Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Slimline Tourbillon Manufacture Range

Following on from the successful launch of our Ladies’ Slimline Collection, Frederique Constant is delighted to present the limited edition gentlemen’s Slimline Tourbillon Manufacture. With an appearance that is at once classical and timeless,

while at the same time fresh and modern, this new model perfectly illustrates all that is good, all that is exciting, and all that is unique about Frederique Constant timepieces.

Individually numbered, only 188 of each Slimline Tourbillon Manufacture model will be available to the public. Each will be presented in a beautiful wooden gift box, and features a technologically advanced manufacture movement that is unique to Frederique Constant, the silicium escapement wheel and lever.

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The silicium movement has added greater durability, unrivalled accuracy of timekeeping, and reduced service requirements to models that were already among the most technologically advanced in the world. With a fast 28,800 beats per hour, each watch in the Slimline Tourbillon Manufacture range will not only keep time better than ever thought possible in a mechanical watch, it will also provide a 48-hour power reserve.



Clean lines give the slim stainless steel case an even more sophisticated, 50’s-style appearance. The thickness of the watch’s body incredibly measures less than a single centimetre, and the beautiful, understated raw materials lend a quiet elegance, even an unspoken self-assurance to this timepiece, much like the men who wear them.

Two models in the Slimline Tourbillon Manufacture range are offered; one with a polished all-stainless steel case and the other with a shining stainless steel main body accentuated with a stunning 18-karat solid rose gold bezel. The back of the case is covered with see-through sapphire crystal, allowing owners the opportunity to see firsthand the finely decorated calibre with it’s rose gold plated rotor.

The rich silver, curved dial features beautiful, rose gold-plated indices, all hand applied in-house by Frederique Constant’s skilled craftsmen and women. The dial also boasts a day-night indicator, and finally, there’s a fine view of the tourbillon cage at the 6 o’clock position.

Both models feature a 60-second tourbillon, in which the seconds hand is actually an integral part of the rotating tourbillon cage. One complete rotation of the dial takes place each minute, putting both elegant beauty and incredible technology on display at the same time and in the same place.

An elegant watch needs a strap befitting the timepiece it surrounds. The Slimline Tourbillon Manufacture models each come with an alligator leather strap with a folding buckle, allowing the watch to sit easily and comfortably on your wrist.

Frederique Constant has always believed that truly exceptional hand-made watches of the quality on offer in the Slimline Tourbillon Manufacture range don’t have to come at an outrageous price. Up till now, anyone looking at a true tourbillon watch could expect to pay anything from €50,000 to €60,000 and upwards. Some of our competitors “boast” of watches that cost many multiples of those prices.

For that reason, we are pleased to offer the new Slimline Tourbillon Manufacture models starting at just €26,500 for the stainless steel version, and €28,500 for the 18-karat rose gold bezel version.

If you’d like additional information on our Slimline Tourbillon Manufacture range, please visit our website, of if you prefer, you can contact us directly. Enquiries can be directed to Mrs. Yasmina Pedrini through her e-mail address: pedrini@frederique-constant.com.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

What Every Man Should Have in His Wardrobe... And on His Wrist

There are some things a man just shouldn’t be without, and good grooming is right at the top of that list. Depending on the occasion, of course, what a man wears will say as much about him as the car he drives or the money in his wallet.

A sen

se of style doesn’t have to be expensive.

Some things never change. A classic becomes a classic because it has a timeless elegance and sophistication that endures throughout generations, trends, crazy fads and world wars. Because of this, there are a number of items every male old enough to shave should have in his wardrobe.

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The clean white shirt
It doesn’t matter whether you’re going out in blue jeans or to dinner with the ambassador’s daughter. A crisp, clean white shirt will never, ever look out of place, and this is the first item of clothing that no man should be without. From the rolled up sleeves of a presidential election candidate to the suave sophistication of James Bond, you’ll find a white shirt says an awful lot about the man, but says it with a quiet confidence that doesn’t require bold, brash bravado.


The shoes
Black or brown? Loafers or laces? The truth is, both will work with a nice two-piece suit, but they need to be leather, and they need to be immaculate. Scuffed shoes are like bad haircuts—they can both ruin an otherwise perfectly acceptable ensemble. And canvas is for sailors and artists; that is, acceptable in certain situations but not with a good, classic suit.

Loafers are simplistic and minimalistic so will never really go out of style, but if you’re going to go without laces, it’s probably best to stick with basic black. Whereas, if you want to go with the more traditional look, i.e. leather and laces, a nice brown pair of shoes will not look out of place with a navy or even a black suit.



You can get away with just one suit
While it would be preferable to have more than one in your wardrobe, it’s certainly possible to get away with a single two-piece suit, but there are some conditions attached. If you’re just going to have one (as we said at the outset, style doesn’t have to be expensive), then try to avoid bright colours and/or wide pinstripes.

Let’s be honest—if you wore a sky blue suit to every occasion, people are going to notice you, but not necessarily in a positive way. On the other hand, if you stay with a darker colour like navy, gray or even black, you’ll always look good, and it’s unlikely anyone would even wonder if it’s the same suit you wore to the last big event.

The other thing you’ll have to remember if your wardrobe is limited to one suit is to take very good care of it. Get it dry cleaned whenever the need arises, and always remember to store it in such a way as to keep it looking its best. Do that, and your suit could give you a lot of years of faithful service, and you’ll look good every time you wear it.

When it’s cold outside...
The arrival of cold weather shouldn’t mean a departure from good fashion sense. Quite the contrary, in fact, as a man’s overcoat can add to his stylish appearance.
As with the white shirt and the suit, subtle colours and a single-breasted style will stand through the ages, so think of that when making your selection. Also, try to pick out a coat made from an always-popular fabric. Let’s face it, you can’t go wrong with cashmere.



Accessories
Now that you’re wrapped up from head to toe, you’re all sorted, right? Wrong! Accessories play a key role in polishing off your look, and without the right ones, your efforts can be largely wasted.

If the occasion calls for a tie, you might feel you can get away with something flashy, since you’re wearing a white shirt and solid-coloured suit. However, the truth is, if you want something that will look good today, and in 20 years, go with something solid and dark. Navy blue or deep burgundy will never look out of place.

While gold cufflinks are popular, silver is more subtle and will never look out of place, provided they’re not adorned with slogans or shaped like dinosaurs.

Even your wallet can contribute to the fashion statement you want to put across. Once again, something simple and understated, but made out of classic material will stand the test of time. There can be no doubt that black, leather, bi-fold men’s wallets will be around as long as there are credit cards, photos of the kids and paper money in circulation.

The watch is all-important
You’ve walked into the finest restaurant in the city and taken off your cashmere coat to reveal your dark gray suit, white shirt with silver cufflinks and burgundy tie. Your shoes are shining like the sun. You look like a million dollars, and then a lady who no doubt wants to get to know you better asks you the time.

You look at your watch, but before you can tell the lady that it’s 7:35, she’s already looking elsewhere. That’s when you remember you’re wearing a quartz watch with a rubber strap that looks like it should be on the wrist of a 12-year-old skateboarder.

A mechanical watch that exudes good taste is perhaps the ultimate fashion accessory. Frederique Constant specialises in producing watches that appear classic and at the same time contemporary. They are elegant but never gaudy or ostentatious. They are handsome and will never, ever look out of place.


Look at the wrist of any modern-day statesman, any man of style...any gentleman, and you will see a fine watch there. Consider, for example, the Frederique Constant Classic Manufacture time piece. Can you ever imagine a watch this elegant, even this sensual, ever going out of fashion?


We can’t; we don’t believe a watch like this would ever look out of place, and that’s why we continue to passionately design and produce watches that will, for many generations to come, make a quiet, confident statement about the men who wear them.

Format

There are some things a man just shouldn’t be without, and good grooming is right at the top of that list. Depending on the occasion, of course, what a man wears will say as much about him as the car he drives or the money in his wallet.
A sense of style doesn’t have to be expensive.
Some things never change. A classic becomes a classic because it has a timeless elegance and sophistication that endures throughout generations, trends, crazy fads and world wars. Because of this, there are a number of items every male old enough to shave should have in his wardrobe.
The clean white shirt
It doesn’t matter whether you’re going out in blue jeans or to dinner with the ambassador’s daughter. A crisp, clean white shirt will never, ever look out of place, and this is the first item of clothing that no man should be without. From the rolled up sleeves of a presidential election candidate to the suave sophistication of James Bond, you’ll find a white shirt says an awful lot about the man, but says it with a quiet confidence that doesn’t require bold, brash bravado.

The shoes
Black or brown? Loafers or laces? The truth is, both will work with a nice two-piece suit, but they need to be leather, and they need to be immaculate. Scuffed shoes are like bad haircuts—they can both ruin an otherwise perfectly acceptable ensemble. And canvas is for sailors and artists; that is, acceptable in certain situations but not with a good, classic suit.
Loafers are simplistic and minimalistic so will never really go out of style, but if you’re going to go without laces, it’s probably best to stick with basic black. Whereas, if you want to go with the more traditional look, i.e. leather and laces, a nice brown pair of shoes will not look out of place with a navy or even a black suit.

You can get away with just one suit
While it would be preferable to have more than one in your wardrobe, it’s certainly possible to get away with a single two-piece suit, but there are some conditions attached. If you’re just going to have one (as we said at the outset, style doesn’t have to be expensive), then try to avoid bright colours and/or wide pinstripes.
Let’s be honest—if you wore a sky blue suit to every occasion, people are going to notice you, but not necessarily in a positive way. On the other hand, if you stay with a darker colour like navy, gray or even black, you’ll always look good, and it’s unlikely anyone would even wonder if it’s the same suit you wore to the last big event.
The other thing you’ll have to remember if your wardrobe is limited to one suit is to take very good care of it. Get it dry cleaned whenever the need arises, and always remember to store it in such a way as to keep it looking its best. Do that, and your suit could give you a lot of years of faithful service, and you’ll look good every time you wear it.
When it’s cold outside...
The arrival of cold weather shouldn’t mean a departure from good fashion sense. Quite the contrary, in fact, as a man’s overcoat can add to his stylish appearance.
As with the white shirt and the suit, subtle colours and a single-breasted style will stand through the ages, so think of that when making your selection. Also, try to pick out a coat made from an always-popular fabric. Let’s face it, you can’t go wrong with cashmere.

Accessories
Now that you’re wrapped up from head to toe, you’re all sorted, right? Wrong! Accessories play a key role in polishing off your look, and without the right ones, your efforts can be largely wasted.
If the occasion calls for a tie, you might feel you can get away with something flashy, since you’re wearing a white shirt and solid-coloured suit. However, the truth is, if you want something that will look good today, and in 20 years, go with something solid and dark. Navy blue or deep burgundy will never look out of place.
While gold cufflinks are popular, silver is more subtle and will never look out of place, provided they’re not adorned with slogans or shaped like dinosaurs.
Even your wallet can contribute to the fashion statement you want to put across. Once again, something simple and understated, but made out of classic material will stand the test of time. There can be no doubt that black, leather, bi-fold men’s wallets will be around as long as there are credit cards, photos of the kids and paper money in circulation.
The watch is all-important
You’ve walked into the finest restaurant in the city and taken off your cashmere coat to reveal your dark gray suit, white shirt with silver cufflinks and burgundy tie. Your shoes are shining like the sun. You look like a million dollars, and then a lady who no doubt wants to get to know you better asks you the time.
You look at your watch, but before you can tell the lady that it’s 7:35, she’s already looking elsewhere. That’s when you remember you’re wearing a quartz watch with a rubber strap that looks like it should be on the wrist of a 12-year-old skateboarder.
A mechanical watch that exudes good taste is perhaps the ultimate fashion accessory. Frederique Constant specialises in producing watches that appear classic and at the same time contemporary. They are elegant but never gaudy or ostentatious. They are handsome and will never, ever look out of place.

Look at the wrist of any modern-day statesman, any man of style...any gentleman, and you will see a fine watch there. Consider, for example, the Frederique Constant Classic Manufacture time piece. Can you ever imagine a watch this elegant, even this sensual, ever going out of fashion?

We can’t; we don’t believe a watch like this would ever look out of place, and that’s why we continue to passionately design and produce watches that will, for many generations to come, make a quiet, confident statement about the men who wear them.
Path:

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Runabout Venice Limited Editions

Runabout Venice

Frederique Constant introduces the ‘Venice Editions’ of the Runabout, consisting of a Chronograph version and a Three-hand Automatic with date. Both timepieces feature a stainless steel case and a silvered dial with applied, rose gold plated Arabic indexes. A light brown strap with off-white stitching accentuates the rose gold plated indexes on the dial. Our Italian clientele defined this sophisticated combination of design elements. This year Frederique Constant hosts the Runabout Challenge in Venice, Italy, so it was only logical to design the Runabout Venice Edition, based on the input from the Italian market. The outcome is a beautiful collection! But then again, it’s not for nothing that Italy has always been famous for its sense of style…


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Runabout Venice

The new models are available in a limited editions of 1’888 pieces per version. Featuring a case diameter of 43mm and presented in stainless steel, the new Runabout Venice Editions offer finely decorated silvered dials. With a delicate guilloche decoration at the centre, hand-applied Arabic indexes, and perfectly positioned Chronograph counters, these watches exude an uncluttered elegance, just like the Runabout yachts by which they were 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.

Runabout Venice Event

Runabout Venice Event

Runabout Challenge 2012 in Venice
End of April 2012, Frederique Constant hosted a unique event on the waters of Venice, to celebrate its connection with Runabout boats. After sponsoring the Helice Classique on Lake Geneva and the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance in the USA, it was time to organize a dedicated Frederique Constant Runabout event. A select group of 200 clients and members of the press enjoyed a three-day event in the City of Water. A large fleet of Runabout boats, gathered specifically for this event proved to be stylish means of transportation and offered amazing views of Venice. During the actual Challenge, teams in each Runabout boat had to compete for the Frederique Constant Runabout Trophy. The event’s aim was to pay homage and to gather many of the remaining Runabout yachts. Yachts that today - as in their heyday - symbolize elegance, sophistication and ageless design. It is these characteristics that make the devotion of Frédérique Constant to Runabout boats so apt, so perfect, because those same values and qualities apply to the Runabout Collection.

Runabout
A Runabout is a gentlemen’s motorboat holding between four and eight people, well suited to moving about on the water. The first runabouts date back to the 1920s and were originally small, fast, powerful varnished wooden boats created to take advantage of the power of a V8 inboard engine. In order to gain speed, the hull shape had to be designed to take advantage of hydroplaning; a hydrofoil-like design would allow the boat to skim atop the water's surface at high speed instead of needing to push aside large quantities of water to move forward. A classic Runabout boat is a design icon, a moving sculpture in wood, chrome and glass that commands attention wherever it goes. Add to this a long list of famous owners and an association with exotic Mediterranean locations such as Monaco and San Tropez, and it is no wonder that the Runabout has, over time, become a legend. The iconic style of Runabouts frequently features in advertisements and editorials.

Frederique Constant Runabout Automatic Venice Frederique Constant Runabout Automatic Venice

Frederique Constant Runabout Venice Giftbox Frederique Constant Runabout Venice Giftbox

For more information, please feel free to contact Mrs Yasmina Pedrini via pedrini@frederique-constant.com.

More high resolution images: Click here

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 MOON TIMER

Frederique Constant Moon TimerInspired by the Moon

Who doesn't enjoy gazing up at the moon from time to time? We have all stood outside on a cloudless night, and looked up to a clear sky, dotted with stars. Of course the object that stands out most is the

Moon.

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Since the dawn of man, the moon has been the centerpiece of numerous reactions and beliefs. Religions, scientific theories, superstitions, and political agendas have been derived from the moon. One thing that has fascinated us is the "shadows" that seem to fall on the Moon. These shadows are assumed by most to be the earth blocking the sun's rays on the Moon. In fact, this is a false assumption.

We see the different stages of the moon because of the position of the Earth and the Sun. The angle from which the light hits the Moon determines how we view the Moon.

The Earth completes one rotation every 24 hours as opposed to the moon, which takes 29.5 days. During these phases, the moon goes through a cycle that we can all watch and chart. The Frederique Constant Moon Timer plays homage to the Moon. The watch depicts the phases of the Moon in a subtle display at 6 O'clock.

Powered by the delicately decorated automatic cal. FC-330 movement beating at 28’800 Bph and exposed through a see-through case back, the Frederique Constant Moon Timer is a beautiful timepiece. The design of this classical model is ultra clean and functional. The watch is presented on a hand-sewn leather strap as well as on a sporty-elegant stainless steel bracelet. Aligned

with the different available dial variations, straps come in dark brown and deep black.

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