular in my home country, India. Besides the fact that I will soon feature in the Ladies advertising campaign, tonight I have gladly participated in the Charity Auction, which was a great experience!”


To finish the official part of the evening, the team of the Frederique Constant Group expressed their wishes for the future, and mutually concluded that if they all continue to Live their Passion, a bright future lies ahead!


Live your Passion!


Thursday, May 26, 2011

Frederique Constant - Une Manufacture à coeur ouvert

Voici un article sur la Manufacture Frédérique Constant paru dans la Revue des Montres en Mars 2011.

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Live your Passion

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Peter Stas - Frederique Constant CEO - interview on Luxury Channel



Peter Stas- Frederique Constant CEO - was interviewed on Luxuy Channel for the luxury leaders broadcast. He is coming back on the Frederique Constant heritage and the brand strategy of the past years.

Live your Passion!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Peter Stas - Frederique Constant's CEO - interview on CNN


Check out this video interview of Peter Stas, Frédérique Constant's CEO, who tells CNN's Monita Rajpal about his brands unique marketing strategy.

Live your Passion!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Peter Stas - Frederique Constant CEO - on CNN


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Last week during the Frederique Constant Private Watch Fair in Geneva, Peter Stas - Frederique Constant CEO & co-founder - has been interviewed for Luxury Life on CNN.

Here are the times Luxury Life will air.

The first show aired at 14h00 London time today.

The next showing is at 22h00 Central European Time (CET).

Saturday 22 January
15h00 CET
22h00 CET

Sunday 23 January
11h00 CET

Tuesday 25 January
12h30 CET
19h30pm CET

Live your Passion!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Frederique Constant in WatchWorld Magazine


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Great cover article about Frederique Constant in WatchWorld Magazine, one of the leading watch magazines in Europe!

To read the article, click here

 

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Grand Opening of the first Frederique Constant boutique in Hong Kong

On October 19th 2010, Frederique Constant opened its first ever boutique in Hong Kong. Shu Qi - Frederique Constant Ambassasdor for Greater China - and Peter Stas - founder and CEO of Frederique Constant were attending the opening ceremonie.


[[MORE]] First ever Frederique Constant Boutique in Hong Kong opening ceremonie with Shu Qi - Frederique Constant Ambassador - and Peter Stas - Founder and CEO of Frederique Constant.




Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Frederique Constant teams up with Actress Eva Longoria for the prestigious Par Coeur Gala 2010

Frederique Constant at Par Coeur Gala 2010 Aletta & Peter Stas offering a Frederique Constant watch Love Heart Beat to Eva Longoria


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Annual Charity Gala September 20, 2010 in Paris

Frederique Constant, one of Switzerland’s leading watch brands, is honored to be the official sponsor of the Par Coeur Gala 2010.  This Gala event, hosted by the founders of the Par Coeur Association, actress Eva Longoria and NBA star Tony Parker, was once again in Paris at the beautiful Cambon Capucines Pavillon by Potel and Chabot. The Par Coeur Association, a French foundation, seeks to bring attention to fiscally responsible charities that continuously make substantial differences in the lives of countless families and children worldwide.


This year, the gala benefits “Toutes A L’Ecoles,” a non-profit organization that operates to create schools and educational programs for young girls in developing countries, as well as “Eva’s Heroes,” a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of those with developmental challenges by creating environments in which they are free to interact, grow, learn, and love.

The annual Par Coeur Gala is meant to be a night of hope and inspiration, attended by prestigious guests and celebrities, with the sole of aim of benefiting Par Coeur Association’s charity partners.

“We are proud to be the official partner for this year’s Par Coeur Gala,” said Frederique Constant CEO Peter Stas. “We are committed to celebrate and support those passionate charitable organizations that go the extra mile to improve the lives of less fortunate people worldwide.  Thus, Frederique Constant and the Par Coeur Association form a perfect match.”

Frederique Constant’s company motto is “Live your passion” and it is true passion that made CEO Peter Stas and his wife Aletta Bax evolve from lovers of fine watches into the reputable founders of one of the main success stories within the Swiss watch industry.

“Each year, the gala gains more and more attention and attendees, and we are so honored to have Frederique Constant participate as our official sponsor,” said Eva Longoria.  “This year’s Par Coeur Gala will bring together individuals who are dedicated to making a contribution to improving the lives of young girls.”

Live your Passion


Click on the pictures to enlarge



Monday, July 5, 2010

Frederique Constant Passion Awards for Charity


Frederique Constant hosted the glamorous Passion Awards for Charity Dinner at Cipriani Wall Street, awarding the American Heart Association with a $50,000 check for their charitable efforts to prevent heart disease and stroke.[[MORE]]


Frederique Constant’s Founder & CEO Peter Stas presented the check to Senior Vice President Helaine Baruch of the American Heart Association, witnessed by over 80 guests.


Just as Frederique Constant’s success was built on passion, the people behind the American Heart Association passionately go ‘the extra mile’ to keep America’s hearts healthy. Actress Candice Accola from CW’s hit show The Vampire Diaries attended to accept the check together with Helaine Baruch.


Helaine Baruch said: “Like Frederique Constant, the American Heart Association is also driven by passion. All of our work is done with one goal in mind – to create a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. That’s our passion.”


Candice Accola said: “This evening as we speak about passion, Frederique Constant has recognized the American Heart Association for it's passionate work in saving lives. The American Heart Association continues to remind us of the importance of keeping a healthy heart. And after all, doesn't passion come from the heart?”


The overriding factor for the success of Frederique Constant has been Passion. Passion that made Peter & his wife Aletta evolve from lovers of fine watches into global producers. This is why the company slogan has always been ‘Live your Passion’. And why for the third time, Peter & Aletta are proud to announce the Frederique Constant Passion Awards. Through these awards, they personally aim to reward charitable organizations that are driven by Passion, and celebrate and support their entrepreneurial success. The Passion Awards have evolved in to an institution through which Frederique Constant gives back to society, and namely to people that are less fortunate.


Peter Stas said: “ Driven by Passion since we started our company, Frederique Constant is very honored tonight to award the American Heart Association and their passionate projects to safe lives. We wish and hope that our donation will permit them to actualize their goal.” Winners of the previous editions of the Frédérique Constant Passion Awards are Dr. William Novick of the International Children's Heart Foundation and Mrs. Laura Cotton of the Paint a Smile Foundation.




Live your Passion!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Frederique Constant hosts glamorous dinner in New York City, celebrating the Passion Awards for Charity 2010


Geneva, June 24, 2010. Many elements inspire success. Goal, energy and ambition play their part. But the fundamental element in building a successful charity is Passion. Passion for your mission, Passion to do good, Passion to give back.

Twenty years ago, Peter & Aletta Stas started a company that was unlikely to succeed. They founded a new fine Swiss watch brand. The market for hand-made, high-value mechanical watches was dying. They were very young. And not even Swiss, but Dutch. Two decades later, Frédérique Constant is one of the main success stories within the Swiss watch industry. The company grows 25-35% annually. In 2010, with a team of just 100 people, Frederique Constant expects to produce and sell over 100,000 watches in 90 countries.

The overriding factor for this success has been Passion. Passion that made Peter & Aletta evolve from lovers of fine watches into global producers. This is why the company slogan has always been ‘Live your Passion’. And why for the third time, Peter & Aletta are proud to announce the Frederique Constant Passion Awards. Through these awards, they personally aim to reward charitable organizations that are driven by Passion, and celebrate and support their entrepreneurial success. The Passion Awards have evolved in to an institution through which Frederique Constant gives back to society, and namely to people that are less fortunate.

Winners of the previous editions of the Frédérique Constant Passion Awards are Dr. William Novick of the International Children's Heart Foundation and Mrs. Laura Cotton of the Paint a Smile Foundation.

After two memorable editions in Geneva, this year the city of cities was chosen for this very special event: New York. The prize in 2010 will include a generous donation of USD 50’000,- towards the winning charity, as well as Frédérique Constant timepieces.

The check handover will be part of the exclusive, celebratory Passion Awards for Charity dinner, hosted by Peter & Aletta Stas, and taking place in New York City on June 29th at Cipriani Wall Street. There, celebrities and other Friends of the winning charity and of the brand, will witness a presentation as well as enjoy a culinary supper.

Live your Passion

Friday, November 20, 2009

Frederique Constant Founder & CEO Peter Stas hosts Master Class at New York Institute of Technology

peter-stas_june09_2


On December 2nd 2009, a unique event will take place in New York City. On that day, Frederique Constant Founder & CEO Peter Stas will host a Master Class at the New York Institute of Technology, on building a successful international watch company.[[MORE]] It will be the first ever Master Class hosted by this renowned university, solely about a Swiss watch brand.

Live your Passion

Peter C. Stas, Frédérique Constant Founder & CEO

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

View Frederique Constant on TimeTV.com!

Now, you can discover the Maxime Manufacture Automatic, the Runabout Chrono-Automatic and the Love Heart Beat, presented by Frédérique Constant CEO Peter Stas on TimeTV.com.

Please follow this link for direct access:

http://www.thetimetv.com/index.php?bcpid=1859671254&bclid=1460932187&bctid=18815431001

For more movies, please go to www.frederique-constant.tv