Frederique Constant captures the market with affordable luxury
Frederique Constant, the family-owned Swiss watch manufacturer, continues to rise in the industry by providing the consumers the opportunity to enjoy luxury at exceptional value
Since 2004, Frederique Constant, the watch manufacturer based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland, has been captivating the international markets through the high quality of designs, materials and manufacture that are involved in producing remarkable timepieces. Additionally, the company has garnered loyalty and attention through providing Swiss-made watches at valuable price point.
In the recent visit to the UAE of Williams Besse, the International Sales Manager of Frederique Constant, “Day & Night” magazine had the opportunity to discuss with him the secrets to the brand’s continued success and the updates regarding the launches the brand made this year.
How has been the reaction of the market since the unveiling of the Frederiqe Constant Horological Smartwatch during Baselworld?
Launching the actual product in Basel paved the way for fantastic reactions. We gained numerous press citing as well as growing demand for the smartwatch that was released in summer. The results had been phenomenal since its introduction in various international markets.
Was there any challenge in presenting the smartwatch that appears like a classic Swiss watch?
We wanted to retain our DNA in the Horological Smartwatch. We did not aim for a digital watch, but instead we wanted the consumers to feel the aesthetics of a classic-looking Swiss watch in a unique timepiece that allows phone connectivity.
What do you think is the secret to the success of the Frederique Constant Worldtimer?
I believe that the success of Worldtimer extends to the whole Manufacture collection. We continue to grow after more than ten years of experience of providing the world with the most affordable manufacture collection. Our bestsellers such as the Classic Manufacture, Slimline Moonphase Manufacture and the Worldtimer are of good quality and well-priced. This year, we launch our 19th movement as well as release the latest Worldtimer. We gain stunning results because people learn that they can purchase our high quality Swiss manufacture watch at exceptional price point.
How did the increase of watch brands in the affordable luxury segment shake Frederique Constant?
Since our inception, the brand’s philosophy has always been to provide people the opportunity to enjoy luxury. With respect to competition in this segment, I believe that it would only reinforce our lead in affordable luxury market.
Has the silent recession this year affected the company?
This is not easy an easy year because of the worldwide concerns yet we are still experiencing growth, although a bit lower than our expectations.
Can you share your experience in producing ladies’ watches?
We are a global brand with 35% of our products are for women. On top of our iconic Lady Automatic, we have introduced strong and successful collections such as our bestselling Art Deco, the Slimline Moonphase Manufacture and the recent one, the Delights collection.
In terms of sales, how would you rank Frederique Constant’s biggest markets?
We are still huge is Switzerland and the US as well as in Japan, South Korea, France and Germany. So, Europe and Asia are the biggest, but we grow fast in the Middle East and India.
