Frederique Constant TV Now Live!

Check out the new FCTV on www.frederique-constant.tv[[MORE]]

Positive comments on brand new Maxime Manufacture

From the forum on www.EquationOfTime.com:

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>> You know, initially I was going to say "boring!"... But then I got to thinking... Most current trends are to OVERSIZE, OVERSTUFF, OVERDESIGN! and this watch is the antithesis of those very concepts. I think part of my initial reaction was antipathy toward a maker with whom I am completely unfamiliar. This watch is classic, if a little monotone. The movement is beautiful. Yeah, I would not mind owning this. And I totally dig the radial numerals...!

>> I'll wind enthusiastically. I'd like to see a central seconds hand and perhaps a nibbled 5 & 7, but otherwise find little which requires complaint.

>>Awesome!!!! Love the Movement!!!!

>>No, not boring..... Especially that movement. Looks like a fairly unique balance regulation device there. The dial might have too many different textures, but I'd have to see it in person. I don't see the "old school Hamilton" thing, but it could be one of the VERY few radial numeral dials I could actually like!

 

>>Great back, great crown and a great dial, except for that date subdial. It's probably just me but I think it's really difficult to do the date radially like that. Whether the numerals go around the entire face or just a subdial, to me it's always looks jumbled. Date wheels, especially when matched to the dial, are a good thing.

>>Gorgeous design... I mean, really... that thing is a stunner.

Need we say more...?

 

 

Frederique Constant on aBlogtoRead.com

Watch makers like to attach themselves to cars whenever possible. Not that watches are like cars, but the idea is that people who appreciate cars can probably also appreciate watches. I have an idea why that is. Most cars can take you from "a to point b." Likewise, most watches will tell you the time. It is up to the connoisseur to make a determination on whether a specific car or watch performs its function well. That is the difference, and most of you know the pleasure of driving a car that takes pleasure in driving.

It is for that reason that watch makers like to latch on to cars of legendary esteem, and pay tribute. The Austin Healy 3000 is the car to which Swiss watch maker Frederique Constant makes tribute with the new Frederique Constant Austin Healy watch. While the British sports car maker had many hit, especially here in the US the Sprite to mention another popular model, the 3000 was one of the most beautiful. The best modern car to compare it with would be a Mazda Miata. The Austin Healy 3000 was sold through the late 60s, and offered the type of nimble handling in a great looking roadster that no American car could match. Although the 3000 did not include an enormously powerful engine, it was more a handling car, than a speed demon. Inside, drivers were acquainted with a classy interior only a European car could deliver at the time. From a wooden dash, to a thin steering wheel, it was an achievable dream car for many give the reasonable price. It was an "everymans" weekend car.[[MORE]]



I am glad that Frederique Constant chose a real drivers car that impacted the lives of many, instead of some elusive super car that only a handful of people have actually driven. For the many collectors that own restored Austin Healy, this will make an excellent companion, and serve as a nice reminder for those who used to have one.

Ive never owned an Austin Healy, but my father did when I was a kid. And I recall sitting in the drivers seat as a child and feeling excited that someday I may get to own a car such as that. It was a regular guys cool car, and it was the best of an era. While he sold the car long ago, I still remember it, and he will appreciate this watch.

As for the watch itself, it shares the same approach as the Austin Healy 3000. A simple and effective design that parallels the ideals of the Austin Healy 3000. The look is mildly reminiscent of some Jaeger leCoultre watches, and the strap is a pure racing strap with the large port holes. The watch dispenses with many of the gimmicks that a lot of racing watches have, such a chronograph with a tachymeter that no one really uses.



The large outlines font for some of the numbers as well as the faceted hour markers are a nice touch, and give it a sports sophisticated look. I am not in love with the "triple date window," but it does help with keeping the watch face symmetrical. The case is a good 43mm in size, the crystal is sapphire, and the water resistance is 100m meters. Interestingly enough, the ETA automatic movement probably an ETA 2824-2 is decorated with perlage and cotes de Geneva polishing. A nice touch for this price point which is about $1000-$1500.

The case is 18k gold plated, which is enough for me. The two color options are a black face and white face. Both work very well with the aesthetic of the car, which itself came in more than two colors. Frederique Constant has always represented excellent value through its watches as they offer reasonable prices for a good product. The Austin Healy Limited Edition watches will only have 1,888 pieces which will likely go quickly. The best part is that the watch presentation box comes with a model of the car. Now that is cool.

Pre-Basel News: Maxime Manufacture Automatic

Frédérique Constant is proud to introduce its new Maxime Manufacture Automatic. In addition to the successful Heart Beat Manufacture collection, Frédérique Constant now announces a new chapter in its history of in-house developed movements.[[MORE]]

Five years ago, in 2004, Frédérique Constant entered the elite circle of Swiss watch brands that develop and produce their movements in-house. The successful introduction of the Frédérique Constant Heart Beat Manufacture was a giant leap for this young and innovative Geneva-based brand, which further secured and underlined its independence.

 

Still today, no other Swiss, classical watch brand in the Accessible Luxury-segment has achieved a similar development of producing its own movement.

 

This year, Frédérique Constant continues to innovate with its new Maxime Manufacture Automatic. With the all-new, in-house manufactured FC-700 caliber, the brand shows once again its level of sophistication in the field of technical know-how and movement production.

Stay tuned for more news!

For Press information, please contact:

Yasmina Pedrini (pedrini@frederique-constant.com)

Caroline Delmonte (delmonte@frederique-constant.com)

 

Pre-Basel News: Ladies Love Heart Beat

Frédérique Constant is proud to introduce its new “LOve Heart Beat” models. The new version of the highly successful Ladies Automatic Heart Beat series comes with an original dial design and in exciting colors.[[MORE]]

After the success of the first series of Double Heart Beat ladies watches, introduced in 2006, Geneva based Watch Manufacturer Frédérique Constant presents a new version of this passionately feminine wristwatch. A new creative timepiece designed by ladies – for ladies: the “LOve Heart Beat”.

After the worldwide recognized Double Heart Beat Dial aperture, which became an iconic product within the Frédérique Constant collection of Ladies’ watches, the new “LOve Heart Beat” model features a very special LOve aperture in the dial, set with diamonds and a liberally opened O-shape to let us discover the escapement of a finely decorated automatic movement, also visible through the back of the case thanks to the sapphire crystal.

 

For Press information, please contact:

Yasmina Pedrini (pedrini@frederique-constant.com)

Caroline Delmonte (delmonte@frederique-constant.com)

New Frederique Constant USA office just opened!

Manufacture Tourbillon in Rose Gold

Introducing the new Frederique Constant subsidiary office, now opened in the United States.  Frederique Constant is excited to have a hands on approach, to better serve and to have a closer relationship with its USA partners. The US team looks forward to a lot of exciting news from Frederique Constant in 2009![[MORE]]

Please find enclosed a beautiful new picture of our fascinating in-house manufactured Tourbillon timepiece.

2009, a year full of opportunities!

At Frederique Constant we look forward to working hard and passionately this year to realize success in the current climate. Obviously, as always there will be winners and losers. For us to remain a winner, we aim to make use of our inherent strengths and brand values. 

Our Value Proposition

Frédérique Constant offers watches in the Accessible Luxury segment. It has been our strategy during the past 15 years to offer high quality watches at sensible prices. With a strong collection in the EUR 400-1200 retail price range, Frédérique Constant is well positioned to remain succesfull and to further expand in 2009. [[MORE]]

Classical Values 

Frédérique Constant watches are mostly very classical. Even our slightly contemporary timepieces radiate typical Swiss watch making values. Already during the past years, we have seen a consistency in the success of our classical timepieces.

Strong New Collection

For this BaselWorld, we have created an exciting portfolio of new products, following our core values.

Marketing and Brand Awareness

In past years, Frédérique Constant has invested more and more in advertising and PR, namely in Airline Magazines, International Newspapers and on Airports. But also events and ambassadors have been part of the activities. Based on the reactions and catalogue requests from the end-consumer, the number of hits on our web-and blogsites and of course our sales results for 2008, we clearly see that the brand awareness of Frederique Constant is increasing dramatically. In addition, we have a comprehensive PR & Online Strategy in which we aim to excel and be original. In 2009, we will continue and even expand these activites.

So, only one conclusion possible for Frederique Constant: 2009, a year full of opportunities!