Frederique Constant set out to prove that Swiss manufacture watchmaking didn't require five-figure prices. Founded with the motto "Live Your Passion," this Geneva-based brand has become the standard-bearer for accessible luxury—offering in-house movements, traditional finishing, and Swiss craftsmanship at prices that make collectors of first-time buyers.
A Different Vision (1988)
Peter and Aletta Stas founded Frederique Constant in Geneva in 1988 with a radical idea: produce Swiss watches with the look and quality of luxury timepieces at fraction of the price. The name honored Aletta's great-great-grandmother (Frédérique Schreiner) and great-grandfather (Constant Stas), both involved in watchmaking in the 19th century.
Initially, the company assembled watches from purchased components. But the Stas's ambition extended further—they wanted to build not just watches but movements.
The Heart Beat Concept (1994)
Frederique Constant's first signature innovation came in 1994: the "Heart Beat" aperture showing the balance wheel through the dial. This window into the movement's beating heart added visual interest and demonstrated that the watch contained a genuine mechanical movement—all without the expense of a full skeleton dial.
Heart Beat became Frederique Constant's most recognizable design element, appearing across collections and proving that accessible prices didn't mean boring watches.
In-House Manufacturing (2004)
The brand's credibility transformed in 2004 with the first in-house calibre: the FC-910. Developing movements independently placed Frederique Constant among an elite group of true manufactures—but at prices dramatically lower than competitors.
The message was clear: this wasn't a fashion brand assembling Swiss watches; this was a serious watchmaker producing movements in Geneva.
Value Proposition: An in-house Frederique Constant movement costs roughly what a standard ETA-equipped watch costs from many competitors. You get manufacture credentials at commodity movement prices—genuinely revolutionary in an industry built on premium pricing.
Movement Development
Frederique Constant has progressively expanded its in-house capability:
• FC-910: The first in-house calibre (2004)
• FC-915: Heart Beat with Big Date
• FC-930: Moon phase with manufacture movement
• FC-945: Worldtimer with innovative display
• FC-775: Flyback chronograph
• FC-810: Perpetual calendar at accessible pricing
Each development brought complications previously available only at much higher price points into reach of enthusiasts.
The Perpetual Calendar Breakthrough
In 2016, Frederique Constant introduced a perpetual calendar—one of horology's most prestigious complications—for approximately $8,000. Comparable watches from established brands cost $25,000 to $100,000+. The FC-775 perpetual calendar proved that complications could be democratized without sacrificing Swiss quality.
Peter and Aletta Stas found Frederique Constant
Heart Beat design introduced
First in-house movement (FC-910)
First Swiss horological smartwatch
Citizen Group acquires Frederique Constant
Accessible perpetual calendar launched
Horological Smartwatch (2015)
Frederique Constant was the first Swiss brand to produce a "horological smartwatch"—a traditional-looking mechanical watch with hidden smart features. Activity tracking and sleep monitoring were integrated without visible screens or digital displays, preserving classical aesthetics while adding modern functionality.
This innovation demonstrated Frederique Constant's willingness to embrace technology while respecting tradition.
The Collections
Modern Frederique Constant offers several distinct lines:
• Classic: Traditional round cases with clean designs
• Slimline: Ultra-thin dress watches
• Manufacture: In-house movements showcased
• Classics Worldtimer: Innovative GMT/worldtime pieces
• Highlife: Integrated bracelet sports watches
• Vintage Rally: Racing-inspired chronographs
Under Citizen Ownership
Citizen acquired Frederique Constant in 2016, providing resources for continued development while maintaining brand independence. The acquisition paired Citizen's manufacturing expertise with Frederique Constant's design sensibility and value proposition.
Today's Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant continues manufacturing in Geneva, producing approximately 120,000 watches annually. Prices range from roughly $1,000 to $15,000—remarkable for watches with in-house movements and Swiss manufacture quality.
For collectors seeking their first "real" Swiss watch, or for enthusiasts who value movements over marketing, Frederique Constant offers what few brands can match: genuine manufacture watchmaking at prices that respect both the craft and the customer.