Runabout Venice Limited Editions

Frederique Constant Runabout Venice Editions

Frederique Constant introduces the ‘Venice Editions’ of the Runabout, consisting of a Chronograph version and a Three-hand Automatic with date. Both timepieces feature a stainless steel case and a silvered dial with applied, rose gold plated Arabic indexes. A light brown strap with off-white stitching accentuates the rose gold plated indexes on the dial. Our Italian clientele defined this sophisticated combination of design elements. This year Frederique Constant hosts the Runabout Challenge in Venice, Italy, so it was only logical to design the Runabout Venice Edition, based on the input from the Italian market. The outcome is a beautiful collection! But then again, it’s not for nothing that Italy has always been famous for its sense of style…

Runabout Venice

The new models are available in a limited editions of 1’888 pieces per version. Featuring a case diameter of 43mm and presented in stainless steel, the new Runabout Venice Editions offer finely decorated silvered dials. With a delicate guilloche decoration at the centre, hand-applied Arabic indexes, and perfectly positioned Chronograph counters, these watches exude an uncluttered elegance, just like the Runabout yachts by which they were inspired. Through the sapphire case-back, the decorated automatic movement can be admired. Traditionally, each Runabout timepiece comes with its own luxurious, handmade wooden case that echoes the passionate craftsmanship of the yachts. Alongside the watch, a miniature reproduction of a classic Runabout boat can be found inside the unique gift box.

Runabout Venice Event

Runabout Challenge 2012 in Venice
End of April 2012, Frederique Constant hosted a unique event on the waters of Venice, to celebrate its connection with Runabout boats. After sponsoring the Helice Classique on Lake Geneva and the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance in the USA, it was time to organize a dedicated Frederique Constant Runabout event. A select group of 200 clients and members of the press enjoyed a three-day event in the City of Water. A large fleet of Runabout boats, gathered specifically for this event proved to be stylish means of transportation and offered amazing views of Venice. During the actual Challenge, teams in each Runabout boat had to compete for the Frederique Constant Runabout Trophy. The event’s aim was to pay homage and to gather many of the remaining Runabout yachts. Yachts that today – as in their heyday – symbolize elegance, sophistication and ageless design. It is these characteristics that make the devotion of Frédérique Constant to Runabout boats so apt, so perfect, because those same values and qualities apply to the Runabout Collection.

Runabout
A Runabout is a gentlemen’s motorboat holding between four and eight people, well suited to moving about on the water. The first runabouts date back to the 1920s and were originally small, fast, powerful varnished wooden boats created to take advantage of the power of a V8 inboard engine. In order to gain speed, the hull shape had to be designed to take advantage of hydroplaning; a hydrofoil-like design would allow the boat to skim atop the water’s surface at high speed instead of needing to push aside large quantities of water to move forward. A classic Runabout boat is a design icon, a moving sculpture in wood, chrome and glass that commands attention wherever it goes.  Add to this a long list of famous owners and an association with exotic Mediterranean locations such as Monaco and San Tropez, and it is no wonder that the Runabout has, over time, become a legend. The iconic style of Runabouts frequently features in advertisements and editorials.

Frederique Constant Runabout Automatic Venice

Frederique Constant Runabout Venice Giftbox

For more information, please feel free to contact Mrs Yasmina Pedrini via pedrini@frederique-constant.com.

More high resolution images: Click here

Frédérique Constant Core Values – ACHIEVEMENT

At Frédérique  Constant, we believe that for any company to be successful, they must aspire to, establish and abide by a strong and dynamic set of core values.

We see our core values not as rigid guidelines that limit or inhibit our workforce, but as a creed that constantly encourages our dedicated and talented employees, and reassures our customers that Frédérique Constant will never be satisfied just to be successful. We aim for more…much more…which is why the first of our clearly defined core values is “Achievement.”

How do you measure achievement?

Achievement can be measured in so many ways, and at Frédérique Constant we look at all these standards of measurement; then we look for more.

Frederique Constant Growth 1992-2012

Growth is what drives our company, because through growth, we can continue to encourage and invest in the many things that are important to Frédérique Constant.  Over the past quarter of a century, the company has experienced unrivalled growth in the Swiss watchmaking industry, averaging a 25 percent increase in sales each year during that time.

People at Frédérique Constant watches come to work with a winner’s mentality, knowing they are an important part of a highly successful company. Our employees’ achievements have brought recognition and rewards.  Because of their success, the company has been able to invest in an ultra-modern, 32,000 square foot facility with the most attractive, dust-free and climate controlled working environment.

The exceptional growth in the sales of Frédérique Constant watches has allowed the company to invest in the newest, most technologically advanced equipment in the industry, helping to ensure and sustain growth in the years to come and job security for our employees.  At Frédérique Constant, achievement has led to success, and that success has been one of our greatest achievements. We work hard to sustain this success.

With success comes responsibility

Donation 75'000 US$ to the ICHF

Rather than rest on our laurels and concentrating solely on sales and profits, the men and women who are the driving forces at Frédérique Constant have always believed that successful companies have a responsibility to give something back to people at home and abroad, and to the planet on which we live.

We understand that we have been fortunate, and we see it as our duty to do our utmost to help those less fortunate than ourselves.  As such, Frédérique Constant has been a passionate advocate of and contributor to a wide variety of charities, and in particular those that deal with children, education and heart disease.

In China, the company joined forces with one of that country’s greatest movie stars, Miss ShuQi, to visit young patients in the cardiology department of Beijing Children’s Hospital.  Frédérique Constant also sponsored the redecoration of the hospital’s wards in conjunction with the Paint a Smile Foundation.

Achievements in innovation

One of the greatest achievements to which any watch maker can aspire is the creation and production of their own calibres.  In the past 11 years, Frédérique Constant have managed this achievement with not one, but eleven calibres in our Manufacture Range of watches.  Our company is one of the very few Swiss watch manufacturers that can actually claim to produce and use their own calibres in-house, a fact even more amazing considering Frédérique Constant is a family-owned business, not part of some giant, faceless corporation.

Passion drives us to achieve

“Live Your Passion” is the company slogan, but it doesn’t just apply to our customers.  Every watch maker who works at Frédérique Constant is truly passionate about what she or he does for a living.  This is what we encourage and what we expect from each of our employees.

Frederique Constant Original Heart Beat 1994

Passion is what makes the heart beat faster, so what better way to demonstrate our passion than through our most successful watch.  In 1994, we developed our first Heart Beat watch.

We wanted our customers to be able to see the inner workings—the heart and soul—of our mechanical watches, so our designers placed an aperture directly over the balance wheel.  This allows the proud owner of a Heart Beat watch to see the intricate movements that go on beneath the surface.

Greater achievements to come

Our goal has not just been to achieve.  It is to continue to achieve, to succeed…to win for generations to come.  Only by continued investment in our workforce and new technology can we be assured of future success.

By continuing to achieve, we can also continue to do those things we are most passionate about; helping others and giving back to the global community.  For that is our greatest achievement of all.

FREDERIQUE CONSTANT MOON TIMER

Inspired by the Moon

Who doesn’t enjoy gazing up at the moon from time to time? We have all stood outside on a cloudless night, and looked up to a clear sky, dotted with stars. Of course the object that stands out most is the Moon.

Since the dawn of man, the moon has been the centerpiece of numerous reactions and beliefs. Religions, scientific theories, superstitions, and political agendas have been derived from the moon. One thing that has fascinated us is the “shadows” that seem to fall on the Moon. These shadows are assumed by most to be the earth blocking the sun’s rays on the Moon. In fact, this is a false assumption.

We see the different stages of the moon because of the position of the Earth and the Sun. The angle from which the light hits the Moon determines how we view the Moon.

The Earth completes one rotation every 24 hours as opposed to the moon, which takes 29.5 days. During these phases, the moon goes through a cycle that we can all watch and chart. The Frederique Constant Moon Timer plays homage to the Moon. The watch depicts the phases of the Moon in a subtle display at 6 O’clock.

Frederique Constant Moon Timer

Powered by the delicately decorated automatic cal. FC-330 movement beating at 28’800 Bph and exposed through a see-through case back, the Frederique Constant Moon Timer is a beautiful timepiece.  The design of this classical model is ultra clean and functional. The watch is presented on a hand-sewn leather strap as well as on a sporty-elegant stainless steel bracelet. Aligned with the different available dial variations, straps come in dark brown and deep black.

Frederique Constant “Smart Buy”

Modern luxury culture fueled by commercialism seems to advocate purchases of luxury items at very high prices. Some people seem to focus only on how expensive an item is instead of focusing on its value. This unfortunate practice has eroded the true traditions of luxury where price was ultimately the function of the intrinsic value and quality of the item being purchased.

Frederique Constant Automatic Runabout

Frederique Constant’s concept of providing accessible luxury timepieces stays true to the tradition of providing luxury items for an owner’s personal satisfaction. Frederique Constant provides value regardless of price and not the other way around where value is used as an excuse to drive prices of luxury items higher.

Such purchases could be termed a “smart buy”, where the buyer knows they own a respected and recognized item known for its value rather than its cost.

As smart buyers, Frederique Constant owners are self-satisfied; they acquire products of luxury that have been developed by passionate watchmakers with an perfectionist eye and drive for detail.  Frederique Constant owners know the value of what they own.

Live Your Passion.

What is Accessible Luxury?

Manufacture Calibers are a Luxury Differentiator

By definition accessible luxury refers to items of luxury which are available at an accessible price, however to some the idea of accessibility seems alien when the subject of luxury is discussed.  Take for example the undiscerning buyer who might have the financial wherewithal to purchase an expensive product without understanding the finer details about its intrinsic qualities. This sort of person merely understands luxury products as expensive items which are largely unavailable to most.  With this in mind, why should anyone want a luxury item which is available to a greater number of people at an accessible price?

The answer to this question lies with the discerning buyer of luxury purchases, who understands that luxury products are not just about their prices alone but mostly about the quality of the item being purchased. Quality refers to the constituent materials used in making the product, the finesse and extent of the craftsmanship involved and the reputation of the brand behind the product.

With items such as luxury watches, it is widely known that the best items in this niche are largely made in Geneva, Switzerland, an area renowned for its watchmaking practices and innovations which have held the attention of those who understand the nature of timepieces for centuries. However, some brands have taken advantage of this reputation to develop expensive products on a purely commercial basis which limits the purchase of such items to a very few, including buyers who view the cost factor as the sole criterion for identifying items of luxury.

These practices are usually justified as being due to the rarity of the watches in question,  the number of items made for a particular collection as well as cost of precious materials used in their manufacture.

Frederique Constant New Classics Manufacture

Still a watch buyer should always be able to relate the cost of a product with the value of the item being purchased. At Frederique Constant, our focus is creating luxury timepieces with an intrinsic value usually greater than the offer price of the products being sold. Intrinsic value involves the quality of product both in terms of design, materials used in manufacture and adherence to Swiss watchmaking standards as well as traditions.

Our timepieces are exclusively manufactured by hand while the processes involved are regulated with the latest precision equipment available in the industry backed by years of research & development. We recruit passionate watchmakers from time honored watch making schools whose reputations are an intricate part of Swiss watchmaking history.

Unlike a number of other brands worn for the name recognition and price tag alone, you will rarely find a Frederique Constant watch in the hands of an individual who is not a connoisseur of finer points of watches and life in general.

Frederique Constant offers watches as an accessible luxury while maintaining a perfect and delicate balance in terms of pricing, quality and availability. Making watches with a beautiful design and of quality is our passion. Lovers of the brand, and what it stands for, are partners in this shared passion for fine timepieces.

Thank you for your attention. Please feel to contact me and share your thoughts. Thank you in advance.

Peter Stas

Nicole Faria – Miss Earth 2010 & Global Ambassador Frédérique Constant Genève – visits Australia for a Charity Auction

In early 2012, Nicole Faria, Miss Earth & Miss India and also global Frédérique Constant Ambassador will put her celebrity status and passion at the service of the campaign to cure children with heart malfunctions. For each watch sold, Frédérique Constant donates towards the cost of a life-saving heart scan to the International Children’s Heart Foundation. This charity campaign, in place since 2007, has been a great success and has already saved many lives through our common action. Besides supporting the International Children’s Heart Foundation, Frédérique Constant is also proud to support the Paint a Smile Foundation globally.

Nicole will be travelling to Australia to be a special guest, and FREDERIQUE CONSTANT a sponsor, of the upcoming charity event “An Indian Summer” which will be held in Sydney on Saturday 25^th February. Frédérique Constant will auction a Ladies Automatic Double Heart Beat worn by Nicole Faria and a Frederique Constant Chopin Automatic. More information : http://www.anindiansummer.com.au/

Live your Passion!

Record-breaking year for Frédérique Constant at Inhorgenta Fair, Munich

Frédérique Constant booth at 2012 Inhorgenta Fair

Frédérique Constant has been exhibiting in exclusivity at Inhorgenta Fair (from 9.02 to 13.02) in Munich most of its new products which will be launched throughout 2012.

The novelties have been well received by the Trade and some of these models have already started performing strongly. No doubt that part of them will turn quickly into bestsellers.

This edition of Inhorgenta has been a record-breaking year, since Frédérique Constant has achieved its highest turnover since the beginning of its participation.

Interview with Aletta Stas – Cofounder and COO of Frederique Constant – about the Double Heart Beat Collection

Frederique Constant - Double Heart Beat Black Beauty - FC-310BDHB2PD6

Aletta Stas - Cofounder and COO of Frederique Constant

How did you design the DHB Collection?

About 7 years ago, while having a coffee with Peter at home, we discussed the question how to make our Ladies Heart Beat watches more feminine. At that moment, our Ladies Heart Beat watches had MOP dials with diamonds and a round opening at 12 o clock. “What about using Hearts?”, I proposed. We went together behind the computer and drew the first Double Heart Beat Dial with our design program. This was the start of the Double Heart Beat Collection. The Double Heart represents for me the hearts of 2 people who love each other.

What does the Charity Campaign mean for you?

For me, the Charity Campaign is a way to give something back to the Community. We are lucky to be born in a country where there is a good health system, where there is help from the government when you are in need. Unfortunately in some other parts of the world it is not the case. By donating the cost of a lifesaving heart scan (US$ 50) for each Double Heart Beat watch sold, we and our customers help children who are in need. I am very happy to be able to help and hope to further develop our charity activities.

How many DHB watches do you own and how do you wear them?

During the past year, I have been wearing our Chocolate Double Heart Beat and I am looking forward to wearing our latest version: the Black Double Heartbeat. It is elegant, contemporary and classy at the same time.

Adriana Karembeu dressed by Frederique Constant

Adriana Karembeu dressed by a Frederique Constant Chocolate Double Heart Beat timepiece for a charity dinner… During a charity gala dinner organized by the Mauritius Red Cross, the famous model and ambassadress of the French Red Cross auctioned a Frederique Constant watch to finance community projects on the island.

FREDERIQUE CONSTANT VINTAGE RALLY COLLECTION – THE CARRERA PANAMERICANA

About La Carrera Panamericana

Interview with Peter Stas – Cofounder and CEO of Frederique Constant

Why is Frederique Constant sponsor of La Carrera Panamericana?

We have been sponsoring classic car events since 2004. Previously, we sponsored Healey events like the European Healey Meeting in St. Moritz, Healey Le Mans, Healey Heidelberg, etc. Two years ago, we took the decision to expand to other classic rallies and sponsored the well-known Peking to Paris rally. At the same time, we changed the name of the collection of classic car related watches to Frederique Constant Vintage Rally. It is to support this collection that we sponsor La Carrera Panamericana. We aim to add other classic car rallies in the future and further promote our Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Collection. Classic cars and Frederique Constant go well together, our customers appreciate the classical designs of both classic cars and our watches. Obviously, both cars and watches are mechanical loves of men around the world, another strong connection.

How did you manage to get such a prestigious sponsor contract?

This question was recently asked by a journalist. It made me think and I answered that we had a history of sponsoring classic car rallies (see above). The main reason however why I think that we have been able to become the sponsor is La Carrera Panamericana is that we always create special limited edition watches for each sponsorship. Another reason is that we are a smaller company and more flexible than our colleague watch manufacturers. The organizers of the classic car rallies speak directly with us and we also create specific merchandising materials. We try always to make the best out of a sponsoring. This is both good for the organizers of the rally and for us, it creates more visibility for both.

How about the future?

We will continue to develop beautiful watches in our Vintage Rally Collection.
In 2012, we introduce the two limited editions for the La Carrera Panamericana.
For the year after we are already in negotiation with another prestigious well-known classic car rally. This will stay a surprise for the time being. We will then have following limited editions in the Vintage Rally Collection:

• Healey
• Peking to Paris
• La Carrera Panamericana
• To be announced later