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Frederique Constant Watches Review: Is this Brand Worth Your Money?
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Whether or not Frederique Constant is worth the money or not comes with quite a few considerations. Some are more objective than others, but at the end of the day, it’s crucial to truly understand the value behind any reputable timepiece.
A known part of the luxury watchmaking industry, Frederique Constant definitely leans toward the more elegant direction in their designs. What I like about the brand is they’re also known to be much more accessible compared to a lot of the competition.
Nevertheless, the details always matter, and that’s what will tell you whether the brand is worth the investment or not. This article highlights many focal points about the watchmaker to help you determine if they’re a good fit for your wrist.
Frederique Constant Watches in the Past
The year 1988 is when the brand name became a reality, along with their ideas for a high-end watch that was affordable for everyday people. I’d say this is still a large part of what makes them popular in today’s market as well.
It’s pretty evident the brand has come a long way and is regarded for much more than just affordability. However, taking a look at their history, the watchmaker didn’t become a hit immediately. I was surprised to learn it took more than ten years for Frederique Constant to gain a notable scale of recognition.
Their reach expanded even further by 2004, as this was when they started to implement their in-house movements into their designs. Many watch lovers respect a move like this, and it’ll always garner attention on a global scale.
Aside from the fact it’s not a simple feat, it’s a sentiment towards the brand’s outlook on what they’re creating. I find myself more inclined to care when the brand does as well, and Frederique Constant is a great example of that.
There’s plenty to praise about the watchmaker, but history matters for the ups and the downs. Some of this comes down to perception, as the brand’s growth came with its fair share of twists and turns.
When 2002 rolled around, that was the first time the watchmaker started to dabble with sportier design choices. Even though it caters to a more niche market, it’s a massive one nonetheless. I myself appreciate a sporty timepiece that suits particular occasions.
As I spent time learning about the company, it became apparent that its success is due to repeated innovation. Not only in design and production elements but also in catalog diversity and blending into different submarkets.
Fast forward to 2016, and the brand’s popularity and overall success led to it being acquired by Citizen. You might think this is the end of what makes a company like this great, but thankfully, that isn’t what happened here. Even today, I feel that Frederique Constant holds a stronger market presence and reputation than ever before.
Frederique Constant Watches Today
Once you take a look past 2020, it’s no secret that the watchmaker has become a modern-day contender among the best of the best. I have to admire that they started out being looked at as purely an entry-level watchmaker and are now seen as a reputable luxury option. The best part is they still maintain a more affordable stance, but the outlook on the brand comes with a much higher bar than it used to.
To be honest, I didn’t find my way to this brand until a few years ago, which means I’m late to the game. In today’s world, Frederique Constant is respected among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
It only took one wear for me to dive off into a rabbit hole about the company’s history. Although I only have one in my own collection, I keep a prying eye for anything new from the brand moving forward.
Another angle they can be proud of is that they’ve really honed in on their in-house movement production. When this used to be an exciting new feat, it is now a core focal point in the whole of their production process. With years of innovation and production under their belt, the brand now boasts over 30 proprietary calibers. Some of my favorite examples of diversity in their catalog include the styles behind their Highlife, Classics, and Manufacture collections.
From what I can tell, some of their most popular models include the Slimline Moonphase Manufacture and Highlife Automatic COSC, to name a few. You can even find a few options with smartwatch technology for those who appreciate feature-rich varieties.
Having the industry support and direction from Citizen will only cement this brand even further down the line. The Frederique Constant name has only been around the watch industry for a few decades, so you can assume it has a long way to go. I find myself looking into what’s new from the brand, even if there isn’t any circulating news.
While they may not be my first choice, they’ve still become a part of my general rotation. I like to keep things fresh, and I rotate through several timepieces on a weekly basis.
What Frederique Constant brings to my look is unique and isn’t found in anything else from my collection. They may not be the first name that comes to mind in the context of luxury watchmaking, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.
As more people become aware of what they bring to the market, they’ll start to keep more of a watchful eye. The idea of what separates them from the competition can be debated, but I stand firm on several points.
From the look and design of their watches to the ode to craftsmanship that’s clear from every angle, there’s a lot to appreciate about Frederique Constant.
What Makes Frederique Constant Watches Stand Out?
It might seem more commonplace nowadays, but a big part of what helps the watchmaker stand out is their in-house movement. Sure, other high-end brands do this too, but not to the extent you might think. There are also many false claims from manufacturers throughout the world that they do everything in-house.
This isn’t always the case, but with Frederique Constant, you have no need to worry. Another aspect that draws me in as a watchlover is their transparency with themselves. It isn’t hard to learn about the brand, their products, and the ins and outs of their process.
Not only does this make people feel more comfortable buying, but it’s an extra layer to what helps them stand out in a flooded market. Aside from this point, other angles to focus on include their innovation toward technology in watchmaking and the balance between premiums and affordability.
In short, you can find many different types of watches that exude a luxurious look and feel for a surprisingly low cost. Keep in mind this is in comparison to what’s already out there. However, it’s true that the Frederique catalog is suitable for a broad range of budgets.
I know that many people are put off by watchmakers who tend to only cater to a certain tax bracket. Some of this can be understandable, depending on the brand and the watch, but most people just want accessibility. With Frederique Constant, you get that luxurious taste without having to go into a sizable amount of debt for it. Think of the $1,000 to $5,000 range instead of $10,000 or more.
Although I’m really sold on smartwatches or tech-infused designs very much, I have to say their approach to hybrid timepieces impresses me. You can really feel the mechanical nature of the watch is still there, but with a few enhancements to go along with it.
I think what also keeps me interested is the fact that the company is still so young. Think about what they’ll be able to accomplish with just a few more decades of experience on the market. Right now, I look at them as a fitting choice for the everyday individual who wants some quality to sport.
Some of you may disagree, but I feel their watches are best suited for professional environments, even the sportier designs. This isn’t to say their watches aren’t diverse in use case, but that’s where I feel they’ll look their best.
Should you get a Frederique Constant Watch?
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A lot of this comes down to personal preference, but you also want to consider what’s objective about the watchmaker. What’s true here is that Frederique Constant is a great option for first-time buyers. If you’re looking to start collecting watches or simply want something a little on the higher end, you can’t go wrong with this choice.
The price point is nearly impossible to beat, considering the quality you’re getting. For me, it’s their stance on in-house movements on top of the low price point that makes them such a shocker. Sure, you might end up forking over a couple of thousand for one watch, but it’s one you’ll be proud of for a lifetime.
Certain popular styles won’t be found here, though, like dive watches, for example. I’d say this shouldn’t be a deal breaker for you, as you’d be missing out otherwise. This is one of those examples of strong value for money. More importantly, a level of quality that won’t give out on you in a few year’s time.
I only have one of my own, but it has quickly made me a lifelong fan of what they’re capable of. If you like that professional yet dazzling look of high-end timepieces but usually can’t face the cost, Frederique Constant should be your next thought. More importantly, they’re now a first thought for me. I truly appreciate their stance on affordability without cutting every corner they can on quality.
Take a glance at their catalog when you get the chance, and you’ll see what I mean about the professional tone. You’ll get a variety of classic styles to choose from, and they all come with their unique brand flair and modern stylistic choices.
They’re a great example of why you shouldn’t judge a book on its cover alone. Many people overlook certain watches from merely taking a look at the price point. In reality, overlooking Frederique would be a huge miss for anyone who appreciates real craftsmanship.
The bottom line
Frederique Constant definitely has quite a bit of competition to face, but it’s clear they aren’t scared of the future. They cemented themselves in the industry even further after Citizen stepped into the picture.
I’m a fan, and what really keeps me looking for more is the fact that I appreciate what they have to offer beyond the timepiece alone. It’s a company that makes me excited to see what comes next. Always get your start with a reputable retailer like Exquisite Timepieces so you know you’re working authenticity before anything else.
About Exquisite Timepieces
Established in 1998, Exquisite Timepieces is your one-stop shop for all things luxury watches! We are an authorized dealer for 60+ luxury watch brands including Omega, Hublot, Seiko, & Longines! We are proud to showcase one of the world’s largest pre-owned watch collections, including renowned brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. Check out our brand new watch arrivals here and popular pre-owned listings here.
