Frédérique Constant
Founded in 1988 by Aletta Bax and Peter Stas, Frederique Constant is a Swiss luxury watch brand offering high-quality timepieces at accessible prices. Known for their classic and elegant designs, the brand utilizes traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques to produce both quartz and automatic watches for men and women. Frederique Constant’s attention to detail includes polished bevels and côtes de Genève decoration on movements. In addition to their philanthropic “Heart Beat” line of watches, the brand is committed to supporting charitable causes.
1988
Aletta and Peter Stas begin designing their own collection of watches.
1988
The 18th Century Collection is released after four years of labour, with Swiss movements assembled by a Geneva watchmaker.
1994
Frederique Constant introduces the first Heart Beat timepiece with a window at 12 o'clock to display the mechanical movement's beating heart. The Heart Beat aperture will become the Brand's signature in the future.
1997
Aletta and Peter Stas relocate to the Geneva suburb of Carouge. First-time exhibitor at Baselworld is Frederique Constant.
2000
Frederique Constant relocates its Carouge offices to a larger production facility in Chêne-Bourg.
2001
The "Live your Passion" slogan represents success-driven individuals like Aletta and Peter Stas. The Brand takes a decisive turn in the same year that Pim Koeslag joins the development team.
2002
Aletta and Peter Stas decide to acquire and resurrect the Swiss watchmaking brand Alpina timepieces in order to expand their product line to include sports timepieces and meet a greater demand.
2004
Launch of the first Manufacture calibre of the brand, the FC-910, developed and constructed wholly in-house. This first Manufacture movement incorporates the iconic Heart Beat aperture at 6 o'clock to commemorate the occasion.
2006
The opening ceremony for the new Manufacture building in Plan-les-Ouates.
2007
Commencement of the partnership with the British automobile manufacturer Austin-Healey and launch of the Vintage Rally collection.
2008
Frederique Constant unveils its first Tourbillon Manufacture limited edition, equipped with a silicon escapement FC-980 Manufacture calibre. Positioned at six o'clock, the tourbillon recalls Frederique Constant's signature Heart Beat aperture on the dial.
2009
The Runabout collection by Frederique Constant is inspired by the eponymous vessels of the booming 1920s. In 2013, Frederique Constant collaborates with the Riva Historical Society, an organization devoted to preserving these renowned wooden vessels.
2012
The identity of a future bestseller by Frederique Constant is revealed. Displaying the time zones of the world's 24 reference cities, this watch is ideal for continually travelling executives. Only the crown can be used to modify the FC-718 Manufacture movement's functions.
2015
The world's first Swiss-made timepiece with connected functions and an analogue dial. The watch features an electronic module affixed on a quartz movement that is connected to the Frederique Constant Smartwatch App.
2016
Aletta and Peter Stas consider the Frederique Constant Group's future and decide to accept Citizen's acquisition offer.
2017
The conventional flyback mechanism is comprised of a series of column wheels that function as a clutching system. The FC-760 Manufacture calibre that powers the Flyback Chronograph Manufacture eliminates this complication by substituting a patented star-shaped wheel for the standard column wheel. This results in a movement with fewer components and operations that is thinner.
2018
Unveiled at the exclusive Carpenter's Gallery, the Classic Hybrid Manufacture timepiece combines a quartz calibre and a mechanical mechanism for the first time in the history of watchmaking.
2018
Prior to joining the Frederique Constant Group in 2012 as Adjunct Commercial Director, Niels Eggerding had spent eleven years in the watchmaking industry. He was elevated to the position of vice president of sales in 2014. In 2018, he was appointed managing director of the Frederique Constant Group due to his excellent business abilities.
2019
The Manufacture was expanded to a total of 6200 m2 in order to increase production capacity and accommodate the increasing demand and expansion of the Group. The Manufacture Experience, a public museum that chronicles the history of the Frederique Constant Group, was also established.
2020
Frederique Constant advances its connected watch offerings by introducing the Smartwatch Vitality line, which features a digital display and an integrated heart rate sensor.
2021
Redefining mechanical timepiece regulation principles • A monolithic silicon oscillator replacing 26 standard components • A novel design with a size compatible with standard movement dimensions • Extraordinary frequency of 40 Hz • 80-hour power reserve FC-810 is the Maison's 30th in-house movement.
