Showing posts with label value. Show all posts
Showing posts with label value. Show all posts

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

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Frederique Constant Runabout Moonphase


Geneva, Switzerland – July 2011

Since 2009, Swiss watch Manufacturer Frédérique Constant celebrates the legendary Runabout yachts of the roaring 20s by offering an attractive series of limited edition timepieces named “Runabout”.

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To complete the best-selling range, the Geneva-based brand this year introduces a new version: the Runabout Moonphase. Absolutely magnificent through its stunning design, this model is available in a limited quantity of just 1’888 pieces per material. Featuring a case diameter of 43mm and presented in stainless steel or rose gold plated, the new Runabout Moonphase watches offer finely decorated silvered dials. With a delicate guilloche decoration at the centre, hand-applied Arabic indexes, and perfectly positioned Day-date and Moonphase indicators, these watches exude an uncluttered elegance, just like the Runabout yachts on which they are inspired. Through the sapphire case-back, the decorated automatic movement can be admired. Traditionally, each Runabout timepiece comes with its own luxurious, handmade wooden case that echoes the passionate craftsmanship of the yachts. Alongside the watch, a miniature reproduction of a classic Runabout boat can be found inside the unique gift box.

To promote the entire Runabout Collection, Frédérique Constant is honored to be the Official Sponsor of the 39th annual Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance Wooden Boat Show, at the North shore of Lake Tahoe in Carnelian Bay, California, USA.

On August 12 & 13, 2011, more than 100 classic and antique boats and over 5’000 visitors will arrive at one of the world’s most renowned mountain lakes, bringing a sense of old world glory to Carnelian Bay, for the 39th annual Lake Tahoe Concours d’ Elegance. The event is a compilation of the best vintage boats from North America, competing in 13 specialized classes for top honors and bragging rights, in what is considered to be one of the premier judged wooden boat shows around the world. If you enjoy the art of restoration to “as delivered from the factory standards” and classic beauties on the water, then this is an event you do not want to miss!

During the event, Frédérique Constant presents the outstanding Runabout Collection to the public and will award the Best of Show with an exclusive Runabout Moonphase watch.
More about Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance

The Lake Tahoe Concours d’ Elegance Wooden Boat Show, founded by members of the Tahoe

Yacht Club in 1972, and hosted by the Club’s Foundation since 1994, is regarded nationally as the premier event for maritime enthusiasts. Heading into its 39th year, the Foundation has selected ‘Gar Wood - the Gentleman’s Runabout’ as featured Marque Class. These luxurious and powerful “aristocrats of motorboats” were first introduced in 1922 by inventor, industrialist and record-setting speedboat racer Garfield A. Wood and are a fan favorite. The Lake Tahoe Concours d’ Elegance showcases from 75 to 110 antique boats each year and draws more than 5’000 participants and visitors. The goal of the Foundation is to maintain the heritage of wooden boating while providing an entertaining and learning experience for all to enjoy. With proceeds from the Concours, the charitable Foundation has awarded more than $250,000 in grants to non-profit organizations in the Tahoe Basin to advance maritime education. Visit the website at www.LakeTahoeConcours.com for more information.