Frederique Constant Ladies Automatic Watches

The Story Behind the Birth of Frédérique Constant

Frédérique Constant was founded in 1988 by a Dutch couple, Aletta Francoise Frédérique Stas-Bax and Peter Constant Stas. They named the company after their great grandparents. It is interesting to note that many years earlier, in 1904, Constant Stas had founded a company that produced watch dials. The mission behind Frédérique Constant was not to cater only to an elite circle, but to make high quality, luxury watches accessible to common people.

The company soon gained a reputation for passionate designs, creative innovation and high-quality hand assembly. From 1995 onwards, Frederique Constant watches started being exhibited at the World Watch, Clock and Jewellery Show in Basel. The company flourished and the couple soon decided to move base to Geneva – the heart of watchmaking.

In 2002, the group diversified its interests by acquiring Alpina Watches, a Swiss sports watch manufacturer. As the company grew, it became recognized as one of the more prominent names amongst Swiss watch manufacturers. By 2011, Frederique Constant watches were available in over 100 countries. Production had crossed the 120,000 mark. In 2016, Citizen Holdings announced an intention to acquire Frederique Constant Holding SA.

What Makes Frederique Constant Watches Tick?

Since its inception, Frederique Constant has taken a stance to make luxury watches affordable without compromising on the quality or details. Each watch is designed with an eye for details and a style that promises to remain timeless. Designs and technology are constantly evolving. In 2001, the brand developed their first in-house watch movement in collaboration with the Écoled'Horlogerie de Genève, Écoled'Ingenieurs de Genève and the Horloge Vakschool Zadkine. This is known as the Heart Beat Movement. This innovation was later patented and in 2005 was awarded the Watch of the Year Award by the Horloges Magazine.

In 2007, they introduced the Heart Beat Calibre FC 935 Silicium. Constructed with innovative high-tech materials, this allowed the watch manufacturers to create more precise timekeeping instruments. A year later, in 2008, they created a tourbillon with amplitude of over 300 degrees. By 2014, the company introduced a total of 15 distinct movements.

Frederique Constant Watch Collections and Iconic Models

Frederique Constant currently offers 9 watch collections. With a variety of dial types, shapes and colors to choose from, the brand has something for almost everyone. Each collection is unique. For example, the Classics celebrate the purity of lines while the Yacht Timer pays homage to sailing as a part of the Dutch heritage.

In 2012, Frederique Constant introduced the Worldtimer watch. It had a unique mechanism that allowed the wearer to set the date and time for any of 24 cities across the world, simply by adjusting the crown. Beside that, the Runabout Product Line was another range that brought fame to Frederique Constant. This collection paid tribute to gentlemen’s sports boats of the 1920s. Another notable innovation was the Horological Smartwatch introduced in 2015. While the watch met modern smartwatch parameters such as motion and sleep tracking features, it distinguished itself with an analog dial. In 2018, the company revealed the world's first mechanical smartwatch that combined smartwatch technology with mechanical movements.

Market Value of Frederique Constant Watches

Frederique Constant has positioned itself in the accessible luxury segment. Most watches retail for between USD 1100 and USD 5500. Their watches are often considered a bargain since the brand offers solid in-house movements that use technology that is otherwise available only in very expensive watches. There are a number of models available in the below USD 1000 segment too. At the higher end, some models do cross the 5 figure mark.

The Frédérique Constant Ladies Automatic Collection

Designed by women, for women, the Frédérique Constant Ladies Automatic collection is feminine, elegant and sophisticated. These stunning timepieces reflect the aspirations of modern women via two categories; the Ladies Automatic and the Double Heart Beat. The Ladies Automatic is a series of 8 watches with round dials and leather or metal straps, while the Double Heart Beat series has 5 models.

Ladies Automatic Small Seconds FC-318MPN3B6

The Ladies Automatic Small Seconds FC-318MPN3B6 boasts a blue mother-of-pearl dial with a see-through case back and navy alligator leather strap. The watch has a 38-hour power reserve and is water-resistant up to 5ATM. On the dial, white printed Roman numerals mark the hours while a date window is set at the 6 ‘o'clock position and an off-center small seconds dial lets the wearer count time in seconds. There’s a choice of three other models in this Emblematic collection.

Ladies Automatic FC-303LGD3BD2B

If you’re looking for a watch that exudes a luxurious vibe, this is what you need. A light grey dial with sunray ornamentation set in a rose gold plated stainless steel case sits pretty with a bicolor rose gold-plated stainless steel bracelet. The indexes and the hands are rose gold plated as well. The watch face has 8 diamonds as indexes, with an additional 40 diamonds on the case. It has a 38-hour power reserve and is water-resistant up to 5ATM.

Ladies Automatic Double Heart Beat FC-310LGDHB3B4

Elegant and understated, this watch can beautifully complement any outfit you pick for the office or a Sunday brunch. The light grey dial features rose gold plated hands and Roman numerals and 6 applied diamonds for hour indices. These details complement the rose gold plated stainless steel case. The iconic heartbeat signature window marks the 12 ‘o’clock position. The watch has a 38-hour power reserve and is water-resistant up to 5ATM.

Ladies Automatic Double Heart Beat FC-310WDHB3BD6B

A perfect blend of classic and modern styles, this watch is a popular model for good reason. It features a white dial with 3 silver indexes and 6 applied diamonds to mark the hours. The iconic double Heart Beat finds a place at the 12 ‘o'clock position. A stainless steel case embellished with 40 diamonds and paired with a see-through case back held in place by a stainless steel bracelet completes the look. Also, the watch has a 38-hour power reserve and is water-resistant up to 5ATM.

Frederique Constant watches are the ideal choice for women who are aware of their unique beauty and power and are not afraid to make a lasting impression wherever they go. Whether it is a special occasion or just another day that you want to make special, Ladies Automatic watches are the ones to wear.