In the early 18th century Geneva became a major centre for
the creation and production of fine timepieces. Since then,
Genevese watchmakers have risen to unparalleled heights in
the art of horology.
The first users of timing devices were astronomers who were
responsible
for the most significant inventions: the pendulum clock and
the watch
balance spring.
When Frédérique and Constant first met they
knew it would be the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship,
and the Frédérique Constant marriage has proved
to be a very successful and productive one.
The name 'Frédérique Constant' has been created
from two names:
Frederique: Frederique Schreiner, 1881-1969
Constant: Constant Stas, 1880-1967.
The current Managing Director of Frédérique
Constant S.A., Peter Stas,
is a 4th generation descendant of Mr. Constant Stas, who founded
his company in 1904, making printed clock dials for the watch
industry
Brand Profile
and mission
Frédérique Constant is involved in all stages
of watch production. Watches manufactured under its trademark
are either designed by Frédérique Constant or
by independent designers commissioned for a specific series
of models. Frédérique Constant watches are built
around a range of high-precision, mostly mechanical movements.
These movements require the highly specialised production
and adjustment techniques of perfectly made miniature components
such as wheels and gear trains. Only a few watchmakers in
Switzerland are capable today of producing high precision
complicated mechanical watches.
Frédérique Constant’s mission is to communicate
the interest in Frédérique Constant watches
to broader selection of appreciative enthusiasts who want
to enjoy high-quality contemporary-classical watches at sensible
prices.
Live your passion
Frédérique Constant Genève is, above
all, a traditional brand. With its slogan ‘Live your
Passion’, the company aims to attract clients that have
a passion to succeed.
The main objective in the Frédérique Constant
company strategy is to remain independent. To be independent
enables a brand to act faster and more flexibly than other
brands. While we are independent, however, we do depend on
very close relationships with our distribution partners. Together,
in a difficult economy, we achieved over 30% of growth when
comparing 2003 with 2002", says founder, Peter Stas.
Frédérique Constant is based in ateliers and
offices in Chêne-Bourg, a small suburb of Genève.
Most of the world’s best-known watch manufacturers are
based in Genève. Cross-fertilization between companies,
as well as co-operation with suppliers, enable independent
manufacturers to stay in the forefront of precision watch
making.
Watchmakers are the most important assets of a watch manufacturer,
as each watch is individually assembled by hand. Watchmaking
schools in Genève and La Chaux-de-Fonds have educated
most of the watchmakers at Frédérique Constant.
Many of them gained experience at the ateliers of renowned
brands before joining Frédérique Constant. Yet,
pure capability alone is only part of the equation; to be
successful, a watchmaker at Frédérique Constant
must be truly passionate about his work.
