Frédérique Constant

Affordable Luxury

Frédérique Constant was founded by husband and wife team Peter Stas and Aletta Bax in 1988. In the centuries-old world of horology, the barely 30-year-old brand is considered a newcomer to the space. However, in Frédérique Constant’s comparatively short existence, it has firmly established itself as a bold risk-taker that is leading the charge in designing classical luxury watches at an affordable price.

In the wake of the Quartz Crisis, traditional watch brands were struggling to compete with the new-fangled and inexpensive quartz watches. Watch brands doubled-down on their efforts to produce high-end mechanical watches—just as they had for decades—and aggressively competed for dwindling market share. But Aletta and Peter were acutely aware of an underserved demand for modestly-priced and classically-designed watches, complete with a mechanical movements.

Without any watch-making experience—Aletta was a lawyer and Peter was a product-marketing manager for Royal Philips Electronics—the pair brought Frédérique Constant to life. The brand was named after Aletta’s great-grandmother and Peter’s great-grandfather. After years of research and development, Frédérique Constant debuted six watch models outfitted with Swiss movements and assembled by a master watchmaker in Geneva in 1992.

What was so disruptive about the Frédérique Constant designs was a front aperture that displayed the watch’s movement from the top and the back. At the time, movements were only showcased through a crystal case back. Frédérique Constant’s revolutionary decision to showcase the movement dually on the front and back floored its competitors and marveled new fans who delighted in the mechanical movement. And, atop its design wonders, Frédérique Constant watches retailed for thousands less than competing brands.

Today, Frédérique Constant is a growing powerhouse in the watch industry. The maison has had to expand its facilities into a stunning 3,200-square-meter headquarters in Geneva. Here Frédérique Constant produces its movement components and assembles its calibres and watches, before the timepieces must pass rigorous quality control inspections.

The brand firmly adheres to its core mission: to design and produce high-quality classical watches at a sensible price. To that end, Frédérique Constant brilliantly streamlines the watch’s components, effectively reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured and serviced. This brings the retail cost down without compromising the quality or integrity of the design.

Frédérique Constant is a remarkable young brand that constantly challenges the status quo. Their mechanics and designs are beautifully based upon a classic aesthetic, reintroducing an interest and appreciation for mechanical movements. In turn, the brand has been able to expand the previously limited circle of watch connoisseurs and welcome the next generation of collectors into the fold.