When I hear Frederique Constant and Austin Healey, one word immediately comes to mind; tradition. Both brands, after all, have collaborated for 17 years and counting, through their Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Collection to create Austin Healey racing inspired watches. The collection has seen various types of dial designs and complications over the years including a dial with a ‘triple date window’ and several different types of chronographs. Frederique Constant’s latest announcement displays yet another evolution in the collection and a welcomed detour, with an off center seconds sub dial and a modern grey dial. This new release is the equivalent of passing by a vintage Austin Healey; you’re going to take a second look.
Frederique Constant leads off the Frederique Constant Vintage Rally collection with a contemporary grey dial model wrapped in a wearable 40 mm polished stainless steel case that is just a hair above 11 mm thick. The matte grey dial gives the Vintage Rally Healey an updated, sleek look, and, as with most well executed grey dials, it’s not too serious like a black dial tool watch, but not too striking like a brightly colored dial watch. The off center sub dial is confidently located at 9 and the red small seconds hand contrasts quite nicely. The oversized numerals located at 12 and 6 are a staple of the Vintage Rally collection, and center the rest of the silver colored and hand polished applied hour indices and hands, filled with white colored lume.
I dig the dial asymmetry with the off center sub dial, however I’m particular when it comes to the symmetry of the hour markers, and if you do look closely, the hour marker at 3 seems to be ever so slightly smaller than the hour marker at 9. It’s not a deal breaker for me, as the asymmetric dial and overall design make for an attractive piece. The grey dial model comes with a grey racing style calf leather strap with tonal grey stitching, completing the ‘All Grey Everything’ affair.
If being greyed out isn’t your speed, then Frederique Constant Vintage Rally offers up a pair of different colorways with their ‘International Models’. We get the traditional ‘British Racing Green’ á la the classic Healey rally car, and like the aforementioned grey model, it’s encased in polished stainless steel with polished indices and hands, and fitted with the small red seconds hand. And what better way to complement a green dial than with a brown racing leather strap and white stitching to suit the white graduated 60 minute scale.
Its counterpart is dressed up in a rose gold plated case with matching indices and hands, and accompanied by a midnight navy blue dial and matching leather strap. All three watches are powered by Frederique Constant’s FC 345 Calibre (a modified Sellita SW-200), the iconic NOJ 393 engraved on the case-back and a complete gift set including a miniature NOJ 393 model.
Category: Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant Yacht Timer
I’ve been a pretty vocal advocate for micro-brand watches, and for good reason. I’ve found that many micro-brands are able to deliver excellent quality products, and for great prices. This isn’t typically a knock on more established luxury watch brands, but given the nature of the industry, smaller teams operating with direct to consumer sales models are able to better optimize their final retail prices. But if micro-brands start to drive up their prices, then there should be no reason to avoid larger brands like Hamilton, Frederique Constant, Certina, Tissot, Alpina, etc. These brands have been around for a while, and some of their watches are pretty impressive.
Since Baltic and Lorier decided to venture close to the $1000 category, with mostly typical Frederique Constant Yacht Timer gmt watch designs and specs, I decided I would take a look at some of the other options available in this category. The Baltic and Lorier were very well received, but there are other GMT watches out there at similar prices. The Frederique Constant Yacht Timer GMT is one such watch; although following a very different design aesthetic. This particular watch has a retail price of around $2000, but can be found close to the $1000 mark.
Located on the outskirts of Geneva, Frederique Constant operates from a modern production facility. From the outset, the company’s objective was to create quality watches at very keen prices. Indeed, the founders of the Maison, Peter Stas and Aletta Bax, have frequently stated,’ let more people enjoy luxury’.
Some of watchmaking’s old guard have been in existence since the 18th and 19th centuries, hence, in comparative terms, Frederique Constant is a young company. It was founded in 1988 and has since enjoyed exponential growth. In 2004, the luxury brand unveiled its first Manufacture movement, a technical feat which has eluded many firms. Today, the brand has produced 29 different calibres, demonstrating its ingenuity and technical capability, two attributes which are at the heart of the brand’s culture.
In 2019, the luxury marque unveiled the Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown. As its name suggests, this watch is designed for regattas, where five dots on the dial transition from one colour to another, signifying the countdown to the start of a race.
This latest version of the watch, presented in a stainless steel case, features a gorgeous anthracite guilloché dial and is equipped with the brand’s in-house FC-380 calibre.
A Frederique Constant signature timepiece, the Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown made its return to the watchmaking scene in 2019. It joined the Maison’s collections as early as 1997 at the instigation of its co-founder Peter Stas, who is passionate about sailing and the open sea himself.
Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown offers a technical complication popular with fans of yachting and regattas: the countdown to the start of the race. Its classically stylish new look is the epitome of luxury sports chic, designed for regattas and relaxed pontoon times alike.
Housed in an elegant 42 mm polished stainless-steel case, the new Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown presents an anthracite grey dial, playing on the colour harmony. Inspired by the most stunning examples of traditional luxury watchmaking, this new dial features a guilloché decoration. This age-old finish affords the light a regular pattern, where it can dance, stretch out and be reflected, like waves and swells, presenting an ever-changing appearance depending on the viewing angle. To complement this elegant symphony of tones, this new version comes with a matching stainless-steel strap made up of alternating polished and satin finished links, fastened with a folding buckle.
Frederique Constant Runabout
These limited-edition Frédérique Constant Runabout Automatic watches are inspired by “gentlemen’s sport boats of the roaring twenties.” It’s important to explain this and emphasize their nautical, Italian nature as well as the wood and chrome runabout boats (“most commonly seen on the canals of Venice”) they are meant to reference – because otherwise they might be mistaken for just basic but handsome, three-hand automatic Swiss watches. So, with that imagery in mind, let’s consider how these Frédérique Constant Runabout watches fit into the brand that is so well-known for entry-level value.
The entry-level Swiss luxury watch market must be an incredibly intense space to operate in. Frédérique Constant has proven itself agile and dynamic, however, recently offering in-house movements, a “horological smartwatch,” a perpetual calendar watch for around 8,000 Swiss francs… all among their standard fare of good value for classic and mostly uncontroversially designed watches. The Frédérique Constant Group also has Alpina for sport watches and Ateliers DeMonaco for more haute horology stuff. And now, they have been acquired by Citizen Watches, which also puts them under the same expanding umbrella as Bulova, Arnold & Son, Angelus, and movement maker La Joux-Perret. So, there is a lot going on at Frédérique Constant, and looking at the brand, I think: “They are in it to win this game.” They are, at the very least, certainly worth keeping tabs on.
The Riva Historical Society provides the context for this batch of limited edition Frédérique Constant watches. Frédérique Constant partnered in 2009 with the Italian non-profit organization that helps preserve these cool old boats, and the brand puts out limited-edition watches to honor the relationship each year. Past models included chronographs and moon phases, and these Frédérique Constant Runabout Automatic watches offer just three-hand time-telling, and the date at 6 o’clock. This picture should give you a basic idea of the kind of boats we are talking about and the lifestyle association they are going for:
What may help these Frédérique Constant Runabout watches stand out a bit, and what may not be immediately clear from these images, is that the somewhat conservative designs come in a 43mm polished case. That should give some wrist presence and machismo to their otherwise restrained personality. They appear designed to be elegant and not overly flashy – which I can appreciate – and legibility promises to be pretty good on both models, but especially the white-dial one.
All the basic stats and details you should be looking for in this segment check out, of course: sapphire crystal, some texture and dimensionality to the dial, lumed hands and indices, and a see-through sapphire (that’s a bonus) caseback to display the Swiss automatic movement. The case is water-resistant to 100m, which seems appropriate for a watch with an aquatic theme – and we’d actually like to see pretty much all modern watches with that rating.
The Frédérique Constant Runabout Automatic is powered by the automatic (obviously) FC-303 movement (4Hz, 42-hour power reserve) which is a base Sellita SW200-1 “assembled in the Frederique Constant manufacture.” It’s sure to have a custom-decorated rotor of some sort, but we unfortunately don’t have any images of that for the moment. The flag of the Riva Historical Society is also apparently etched into the case back window.
Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic
If there’s one thing (among others) that Frederique Constant is good at, it is to create classic and elegant watches at fair prices. Of course, the brand also knows how to bring complex watches to a wider audience – think about its in-house perpetual calendar – or even recently to design a watch that can compete in the sports watch with an integrated bracelet. But clearly, the elegant all-rounder watch is somehow a speciality at Frederique Constant, with a collection named, rightfully so, Classics. And this year, the brand has decided to bring some fresh air and a contemporary twist to this collection, with the new Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic.
Whether barrel-shaped, round or rectangular, the watches from the Frederique Constant Classics collection share some common hallmarks, namely an appeal for Roman numerals, polished cases with sleek lines and textured dials with guilloché-like patterns. Furthermore, these can feature simple but useful complications, such as date, day, month and chronograph or elegant moon phases. Certainly, these watches are timeless but might, for some, lack modernity and this is why, this year, Frederique Constant has decided to bring a decidedly modernized version of the Classics Index Automatic, as well as new time-and-date and GMT models powered by quartz movements. What remains, however, is the accessible price range.
The new Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic remains part of a pillar collection for the brand and retains some of the elements known from this collection. What mostly change here is a more dynamic style for the dial, sleeker and younger, but still elegantly designed.
The case of this Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic measures 40mm in diameter and about 10mm in height, a reasonable size that allows the watch to be worn on a daily basis, even for business purposes. The slim bezel opens on a wide dial that brings immediate legibility. The entire case is polished and shows gentle curves. It is equipped with a sapphire crystal on top and the caseback is solid stainless steel. Also, the water-resistance is rated at 50m, which makes it a care-free all-rounder watch. On the wrist, the feeling of a modern watch with casual elegance is present and the comfort is reinforced by its short lugs. The case is available either in stainless steel or with a rose gold plating.
What drastically changes compared to other models in the Classics collection is the dial. No more traditional guilloché-like pattern and blue hands, the new Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic opts for dynamic hands and applied indexes filled with luminous material and a plain matt blue, white or black dials, with a slightly grained effect. A simple minute track is printed on the periphery and a date window, making sense in this daily-beater context, sits at 3 o’clock. Sleek and restrained, it also feels pleasantly finished.
In order to retain its accessible price, the Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic isn’t powered by one of the brand’s manufacture movement but instead rely on an outsourced, tried-and-tested automatic engine, the Calibre FC-303, also known as a Sellita SW-200. Beating at 4Hz, it stores 38 hours of power reserve.
The watches are worn on a slightly casual strap that complements its look, made of calf leather strap with alligator embossing and nubuck finishing. The edition with a blue dial is also available on a 5-row polished stainless steel bracelet.
The Frederique Constant Classics Index Automatic is now available from the brand’s online boutique. Prices start at EUR 895 for a steel model on a leather strap, up to EUR 1,095 for a rose gold-plated edition. A rather pleasant price for a Swiss watch made by an established brand, also making it the most accessible FC watch with an automatic movement.
Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Chronograph
Here at HODINKEE, we cover a lot of different watches, from breathtaking vintage pieces to cutting-edge marvels of high technology. We strive to show you only pieces that represent value – whether monetary, aesthetic, or technical – though often these watches fall outside the range of financial accessibility for a large segment of the population. With this in mind, we offer you The Value Proposition, a weekly column exploring watches under $3,000 that we believe offer true value without compromising technical or aesthetic quality. The first watch we’ll look at is the Frederique Constant Classics Manufacture in stainless steel.
Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Chronograph is a relatively new Swiss brand, founded in 1988 by Peter Stas and Aletta Bax (the brand name is derived from Peter and Aletta’s respective middle names). From the beginning, the firm was focused on producing mechanical wristwatches made in Switzerland at an affordable price point, and the Classics Manufacture fully embodies this ethos.
At first glance, the watch appears elegant with its classic silver hobnail guilloché dial and simple 42mm stainless steel case. The black hour, minute, and second hands are all hand-polished and made of black oxidized metal that complements the Roman numerals surrounding the main dial. With the black alligator strap, this is the type of watch that works very well on a daily basis for business while still packing a punch for even more elegant occasions.
At 6 o’clock, you’ll find the watch’s only complication, a date function with sunray guilloché decoration. With the exception of the “31” and “1” being set too close together, the dates are legible around the dial. The sunray guilloché pattern on the dial contrasts nicely with the main dial’s hobnail guilloché decoration, creating visual texture that is dynamic, yet still subtle due to the monochromatic color scheme.
The date sub-dial bisects the words “Swiss made” – a designation taken very seriously by Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Chronograph. There is no outsourcing for its in-house movements; all components are made in Switzerland, primarily in the manufacturer’s Plan-les-Ouates factory.
Early on, the brand used ETA movements and then later used ETA components in its “in-house” movements. However, now everything is custom made for the manufacture movements. Certain parts like rubies and wheels are produced in collaboration with other production facilities in Switzerland, though all these facilities utilize procedures developed by Frederique Constant.
The Classics Manufacture is powered by calibre FC-710, an in-house automatic movement with 42-hour power reserve. While a portion of the movement is decorated with perlage and Côtes de Genève, the brand forgoes decoration on the underside of components to further support an accessible price point. For the money though, the finishing is nice and clean instead of going for a faux-luxe look.
The Frederique Constant Classics Manufacture is priced at $2,795, coming in just under our $3,000 bar. At this price however, it’s certainly one of the few watches in its class with an in-house, Swiss-made calibre and solid finishing across the dial, case, and movement.
Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer
A quartz moonphase makes sense for most people that want a moonphase complication. I know a lot of people that have gone for a mechanical moonphase that don’t leave it on a winder.
I don’t judge, I do the exact same thing- my Longines Master Collection Moonphase isn’t on a winder, either. D’oh!
In any case, a moonphase is a nice complication to add to a dressier watch. It adds something interesting to the watch, as well as a bit of color to the dial. To enjoy the complication the most, I’d get mine with a quartz. Set and forget – at least for a good long while – and always in sync with the Earth’s largest satellite. Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer
In December, I had the unbelievable luxury of being able to pick any watch I wanted to photograph and review. So, I thought it’d be nice to check out another Frederique Constant and picked the FC-270SW4P5 Business Timer. This upscale quartz is packed with the usual trimmings (sappphire/etc.) and three subdials: day/date, and moonphase.
Certified Watch Store delivered this to my door on December 19 and currently has it available for Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer. It is also currently available on Amazon for Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer.
As far as notable Swiss watchmakers go, Frederique Constant is relatively young. Founded in 1988, the roots of the company reach as far back as 1904 (you can learn more about their heritage here). They are based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva and have successfully competed toe to toe with many other entry-level luxury watch manufacturers since the launch of their first collection in 1992.
In 2002, the company acquired Alpina watches – another brand I’ve been itching to get some face time with – and have been heavily invested in the entry-level luxury watch market. Accessible luxury is a pillar of their brand identity, as is in-house manufacturing and handmade quality.
Several weeks ago I reviewed the Mido Commander II, which I thought was an awesome looking watch that was held back a bit by its gold PVD bracelet and case. Like the Mido, this Frederique has a gold case. However, unlike the Mido, the gold on this case appears to be better able to withstand the rigors of daily wear.Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer
That’s a great thing, too, because it’s absolutely posh in yellow gold. It’s elegant yet and subtle – its 40mm diameter case and cream/gold dial limit just how much gold the watch can project.
A brown Crococalf leather strap also goes a long way in toning down the impact of the gold and is a nice complement to the color scheme.
The strap is comfortable to wear, and it molded to my wrist quickly.
I find it interesting that they opted for a classic buckle on the Business Timer. A deployant clasp would suit the watch well, especially because it’s likely to get a fair amount of wear. Considering the MSRP is north of $1,000 (even if only just), it also seems price appropriate.
Deployant or not, the buckle shows the same quality as the rest of the watch. The logo engraved on the buckle is even and free of defects. It looks quite regal.
I am a sucker for a classic dress watch, and the Classics Business Timer (appropriately named) jives with my tastes. I especially love the week counter, which surrounds the dial and is referenced by a black arrow with a red head.Frederique Constant Classics Buisness Timer
The day and date subdials are both finely grooved, as is the covered 2/3’s of the moonphase display. The rest of the dial is textured – like thick cardstock paper – and luxurious. The golden applied indices are free of defects and looks great. Aside from the gold hour/minute hands, the only other touch of gold on the dial is the moon and the stars in 6 o’clock moonphase display.
Without question, the Business Timer is a fine looking dress watch and an excellent example of how Frederique Constant can deftly execute on a classic look.
The Business Timer pairs with just about everything and looks great doing it. It’s sized perfectly and isn’t too tall. It tucks under a cuff and doesn’t tower off of your wrist.
For the $475 – $600 grey-market price it sells at, you have plenty of options from both large and microbrand manufacturers with an auto or mechanical that offer a similar combination of functions and styles. However, this Frederique Constant will be one of the only Swiss brands you’ll find, and it is one of the best looking options you’ll find, too.
Compared to the Slimline that I reviewed a few weeks ago, this FC is more upscale, complicated, and attractive. If I wanted a gold watch with an interesting complication to wear regularly, this would be on my list.
Our friends at Certified Watch Store sent us this Frederique Constant for my review. I wore the watch for a period of 2.5 weeks before writing this review.
We have an affiliate relationship with CWT. If you purchase the watch after clicking on a link to their site from ours, we will receive a small commission from that transaction. This is the primary method that we use to monetize the website and fund our costs (which, to date, has included nearly $5,000 in camera/lighting equipment, $50/mo software/hosting fees, etc.).
We understand that this may skew your perception of our review. We do not slant our reviews based on this relationship. If this makes you uncomfortable but you still want to buy the watch, simply do so from a non-affiliated store. However, we would sure appreciate if you supported WYCA – one of the only real hands-on review sites on the web – by shopping at our affiliate partners.
Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT
Last month, we were given word that the entirety of the Frederique Constant Classics lineup was getting a bit of a freshening up. Across the line, these are clean and competent pieces. However, for me, there was just one that jumped out and made me take notice – the Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT.
Now, long-time readers will know that I’m a big fan of a Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT watch. Which, in some regards, is a bit absurd. While I travelled occasionally, it’s not like I was some business jet setter. And of course, over the last year, I’ve not gone more than a single time zone away, and that was by car. So, whither the GMT? For one, I still just like it, as it’s a handy indicator of whether the watch is in the first 12 or second 12 hours (handing when setting a mechanical). Secondly, at work, our servers keep themselves on UTC time. So, a watch like this can help me to translate the server logs when I need to look at them.
Whatever the reason, it’s a handy complication to have, and one that shouldn’t add a tremendous amount to your servicing costs (I mean, it’s another gear, not a whole seperate module, basically). And, like a date window, you may not always need it, but you’ll appreciate it when it’s there. From my experience with prior FC watches, the case, dial, and handset all say to me, very much, that this is a Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT watch. It’s well-sorted, legible, and gives a subtle elegance to things.
Now, these are indeed powered by a quartz movement, but that’s no need to resort to hand-wringing. In fact, it helps keep the costs down, which is something we’ve seen rising over the past few years with their mechanical movements. The 40mm case should fit a variety of wrists, and the overall styling lends itself well to the office as well as dressier occasions, particularly on the steel bracelet. The leather straps, on the other hand, helps to get things a little more casual.
Interestingly enough, the Frederique Constant Classics Quartz GMT does NOT appear on the US site for whatever reason. It is there on the global site, so that’s what we’ve linked at the end of the article. That site lists things at 790 CHF, which is about $850. A little spendy for a quartz, but it’s what we have for entry level from FC (if you want sportier, go for stablemate Alpina) these days. For me, I rather like the look (blue dial all the way), and certainly wounldn’t – as John puts it – kick it out of bed for eating crackers.
Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Men watch
Frederique Constant is a Swiss company that specializes in selling and manufacturing affordable, luxury watches. Compared to many of the most famous Swiss watch manufacturers – such as Patek Phillipe – it is a very new company, as it was only founded in 1988 by Aletta Francoise Frédérique Stas-Bax and Peter Constant Stas.
Frederique Constant was purchased by Citizen watches in 2016, but even though the owner is now Japanese, Frederique Constant watches continue to be manufactured and designed in Geneva, which means that they are still very many Swiss watches.
If you look at a Frederique Constant watch, then it is apparent that the core values of the company have been represented in every level of design and construction. Frederique Constant is a watch company that has a clear ethos. The four most important elements that you will find in all Frederique Constant watches are attention to detail, cutting-edge innovation, precision design, and optimal quality.
Frederique Constant watches are available for men and women. When it comes to men’s watches you can purchase a wide variety of styles, including dress watches, as well as horological smartwatches. There is a huge choice of beautiful women’s watches too, and if you are seeking a luxury watch as a present for someone special in your life, then Frederique Constant watches are a superb choice.
Frederique Constant is a company with a conscience. Frederique Constant works most closely with heart-related charities, and it has been known to donate considerable amounts of money to these charities. It is a close partner with the World Heart Federation. Frederique Constant is known to run regular fundraising events in conjunction with the World Heart Federation which also raises awareness about heat-related illnesses.
What Makes Frederique Constant Watches so Special?
Frederique Constant manufacture luxury watches that have gone through a tremendous amount of quality control from each level of production, beginning at the design stage. This focus on design means that Frederique Constant watches are made with a lot of forethought, which often leads to a desire to innovate, leading to cutting-edge watches, just like the Frederique Constant horological smartwatch which was the very first smartwatch of its kind.
Unlike other smartwatches, the Frederique Constant horological smartwatch is able to monitor your movement and sleep through an analog dial, which means that it doesn’t feature a digital face, like most other smartwatches.
The fact that Frederique Constant watches manufacture affordable, luxury watches means that there is a lot that makes these Swiss watches so special. A signature design feature that has won countless awards for Frederique Constant is the Heart Beat movement that was first developed in 2001 but wasn’t featured in a Frederique Constant watch until 2005.
It isn’t the only innovative movement that you’ll find in Frederique Constant watches. In fact, there are more than fourteen original movements that are available on Frederique Constant watches. Worldtimer is another of the great movements that you might find on Frederique Constant watches.
Frederique Constant watches are also likely to contain some variation on the silicon escapement wheel that was first created by another manufacturer of Swiss watches, Patek Phillipe. This mechanism allows for a much more accurate and precise watch that will never lose time. Frederique Constant has also created a tourbillon that includes its innovative silicon escapement wheel.
The brilliance of Frederique Constant watches isn’t simply reliant upon the quality of the mechanisms or the attention to detail that is paid at every level of design and manufacturing. No, Frederique Constant watches are also extremely beautiful to look at, and they make a wonderful addition to anyone’s wrist.
These beautiful, Swiss watches aren’t just the preserve of men seeking dress watches either – which often the case with luxury watches. Frederique Constant sells both men’s and women’s watches, which means that you are able to purchase affordable, luxury watches made by Frederique Constant whoever you are.
Where Can I Buy Frederique Constant Watches?
Frederique Constant is a manufacturer of luxury watches, for that reason its watches are only available at official retailers. If you visit the Frederique Constant website, then you are able to purchase Frederique Constant watches direct from its online store. You will also find a page on the Frederique Constant watches website where you can put in your postcode and find the nearest retailers of its watches. There are also a number of online retailers where you can purchase Frederique Constant’s affordable, luxury watches at a lower price than the official retailers.
Frederique Constant watches come in a wide variety of styles. Not only can you buy dress watches or sport watches, but you can also purchase beautiful women’s watches too.
The top Frederique Constant men’s watches include the Classics Index Automatic which features an FC-316 automatic movement, as well as a solid gold case and a silver color dial.
Another top Frederique Constant men’s watch is the Classics Heart Beat Moonphase watch, which is an outstanding luxury watch with an automatic movement and water resistance up to 40atm.
The Classics Delight Automatic is another one of the top Frederique Constant watches that looks incredible due to the 25 jewels encrusted into it.
When it comes to women’s watches, there is a lot to choose from at Frederique Constant.
The Classics Art Deco oval is a top choice for women looking for a beautiful Swiss watch that keeps truly accurate time.
Another of the best Frederique Constant women’s watches is the Classics Carree, which is stunning in design, especially the model that features a gorgeous red leather strap. It is splashproof, has a silver dial, and has a stainless steel case.
There are so many amazing Frederique Constant men’s watches to choose from, that it is difficult to pick a single Frederique Constant watch that is the very best. The Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Quartz came very close to being the top pick. But when it comes to Frederique Constant men’s watches, then the Classic Hybrid Manufacture is simply the best.
It features an FC-730 Manufacture Caliber movement that is automatic and dates adjustable. The case is made from stainless steel but it has been given a rose gold polish to give it a stunning look. Overall, it is a beautiful watch that is a pure luxury at an affordable price.
Best Frederique Constant Watch for Women
When it comes to women’s watches, there is one Frederique Constant watch that towers about all others. It is the Double Heart Beat watch. Everything that the world loves about Swiss watches is evident in this timepiece which is a thing of beauty, as well as an accurate watch with an FC-303 movement.
Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Automatic
There are some powerhouse names in the Swiss watchmaking industry, and each has its own implied level of quality and design. Everyone knows brands like Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Patek, and Audemars Piguet have an understood level of craftsmanship.
But what about a smaller brand like Frederique Constant Classic Heart Beat Automatic? Are Frederique Constant watches good?
That’s precisely what this article will figure out. We’ll go over some of the history of Frederique Constant, the pros and cons of the brand, and some of the most popular watches. By the end, you’ll be able to decide if Frederique Constant watches are good.
Frederique Constant is a relatively new company as far as Swiss watch manufacturers go. The company saw its beginning in 1988 when Aletta Francoise Stas-Bax and Peter Stas created the company.
As legend has it, the company name is a combination of both founder’s grandfathers’ first names: Frederique Schreiner and Constant Stas.
While the company might not have 150 years of watchmaking history to claim, it’s certainly been busy for the last few decades. In 1992, Frederique Constant launched its first collection of six Geneva-assembled watches consisting of Swiss movements.
Two years later, it produced its first “Frederique Constant Classic Heart Beat Automatic” model, which featured a window on the face of the dial to allow a clear view of the pulsing balance wheel. At the time, this was quite an innovation. Frederique Constant’s focus has always been on creating affordable luxury, and many of their watches use modified ETA movements to achieve it. But, the company also designed its own high-end hand-wound movement, the FC-910 caliber, in 2004.
Even more impressive is the 2008 introduction of a tourbillon. In 2015, the brand introduced a hybrid smartwatch model that meshed traditional watchmaking with cutting-edge tech.
The year 2016 saw the introduction of an in-house perpetual calendar. And, most impressively, a perpetual calendar tourbillon in 2018.
It’s also worth noting that when the company was just 14 years old, it acquired the much older Alpina brand name, bringing the two companies (along with Ateliers DeMonaco) under the Frederique Constant Group.
In 2016, Citizen Watch bought the group, and the brands now operate under the Citizen umbrella.
The company’s headquarters are in Plan-les-Oates, Geneva, Switzerland, in a 3,200 square meter factory shared with Alpina.
With a better idea of the company history and its pros and cons, you might want to compare some of Frederique Constant’s best watches.
These four watches are some of the best representations of the company’s value in design and materials.
Frederique Constant Classic Heart Beat Automatic
Guys looking for one of the best values in the Frederique Constant catalog should consider the Classic Heart Beat Automatic. This part-casual, part-dress watch will work for most occasions, and it’s a relatively affordable way to get into Swiss luxury timepieces.
The Classic Heart Beat features modest dimensions and a classic look. The polished stainless steel case measures 40 millimeters across, and the lug-to-lug measurement of 20 millimeters.
The case measures 11 millimeters thick, so it still has some wrist presence without taking up too much real estate. This iteration features a silver textured dial and black applied Roman numeral indexes, and it comes on a black leather strap.
The convex sapphire crystal and see-through case back combine to give this piece 50 meters of water resistance. And with the Heart Beat window at 12 o’clock, there’s a lot to look at.
The Heart Beat Automatic uses the FC303 automatic movement. This movement is an improved Sellita SW200-1, so it’s reliable and affordable to service.
Frederique Constant Classics Automatic
Available online for around $550 – $650, the Slimline Classics is an affordable entry into the Swiss watch market. Frederique Constant is a fairly popular brand, though you don’t see them in as many brick and mortar retail locations as you do Bulova, Citizen, Hamilton, and Tissot.
The Slimline Classics is the first Frederique Constant I’ve reviewed on WYCA, and when I received it I was quite excited to get some wrist time. At this price point, Frederique Constant competes directly against brands I’ve gotten plenty of hands-on experience with (Hamilton, Tissot, and Seiko) and I was curious to see how it compared.
The model I have here is among the lease complicated in the collection, featuring a guilloche dial and a date display at 6 o’clock. Other models in the range feature small seconds, moonphase complications, and an assortment of styles. Regular readers know that my style is conservative, and the one I have here is my preferred version.
As far as notable Swiss watchmakers go, Frederique Constant Classics Automatic is relatively young. Founded in 1988, the roots of the company reach as far back as 1904 (you can learn more about their heritage here). They are based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva and have successfully competed toe to toe with many other entry-level luxury watch manufacturers since the launch of their first collection in 1992.
In 2002, the company acquired Alpina watches – another brand I’ve been itching to get some face time with – and have been heavily invested in the entry-level luxury watch market. Accessible luxury is a pillar of their brand identity, as is in-house manufacturing and handmade quality.
With a name like “Slimline”, you’d expect it to be a thin watch. At just 7.7mm tall, it is indeed quite discreet; inside, the FC-306 automatic movement is only 3.6mm tall!
The guilloche dial is gorgeous and easy to see in nearly any setting (there’s no lume). Frederique Constantly deftly combines four different textures, giving the cream-white dial depth and drawing your eye to the outer ring and hands. Only the logo at 12 o’clock and the date window at 6 o’clock have smooth surfaces; everything else is ridged or grooved.
I love its size. 39mm is perfect for most men – it certainly is for me. It doesn’t feel dainty and it never gets in the way.
The FC-306 automatic is essentially a Sellita SW300 automatic with some modification. It is a 25 jewel movement with a 42 hour power reserve and a date complication. Compared to the SW300, the FC-306 has removed the seconds hand. It beats at 28,800 bph and has a claimed accuracy of -5/+10 seconds per day.
The Selilita SW300 primarily competes with the ETA 2892 and is used by many Swiss brands in place of the ETA due to its availability and lower price. Sellita has earned a good reputation and is used by many brands – Swiss and otherwise – to power watches that compete in the entry-level luxury segment.
The finishing on the movement is really excellent- not only attractive, but clean and precise. Check it out under high resolution- it’s nearly perfect.
Lightweight and compact, the Slimline tucks under a cuff with ease. I love its classic design, which while traditional, has been executed to an exacting standard. The quality of the dial, hands, and case is excellent- on-par with other Swiss brands of comparable price.
Years ago I reviewed the Tissot Le Locle, which I found to be tastefully styled and price appropriate. Like the Le Locle, the Slimline Classics is understated but undeniably attractive. It’s elegant, and found for under $700 online, it’s also an excellent value.
I’m glad that I had the opportunity to experience this watch- I hope to get my hands on the moonphase version soon.
The folks at Frederique Constant Classics Automatic sent us this beautiful Frederique Constant for review. They also have an affiliate program that we participate in, where we receive a portion of the revenue of each watch that one of our readers purchases.
We only recommend watches that we would personally wear, and as you can see, we get hands-on experience with each one. We purchase most of the watches we review and recommend, as well as all camera equipment (over $3,500 so far), software licenses, and so on.
We are thrilled to work with Frederique Constant Classics Automatic, who are excellent partners that offer a great selection of watches at great prices (and 2 year warranties). They loaned us this Frederique Constant for two weeks, allowing us to review and shoot it.
If you are interested in the Slimline and want to purchase, we’d love it if you did so at perfectwrist.ru Watch Store. Thank you for supporting us!
