FREDERIQUE CONSTANT

Frederique Constant, named for the fathers of its founding couple, Peter and Aletta Stas, has since its founding in 1988 forged a solid reputation for as a maker of classically designed wristwatches — many highly complicated and increasingly powered by in-house movements — at very reasonable prices. Frederique Constant is one of the larger Swiss brands in terms of output and represents “affordable luxury” as well as any Swiss brand in its market segment. Since its acquisition by the Citizen Group, Frederique Constant has stepped up its production of in-house movements, found in signature complicated models like the Classic Manufacture Worldtimer, Slimline Moonphase, Flyback Chronograph Manufacture, and the brand’s Perpetual Calendar one of the very few that can be had for under $10,000. Frederique Constant’s recent initiatives include the revival of its integrated-bracelet sport-luxury Highlife line and the revolutionary Monolthic caliber with its single-piece silicon oscillator.

Founded: 1988

Headquarters: Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland

Ownership: Citizen Group

Notable models: Classic Manufacture Worldtimer, Highlife collection, Slimline

Did you know: Frederique Constant, along with its sister brands Alpina and Mondaine, was in the first wave of Swiss watch brands to introduce a “luxury smartwatch” in february 2015, several months before the launch of the Apple Watch.