Four reasons to recommend Frederique Constant as your first mechanical watch | FREDERIQUE CONSTANT
Presented by FREDERIQUE CONSTANT
FREDERIQUE CONSTANT
Elegance on the wrist. The rectangular "Heartbeat" that imparts a mature impression is a great choice for 2020.
Many people say they're interested in mechanical watches but don't know how to choose one. The market is crowded with brands, and the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. It's true, it can be a lot. So, let's go back to basics and consider what I would choose right now. When I think about it, Frederique Constant would definitely be one of my choices. Among their models, the rectangular ones are particularly noteworthy. I hope this article will be helpful for those of you choosing your first mechanical watch.
Edit & Text by OPENERS
Reason 1: It's a Swiss luxury watch brand.
To put it bluntly, what do you think makes a good watch? We believe it's this:
A. The brand's commitment to manufacturing is solid. B. This commitment can be expected to remain unwavering in the future. C. Not only the appearance but also the quality of the internal movement is high.
Even among Swiss luxury watch brands, only a handful possess these three elements. Above all, originality and not being a copycat lead to brand trust.
Frederique Constant was established in 1988 in the suburbs of Geneva, Switzerland. The brand has garnered attention since its inception for its concept of offering high-quality Swiss-made watches at accessible price points.
This brand's strength lies in its corporate effort to suppress costs by actively mechanizing processes that can be automated, while retaining artisanal craftsmanship. While many brands mention this today, Frederique Constant has honestly communicated this stance from the beginning.
In 2004, they completed their first manufacture model, and subsequently built their own factory, becoming a manufacturer capable of handling design, development, and assembly entirely in-house. Although Frederique Constant has a short history, I believe its commitment to creating excellent products and avoiding imitation places it on par with a select few venerable Swiss brands.
This is a Japan-limited model of the "Classic Carrée Automatic Heartbeat," featuring an attractive classical rectangular case. The case sides have steps to emphasize the vertical lines, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship that beautifully plays with light reflections.
Reason 2: The world's first "Heartbeat" style makes it instantly recognizable as a mechanical watch.
Wristwatches are also seen by others. A wristwatch is an icon that instantly reveals a person's taste in choices and becomes a symbol of their character, taking on a life of its own.
This naturally makes one conscious of others' eyes. "Heartbeat" refers to a design where the dial is cut out at the balance wheel, the heart of a mechanical watch, to reveal the rotation of the balance wheel. By exposing the "heartbeat," it signals to others that it is a mechanical watch at a glance.
In an era where smartphones suffice for checking the time, the "individuality" of deliberately wearing a mechanical watch becomes a powerful hook.
Frederique Constant was the first in the world to release this design, which involves cutting out a part of the dial, back in 1994. It's well-known that many brands followed with similar designs based on its success. As an owner of a Frederique Constant, you can feel that pride on your wrist every day.
The "Heartbeat" feature makes it instantly recognizable as a mechanical watch. However, the dial design is classical, so it appeals without compromising an elegant atmosphere. This subtle yet dignified refinement cannot be achieved with a full skeleton design.
Reason 3: The rectangular form offers a clean look with shirt cuffs.
Originally, wristwatches began by soldering lugs to pocket watches and attaching them to the wrist. Therefore, from the 1900s to the 1910s, almost all wristwatches were round.
Initially, wristwatches were used for special purposes by aviators and the military, but due to their convenience, they gradually came to be used by aristocrats and people of high status. Furthermore, coinciding with the Art Deco trend that heavily utilized straight lines and geometric forms, a rectangular watch trend emerged around 1920.
The advantage of rectangular watches is that their lines align with shirt cuffs. From a design perspective, a rectangular shape is more rational for wearing on the wrist. This historical context and design rationality positively influence the wearer's expression of individuality. Simply put, if you want to make your suit style look intelligent, a rectangular form is the way to go.
See how the rectangular form blends seamlessly with suit styles? Its origins as a watch worn by people of high status likely contribute to its elegant impression. With a two-tone dial, the classical feel is further emphasized, don't you think?
See how the rectangular form blends seamlessly with suit styles? Its origins as a watch worn by people of high status likely contribute to its elegant impression. With a two-tone dial, the classical feel is further emphasized, don't you think?
See how the rectangular form blends seamlessly with suit styles? Its origins as a watch worn by people of high status likely contribute to its elegant impression. With a two-tone dial, the classical feel is further emphasized, don't you think?
Reason 4: There's currently an advantageous campaign running.
You might be thinking, "A campaign?" (laughs), but it's surprisingly important. While it's enjoyable to ponder endlessly, you can never truly approach the depths of mechanical watches without taking that first step.
Fundamentally, the appeal of watches is multifaceted, making it impossible for one watch to satisfy all desires. The best approach is to choose your first watch and wear it consistently.
This campaign provides that extra push. With the purchase of a watch, you receive an original coin cardholder, and for select models, an interchangeable leather strap is also included. Unlike clothing, where watches rarely go on sale, campaigns like these offer significant value. Especially around the year-end and New Year holidays, we highly recommend visiting the participating stores to try on the watches in person.
Frederique Constant 2020 Winter Campaign
From Friday, November 13, 2020, to Monday, January 11, 2021 (holiday), customers purchasing a Frederique Constant watch at participating stores will receive an original genuine leather coin cardholder. Additionally, purchasing eligible watches includes a double gift of an interchangeable leather strap.
Left: Original genuine leather coin cardholder (dark green/beige). Right: Interchangeable leather strap for men.
"Classic Carrée Automatic Heartbeat" Japan Limited Edition
Ref.: FC-315MNW4C24
Movement: Automatic (Cal. FC-315)
Case Material: Stainless steel (rose gold plated) *Plating is a type of coating method.
Case Size: H38.7 x W30.7mm
Case Thickness: 10.2mm
Strap Material: Leather (interchangeable rubber strap included)
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Price: ¥225,000 (excluding tax)
Limited Quantity: 150 pieces
"Classic Carrée Automatic Heartbeat" Japan Limited Edition
Ref.: FC-315MNW4C26
Movement: Automatic (Cal. FC-315)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: H38.7 x W30.7mm
Case Thickness: 10.2mm
Strap Material: Leather (interchangeable rubber strap included)
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Price: ¥195,000 (excluding tax)
Limited Quantity: 150 pieces
"Classic Carrée Automatic Heartbeat" Japan Limited Edition
Ref.: FC-315MWR4C24
Movement: Automatic (Cal. FC-315)
Case Material: Stainless steel (rose gold plated) *Plating is a type of coating method.
Case Size: H38.7 x W30.7mm
Case Thickness: 10.2mm
Strap Material: Leather
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Price: ¥225,000 (excluding tax)
"Classic Carrée Automatic Heartbeat" Japan Limited Edition
Ref.: FC-315MWR4C26
Movement: Automatic (Cal. FC-315)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: H38.7 x W30.7mm
Case Thickness: 10.2mm
Strap Material: Leather
Water Resistance: 3 ATM
Price: ¥195,000 (excluding tax)
