Posted by ralph on March 15, 2010 · 1 Comment
On Tuesday March 9th, Frédérique Constant CEO Peter Stas had the pleasure of presenting part of the 2010 Novelties to a selection of renowned German journalists.
In the lavishly decorated private Frédérique Constant Salon in the beautiful Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, members of the press were given the opportunity to interview Peter Stas and to discover the great Frederique Constant Novelties, such as the sophisticated Runabout, the elegant Maxime Manufacture Lady and the innovative Junior-line.
Highly positive comments were expressed by the knowledgeable German press on the new collection. Peter Stas said: ‘We had a very good and pleasant day today in Munich, and the positive comments we received from the German press are first of all highly appreciated but also encouraging, on the ‘eve’ of BaselWorld!’
Filed under Basel, Events, What's new · Tagged with 2009, australia, Automatic, automatic watch, automatic watches, bangkok, Basel, basel fair, baselworld, behind the scenes, Best, Best of the Best, beverly hills, bloomingdale's, business watches, Car, CEO, charlotte Ross, Christ, chronograph watches, city of hope, Classic, classical watches, Clear Vision, Distributor, Edition, female, feminin, fine watches, freder, Frederique Constant watch, Frédérique Constant watches, Geneva, geneva watch, Geneva watches, geneve, Global, heart beat, hefei, Intercantonale, Limited, Lobby, los angeles, Luxurious, luxury, luxury watch, luxury watches, manufacture, manufacture watch, Master Class, maxime manufacture ladies, mechanical watch, men’s watch, men’s watches, MTR, New, New York, Nina Badric, Novelties, office, partners, Passion, Peter Stas, Popular, prestigious watches, Rawit Terdwong, rostov-on-don, sales managers training days, shanghai, singapore, south coast plaza, Style, Sweden, swiss made, swiss movements, swiss watch, swiss watch company, swiss watch manufacturers, swiss watches, Swiss watchmaker, Swissotel, taipei, the hour glass, timekeeping, timepiece, Tourbillon, Tourbilon, USA, VIP, visuals, Vitrines Metropole, Watch, watch brand, watch making, wristwatch, wristwatches, yellow gold watch
Posted by ralph on November 29, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Frederique Constant is proud to announce its partnership with one of the top department stores in the USA: Bloomingdale’s, founded in 1860.
Just in time for Christmas 2009, Frederique Constant timepieces will become available in the Fine Jewelry & Watch department of selected Bloomingdale’s stores in New York City (59th Street), Florida (Aventura) and California (San Francisco Centre & South Coast Plaza).
Please feel free to visit one of these famous & upscale stores to discover the attractive collection of Frederique Constant mens and ladies watches. All have a classical design, are of high quality, Swiss Made and in the Accessible Luxury segment.
So, the Must Have-gift for this Season!
Filed under What's new · Tagged with 1860, 2009, 59th, Automatic, automatic watch, automatic watches, aventura, Basel, baselworld, bloomingdale's, business watches, california, Car, charity, China, chronograph watches, Classic, classic watches, classical watches, Clear Vision, Distributor, florida, Frédérique Constant, Frederique Constant watch, Frédérique Constant watches, Geneva, geneva watch, Geneva watches, geneve, Healey, International Children’s Heart Foundation, la, Launch, Limited, los angeles, luxury, luxury watch, mall, manufacture, manufacture watch, New, New York, Nina Badric, Novelties, Passion, Peter Stas, Popular, prestigious watches, shopping, south coast plaza, stainless steel watch, street, swiss made, swiss movements, swiss watch, swiss watch company, swiss watch manufacturers, swiss watches, Swiss watchmaker, timekeeping, timepiece, timepieces, Tourbilon, VIP, watch brand, watch company, watch making, watch retailers, water proof watch, water resistant watches, wristwatch, wristwatches
Posted by ralph on August 29, 2009 · 1 Comment
Recently, Frederique Constant celebrated the cooperation with the Beijing Childrens Hospital, the Paint a Smile Foundation and Shuqi, during a successfull Charity Event in Beijing.
In the afternoon, during a ceremony at the Beijing Childrens Hospital, the inauguration of the newly decorated childrens ward took place.
Brand Ambassador Ms. Shuqi
The Smile Painters of Paint a Smile – a Geneva-based charity organization – have worked for two months in a row to give the children what they deserve: a positive, encouraging and colorful environment. Aim is to emphasize on the fact that hospital care not just about medicine and treatment, but also about environment and spirit. Moreover, the children got to meet a big star!
Shuqi @ the Beijing Childrens Hospital
Frédérique Constant is proud to be part of this Paint a Smile project, the first of its kind in China. The founder of Paint a Smile, Mrs. Laura Cotton was the winner of the Frédérique Constant Passion Awards in 2008 in Geneva.
In the evening, more than 250 international and local VIP guests and members of the press attended a celebration at the Meat & Wine Co -which is part of the historical yet trendy Ch’ienmen 23 landmark compound in the heart of Beijing.
Shuqi, Peter Stas & Laura Cotton
During this event, guests enjoyed a mini talk show with Brand Ambassador Ms. Shuqi, Paint a Smile founder Mrs. Laura Cotton and Frederique Constant CEO Mr. Peter Stas, followed by musical entertainment and an exquisite dinner.
Frederique Constant CEO Peter Stas
Filed under Events, My experience, What's new · Tagged with 2009, accessible, accessible luxury, Ambassador, automatic watch, automatic watches, Basel, Beijing, campaign, CEO, charity, China, classic watches, classical watches, Distributor, Donation, double heart beat, Edition, elegant, exciting, famous, female, feminin, fine watches, Frédérique Constant, Frederique Constant watch, Frédérique Constant watches, Geneva, geneva watch, Geneva watches, geneve, gift, Global, HK, Hong Kong, Hsuqi, International Children’s Heart Foundation, ladies, lady, Launch, laura cotton, Limited, love, Luxurious, luxury watch, luxury watches, maxime, mechanical watch, men’s watch, men’s watches, My experience, New, Novelties, paint a smile, partners, Passion, Passion Awards, Paul Tsang, Peter Stas, pictures, Popular, potential, PRC, prestigious watches, Sanbao, satin, Shuqi, Style, swiss, swiss made, swiss movements, swiss watch, swiss watch company, swiss watch manufacturers, swiss watches, Swiss watchmaker, Taiwan, timekeeping, timepiece, timepieces, Tourbillon, valentine, VIP, Watch, watch brand, watch company, watch making, wristwatch, wristwatches
Posted by ralph on August 29, 2009 · 2 Comments
Two important 2009-introductions are currently the leading models on the website of The Hour Glass Singapore.
Both the new Frederique Constant Love Heart Beat, as well as the highly complicated new Frederique Constant Manufacture Tourbillon Heart Beat Date 24 Silicium, with in-house caliber FC-985 are advertised.
With innovation and uncompromising quality being the hallmarks of Frederique Constant, the brand forms a perfect match with the corporate strategy of The Hour Glass. The Hour Glass prides itself for its proven merchandising strategy. Its ability to identify and invest in the right mix of brands and products has paid off handsomely. In particular, the company’s move into the high grade technical segment has proven to be very successful.
Representing a stable of over 60 brands across 25 boutiques in nine cities throughout Asia Pacific, The Hour Glass is the most geographically diverse specialist luxury watch retailer in Asia.
Discover more on www.thehourglass.com or on www.frederique-constant.com
Filed under My experience, What's new · Tagged with 2009, accessible, accessible luxury, Austin, automatic watch, automatic watches, bangkok, Basel, basel fair, baselworld, Best, business watches, campaign, Car, CEO, China, chronograph watches, Classic, classic watches, classical watches, Clear Vision, different, Distributor, double heart beat, Edition, elegant, event, exciting, famous, female, feminin, fine watches, Frédérique Constant, Frederique Constant watch, Frédérique Constant watches, Geneva, geneva watch, geneve, gift, Global, growth, Healey, heart beat moon date, Hong Kong, Hsuqi, industry, innovative, ladies, lady, Launch, Limited, love, Luxurious, luxury, luxury watch, luxury watches, manufacture, manufacture watch, maxime, mechanical watch, men’s watches, new 2009, New, Novelties, partners, Passion, Peter Stas, pictures, Popular, PRC, prestigious watches, price, product, qualtity, satin, sensible, Shuqi, singapore, stainless steel watch, Style, swiss, swiss made, swiss watch, swiss watch company, swiss watch manufacturers, swiss watches, Swiss watchmaker, technique, the hour glass, timekeeping, timepiece, timepieces, Tourbillon, Tourbilon, valentine, VIP, Watch, watch brand, watch company, watch making, water proof watch, water resistant watches, Window, wristwatch, wristwatches, yellow gold watch
Posted by ralph on June 13, 2009 · 4 Comments
Please find herewith a selection of notes on Frederique Constant and its product, randomly found on the internet.
From www.worldwatchreview.com:
What really stands this watch [Maxime Manufacture Automatic] out of the crowd, is its movement. You see, most brands in this price range (the watch will retail below €2000, by the way) are usually powered by standard ETA movements with standard complication modules supplied by third-party manufacturers like, say, Dubois-Depraz. The FC MMA is powered by the company’s own FC-700 in-house movement and, although its accuracy and reliability still have to pass the test of time, this makes it THE most exclusive affordable watch on the market.
From www.geekwatches.com:
Frederique Constant rarely releases new watches but this time they are presenting us with a classic looking timepiece that many watch enthusiasts would definitely love. This watch is called as the Frederique Constant Maxime Manufacture Automatic.
This Frederique Constant Maxime Manufacture Automatic Watch is an elegant timepiece that also has a classic look on it. This timepiece is made of steel that can be seen on its case and bezel. This material also creates a luxurious glow which makes it very irresistible. Like any other elegant watches, this watch is also matched with a brown alligator leather strap.
The watch includes a white dial with silver accents found on the luminescent coated hour numbers and hands. This also has a sunray detailing on the center which makes this watch more attractive. Furthermore, there is a separate date indicator found on the 6 o’clock position to complete its functions.
This elegant timepiece from Frederique Constant is definitely a watch to include in your collection. Wear this for a more elegant look in your casual or formal outfit.
From www.watchtime.com:
Five years ago, Frédérique Constant joined the circle of Swiss brands that develop and produce their movements in-house. For 2009, Frédérique Constant introduces its Maxime Manufacture Automatic featuring the all-new, in-house manufactured FC-700 automatic caliber. Outside, the 42mm diameter case offers polished and matte surfaces. A sapphire crystal covers a silver guilloché dial.
Priced at only $2550 in steel or $3550 in steel/rose gold capped, the Maxime offers classic good looks and excellent value for a Swiss-made watch with a manufacture movement. The Maxime is available at retailers now.
From www.swisstime.org:
Frédérique Constant Genève is establishing itself as one of Switzerland’s leading watch brands with this creation of a tourbillon with a silicon escape-wheel and, for the first time, an amplitude of over 300 degrees between its vertical and horizontal positions. Coupled with the rapid oscillation, this gives the watch an unusually high level of precision, while the silicon guarantees optimum protection. It is offered in a limited individually-numbered edition of 188. With its technical complexity – for example, the meticulous attention paid to every detail – this timepiece will be around for years to come.
From www.worldwatchreview.com:
Frederique Constant will soon start selling its Runabout limited edition automatic chronograph watch. Available both in stainless steel and in rose gold plated, the watch pays homage to the 1920s: the Golden Age that preceded the Great Depression.
The watch is powered by Frederique Constant’s FC-392 chronograph movement based on the famous (and quite expensive) ETA Valjoux 7750 25 jewel automatic caliber. Beating at 28,800 alternations per hour, the movement features power reserve of 42 hours, Glucydur balance and Incablock anti-shock protection.
The movement is hidden inside a 43 mm stainless steel case. Its caseback cover is made of solid steel but nevertheless features FC’s trademark porthole-styled cutout exhibiting a part of the finely decorated movement.
Unlike most chronographs in the sub-2000 Euro price range, the Frederique Constant Runabout watch features a classic, unobtrusive design. Although its three mandatory chronograph dials are nicely blended into the dial, their readings are absolutely legible and wouldn’t require excessive concentration.
Like the “Healey Le Mans” Limited Edition timepiece, this one is also available in a gift box with a miniature copy of a Runabout yacht.
As usual, Frederique Constant offers good value for small money.
From www.fratellowatches.com:
Frédérique Constant went from a rather unknown Geneva brand with both quartz and (ETA) mechanical movements to a brand that can add itself to the list of the lucky few [watch brands] with an inhouse mechanical movement. Therefore, Frédérique Constant becomes an interesting target for the more serious watch collectors and buyers.
Filed under What's new · Tagged with 2009, accessible, Austin, Austin Healey, Automatic, automatic watch, automatic watches, baselworld, Best, business watches, Car, chronograph watches, Classic, classic watches, classical watches, Edition, elegant, fair, fine watches, Frédérique Constant, Frederique Constant watch, Frédérique Constant watches, Geneva, geneva watch, Geneva watches, geneve, Global, growth, Healey, industry, innovative, ladies, Launch, Limited, Luxurious, luxury, luxury watch, luxury watches, manufacture, manufacture watch, mechanical watch, men’s watch, men’s watches, New, Novelties, Passion, Popular, potential, prestigious watches, price, product, qualtity, sensible, September, stainless steel watch, Style, swiss, swiss made, swiss movements, swiss watch, swiss watch company, swiss watch manufacturers, swiss watches, Swiss watchmaker, timekeeping, timepiece, timepieces, Tourbilon, Watch, watch company, watch making, watch retailers, water proof watch, water resistant watches, wristwatch, wristwatches
Posted by ralph on May 10, 2009 · 1 Comment
| As everyone knows, the story between the Swiss Watch Manufacturer Frédérique Constant and the Austin Healey Cars is a story of passion. |
 Event of The Healey Loyalist Kingston (Ontario) Canada
After having been the Official Timing partner of the 2nd European Healey Meeting in St. Moritz in 2004, the Dutch Healey Anniversary in 2005, the Healey Le Mans Challenge in 2006, the Healey Challenge Heidelberg in 2007 and the 3rd European Healey Meeting last year in Sweden, Frédérique Constant is proud to announce its new sponsorship of the 34th International Austin Healey Conclave 2009 organized by the Austin Healey Clubs of America and Canada. A unique event, which will reunite over 300 Austin Healey sports cars dating from the 1950s, and more than 600 enthusiasts from around the globe. These Healey enthusiasts will drive and race together from June 21st to 26th in the area of Kingston (Ontario) in Canada to celebrate their passion for the Austin Healey cars.
During one full week the attendees to the event will enjoy numerous activities. Track races, a Concours d’Elégance, rallies and the discovery of the exciting Canadian countryside are all part of the program. And all this, actively witnessed by three particularly honored guests: Mr. John Sprinzel, Mrs. Ann Wisdom and her husband Mr. Peter Riley.
To celebrate the continuing sponsorship of the “Healey Challenge Canada 2009” in Kingston, Ontario, Frédérique Constant introduces the new “Healey Chrono-Automatic”, issued in a limited edition of 1’888 numbered timepieces. Presented in steel, the rounded case with a diameter of 43mm is hand polished and features an elegant silvered dial with blue accents. The large numerals with blue outlines guarantee a clear readability thanks to their luminous finishing.
As a subtile hint to this “34th International Austin Healey Conclave – Kingston 2009”, the official logo of the event is engraved on the case back, and an aperture offers a glimpse of the automatic movement. To emphasize on the special value of this timepiece, it is delivered in a luxurious wooden gift box that offers a miniature duplicate of a Healey Car, type 3000.
In line with its pay-off “Live your Passion”, Frédérique Constant dedicates this new watch to the passionate Healey enthusiasts, fascinated by the lifestyle that fits these famous cars…
For more information, please feel free to contact us:
Yasmina Pedrini: pedrini@frederique-constant.com |
Filed under Events, What's new · Tagged with 2009, Ambassador, Austin, Austin Healey, automatic watch, automatic watches, Basel, basel fair, business watches, Car, chronograph watches, classic watches, classical watches, Clear Vision, Distributor, event, fine watches, Frédérique Constant, geneva watch, geneve, Global, Launch, luxury watch, luxury watches, manufacture, manufacture watch, mechanical watch, men’s watch, men’s watches, New, Nina Badric, Novelties, Passion, Peter Stas, Popular, prestigious watches, stainless steel watch, swiss made, swiss movements, swiss watch company, swiss watch manufacturers, timekeeping, timepieces, Tourbilon, VIP, watch brand, watch company, watch retailers, watchmaker, water proof watch, water resistant watches, wristwatch, wristwatches
Posted by ralph on April 16, 2009 · 3 Comments
Posted on April 16, 2009
Filed Under Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant has something to be proud about. At the very least it should be something that is exiting to fine watch consumers. While not the only company to offer relatively low cost in-house made movements, their new Maxine Manufacture Collection watches are beautifully made and feature a totally in-house made Swiss movement for under 2000 Euros. Typically the cost for in-house made manufacture movements is much higher.
The new movement is the FC-700 automatic, and is the accumulation of over three years of development. What surprises me is the look and feel of the movement. The focus on aesthetics in the layout of the elements (such as the placement of the balance wheel) is complimented by a level of decoration not expected at these modest price points. The gold rotor, perlage and other polishing, and use of blue screws makes viewing the movement a pleasure. Nothing makes me feel better than taking off my watch and showing it to a friend (especially those that don’t know about watches) – allowing them to discover an impressive mechanical movement visible through a caseback window.
On the dial itself the watch is simple but functional. The decoration again is well done, and the 42mm wide case is a good size. Typically new in-house movements are framed modestly until more and more complications can be features. Still, the dial features a healthy level of guilloche machine engraving, and the applied Arabic hour markers really make the watch feel substantial. Further features like a classically styled tapered crown and curved alligator strap that matches the shape of the case with no gaps are features found on watches costing a lot more. The style of the watch is prefect for anyone looking for a nice sober design that will look good for year, but doesn’t want to call too much attention (but would rather appreciate the subtle benefits of a good watch). I also think that the watch would be good as an entry to luxury watches for anyone. This are things that Frederique Constant are particularly good at, even as they continue to develop their product live.
In the video you can see the watch being displayed and discussed, it is a good looker sure, and people should be aware of what it takes to develop an in-house movement. In this case it is three years. Much of that time is dedicated to testing the movement to ensure accuracy and reliability over the long run. Brands like Nomos (German) have been making in-house movements for a while that have a prices similar to that of Frederique Constant. However, those watches lack some of the decoration that Swiss watches are known for. Further, the automatic Nomos watch movements typically run higher than these FC-700 movements. So while lower cost in-house movements aren’t unprecedented, Frederique Constant is certainly adding its own special elements to the industry’s overall offerings. No doubt that future models with in-house movements from Frederique Constant will build off of the FC-700 movement with additional complications.
Filed under Basel, Events, Tech Talk, What's new · Tagged with accessible, accessible luxury, Automatic, automatic watch, automatic watches, Basel, basel fair, baselworld, behind the scenes, Best, business watches, chronograph watches, Classic, classic watches, classical watches, different, Edition, elegant, exciting, famous, FCTV, fine watches, Frédérique Constant, Frederique Constant watch, Frédérique Constant watches, Geneva, geneva watch, Geneva watches, geneve, gift, Global, growth, industry, innovative, insight, ladies, Launch, Limited, Luxurious, luxury, luxury watch, luxury watches, manufacture, manufacture watch, maxime, mechanical watch, men’s watch, men’s watches, New, Novelties, Passion, pictures, Popular, potential, prestigious watches, price, product, qualtity, sensible, stainless steel watch, Style, swiss, swiss made, swiss movements, swiss watch company, swiss watch manufacturers, swiss watches, Swiss watchmaker, technique, television, timekeeping, timepiece, timepieces, Watch, watch brand, watch company, watch making, watch retailers, water proof watch, water resistant watches, web tv, Window, wristwatch, wristwatches
Posted by ralph on April 14, 2009 · Leave a Comment
The 2009 Collection that Frédérique Constant introduced during BaselWorld has been extremely well received by its partners. Both trade partners (distributors & retailers) as well as members of the press and also end-consumers that visited the Frédérique Constant booth were evenly impressed by the novelties.
Reactions to the all-new Maxime series were highly positive. The Maxime Manufacture Automatic surprised the audience with its technical sophistication on the in-house movement and the extremely competitive price level on the other hand. The Maxime Heart Beat Moon & Date stole the hearts of many with its unique combination of complications.
Maxime Manufacture Automatic: ...sophisticated...
The Runabout Chrono-Automatic was one of the other stars of the show: a well-balanced, luxurious automatic chronograph, in a limited edition and delivered with a highly detailed, hand-made miniature duplicate of a Runabout boat.
Runabout Chrono-Automatic : ...star of the show...
Runabout Chrono-Automatic in exclusive giftbox
For the ladies, the Love Heart Beat has reconfirmed the value and attractiveness of the Frédérique Constant Ladies Heart Beat series. Especially the Vanilla-version is one of the favorites. Altogether not only an ode to women, but also to Love…
In terms of 2009 Novelties of course there is much more to come. Please tune in to blog.frederique-constant.com regularly!
Love Heart Beat: ...an ode to Love...
The positiveness and confidence in the brand that Frédérique Constant experienced during BaselWorld 2009 was translated into substantial ordering by the Distributors & Retailers from around the world. Consequently, you will be able to discover our novelties soon at an Official Retailer near you!
FREDERIQUE CONSTANT —
THE 1ST CHOICE IN ACCESSIBLE LUXURY
Filed under Basel, Events, What's new · Tagged with 2009, accessible, accessible luxury, Automatic, automatic watch, automatic watches, Basel, basel fair, baselworld, Best, business watches, chronograph watches, Classic, classic watches, classical watches, different, double heart beat, Edition, elegant, exciting, famous, female, feminin, fine watches, Frédérique Constant, Frederique Constant watch, Frédérique Constant watches, Geneva, geneva watch, Geneva watches, gift, Global, growth, heart beat moon date, innovative, insight, ladies, lady, Launch, Limited, love, Luxurious, luxury, luxury watch, luxury watches, manufacture, manufacture watch, maxime, mechanical watch, men’s watch, men’s watches, New, Novelties, Passion, pictures, Popular, prestigious watches, price, product, qualtity, runabout, sensible, stainless steel watch, Style, swiss, swiss made, swiss movements, swiss watch, swiss watch company, swiss watch manufacturers, swiss watches, Swiss watchmaker, timekeeping, timepiece, timepieces, Watch, watch brand, watch company, watch making, watch retailers, water proof watch, wristwatch, wristwatches
Posted by ralph on March 25, 2009 · Leave a Comment
On Thursday March 26 BaselWorld 2009 will open its doors to the public. For Frederique Constant it will be an exciting and busy fair, with many new models to present and a huge number of appointments with customers & members of the press.
To prepare our trade partners, tomorrow there will be a Basel Preparation Meeting where we present our Strategy & Products for 2009. This way all our distributors from around the world will be well prepared to start the show.
In April, May & June delivery of the novelties will take place for the end-consumer to discover in their local jewelry & watch store.
We are sure you will not be disappointed by our exciting new collection, traditionally in the Accessible Luxury price range. And with everything going on around the world these days, this segment could be more in demand than ever…!
Enjoy!
Filed under My experience · Tagged with 2009, accessible, accessible luxury, Ambassador, Automatic, automatic watch, automatic watches, Basel, basel fair, baselworld, Beijing, Best, business watches, CEO, China, chronograph watches, Classic, classic watches, classical watches, Distributor, double heart beat, Edition, elegant, exciting, famous, female, feminin, fine watches, Frédérique Constant, Frederique Constant watch, Frédérique Constant watches, Geneva, geneva watch, Geneva watches, geneve, gift, Global, growth, Healey, industry, innovative, ladies, lady, Launch, Limited, love, Luxurious, luxury, luxury watch, luxury watches, manufacture, manufacture watch, maxime, mechanical watch, men’s watch, men’s watches, New, Novelties, office, partners, Passion, Peter Stas, pictures, Popular, potential, prestigious watches, price, product, qualtity, roadshow, Shuqi, stainless steel watch, Style, swiss, swiss made, swiss movements, swiss watch, swiss watch company, swiss watch manufacturers, swiss watches, Swiss watchmaker, Swissotel, technique, timekeeping, timepieces, Tourbilon, United States, VIP, Vitrines Metropole, watch brand, watch company, watch making, watch retailers, water proof watch, Window, wristwatch, wristwatches
Posted by ralph on February 22, 2009 · Leave a Comment
Watch makers like to attach themselves to cars whenever possible. Not that watches are like cars, but the idea is that people who appreciate cars can probably also appreciate watches. I have an idea why that is. Most cars can take you from “a to point b.” Likewise, most watches will tell you the time. It is up to the connoisseur to make a determination on whether a specific car or watch performs its function well. That is the difference, and most of you know the pleasure of driving a car that takes pleasure in driving.
It is for that reason that watch makers like to latch on to cars of legendary esteem, and pay tribute. The Austin Healy 3000 is the car to which Swiss watch maker Frederique Constant makes tribute with the new Frederique Constant Austin Healy watch. While the British sports car maker had many hit, especially here in the US the Sprite to mention another popular model, the 3000 was one of the most beautiful. The best modern car to compare it with would be a Mazda Miata. The Austin Healy 3000 was sold through the late 60s, and offered the type of nimble handling in a great looking roadster that no American car could match. Although the 3000 did not include an enormously powerful engine, it was more a handling car, than a speed demon. Inside, drivers were acquainted with a classy interior only a European car could deliver at the time. From a wooden dash, to a thin steering wheel, it was an achievable dream car for many give the reasonable price. It was an “everymans” weekend car.
I am glad that Frederique Constant chose a real drivers car that impacted the lives of many, instead of some elusive super car that only a handful of people have actually driven. For the many collectors that own restored Austin Healy, this will make an excellent companion, and serve as a nice reminder for those who used to have one.
Ive never owned an Austin Healy, but my father did when I was a kid. And I recall sitting in the drivers seat as a child and feeling excited that someday I may get to own a car such as that. It was a regular guys cool car, and it was the best of an era. While he sold the car long ago, I still remember it, and he will appreciate this watch.
As for the watch itself, it shares the same approach as the Austin Healy 3000. A simple and effective design that parallels the ideals of the Austin Healy 3000. The look is mildly reminiscent of some Jaeger leCoultre watches, and the strap is a pure racing strap with the large port holes. The watch dispenses with many of the gimmicks that a lot of racing watches have, such a chronograph with a tachymeter that no one really uses.
The large outlines font for some of the numbers as well as the faceted hour markers are a nice touch, and give it a sports sophisticated look. I am not in love with the “triple date window,” but it does help with keeping the watch face symmetrical. The case is a good 43mm in size, the crystal is sapphire, and the water resistance is 100m meters. Interestingly enough, the ETA automatic movement probably an ETA 2824-2 is decorated with perlage and cotes de Geneva polishing. A nice touch for this price point which is about $1000-$1500.
The case is 18k gold plated, which is enough for me. The two color options are a black face and white face. Both work very well with the aesthetic of the car, which itself came in more than two colors. Frederique Constant has always represented excellent value through its watches as they offer reasonable prices for a good product. The Austin Healy Limited Edition watches will only have 1,888 pieces which will likely go quickly. The best part is that the watch presentation box comes with a model of the car. Now that is cool.
Filed under My experience, What's new · Tagged with Austin Healey, Automatic, Best, Car, Edition, Geneva, Healey, Limited, love, New, Popular, price, product, Style, swiss, swiss watch, Watch, watches, Window
