Niels Eggerding, CEO, Frederique Constant, explores the journey of its exquisite timepieces—the Classic Date Manufacture, Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture, and the Classics Elegance Luna—offering a fascinating glimpse into the future of horology.
What inspired Frederique Constant’s 2024 collection?
Our journey to craft the 2024 collection began in 2022, guided by a mix of planning and good fortune. Without a crystal ball, we aimed to build on the success of previous launches like the Tourbillon and high-end classic timepieces with new features such as the big date and Moonphase complications. Our goal was clear: to bring back our focus on affordable luxury watches crafted in-house. Luckily, amidst global economic challenges, our decision to offer quality at accessible prices proved timely. Understanding the market’s need for value, we introduced enhancements like longer power reserves, starting at €3,295. This blend of innovation and affordability underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional watches to our customers.
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How do the new releases compare to previous collections in terms of design evolution and technical advancements?
Over the past 2-3 years, we’ve refined our collections, focussing on key categories like Manufacture, Highlife, and Classics. We’ve prioritised clarity and coherence while elevating the value proposition and keeping prices accessible. Looking ahead, innovation remains at the forefront, with plans for more advanced manufacturer calibers in the pipeline
What makes the in-house calibres featured in the Classic Date Manufacture and Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture exciting?
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Over two decades ago, we embarked on a journey to introduce in-house calibers to offer greater value to our customers. The FC-710, developed in 2012, was a significant milestone. Recently, we recognised the need to enhance power reserves, which led to the development of a new movement with a 72-hour power reserve, a significant upgrade from the previous benchmark. This involved redesigning the main plates to accommodate a larger barrel for power storage and optimising the spiral spring for improved performance. The meticulous planning and execution spanned two years, resulting in a manageable yet impactful enhancement. These enhancements are featured in our Classic Date Manufacture, powered by the FC-706, and the Classic Moonphase Date Manufacture, featuring the FC-716.
What inspired the unique moonphase design in the Classics Elegance Luna collection?
The genesis of the moonphase design in the Classics Elegance Luna collection was a collaborative effort between my director of research and development and his daughter, a Gen Z. Recognising the importance of appealing to a younger audience, we sought inspiration from her fresh perspective. She emphasised the need to infuse elements of joy and harmony into our designs, especially considering the current global climate. It was her idea to incorporate a kissing motif into the design, symbolising warmth and connection. This design philosophy resonated deeply with us, leading to the creation of a moonphase display that embodies both elegance and whimsy. The exclusive design, crafted in partnership with Sellita, reflects our dedication to innovation, capturing the spirit of the times.
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How significant is the affordable luxury segment for Frederique Constant?
Our foothold in the affordable luxury segment is undeniably our forte. Over the years, I’ve steadfastly safeguarded this segment, resisting the temptation to veer towards higher priced offerings. While other brands aggressively elevate their positioning, we’ve held our ground in this segment, which we’ve come to dominate. Despite the industry’s shifting landscape, with competitors such as Longines and Baume & Mercier pushing prices upwards by 30 to 40 per cent, we’ve maintained our stance. We stand alone, commanding this segment with strength and resilience, a testament to our unwavering commitment to accessible luxury.
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What prompted the choice of materials and colors for the Classics Elegance Luna collection?
We aimed to create an elevated collection for our female clientele, emphasising elegance and vibrancy. Mother-of-pearl dials were chosen for their timeless appeal and luminosity. We introduced four vibrant colours inspired by 2024 trends, including red and green, to cater to diverse tastes.
What is the significance of in-house movements in the current watch market landscape?
I view in-house movements as a significant advantage and a key differentiator for Frederique Constant. They represent a high-value proposition, particularly in light of recent price escalations across the industry. This value proposition has been well-received by industry experts and influencers alike. For instance, Kevin O’Leary, a prominent watch collector with a vast following, was astounded by the capabilities of our in-house movements during an interview. His reaction underscores the importance of raising awareness about the innovation and craftsmanship behind our timepieces.
For someone looking to buy their first FC watch, which model would you recommend?
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For someone new to luxury watches and considering their first FC timepiece, I’d suggest exploring our automatic or chrono quartz models priced at around a thousand Euros, a significant investment for a young audience.
Which Frederique Constant collection sees the highest sales volume?
The collection that resonates the most with our clientele in terms of sales is our Highlife series. Available in various sizes ranging from 41mm to 31mm, this collection offers versatility to meet diverse preferences. Among the standout performers are models featuring the FC-335 movement, which undergoes modifications in-house to incorporate complications such as heart beat moon phase. Notably, one of our best-selling models, boasts a classic design with Roman indices, emphasising timeless elegance. Additionally, our Mini Carree collection has garnered significant traction among female enthusiasts, emerging as a consistent best-seller over the past three years.
How do you anticipate the new 2024 releases will impact the brand’s growth in India?
India’s rapid ascent to our seventh-largest market highlights its immense potential. We’ve strategically prioritised India alongside key markets like the UK, Italy, and the US. Through strong partnerships with retailers like Helios and Ethos, we’re positioned for growth in India’s evolving luxury watch market.