Architecture & Design
The Inauguration Of Frederique Constant’s New Manufacture In Plan-Les-Ouates
Since being established in 1988, Frederique Constant continues to impress with its production of affordable, innovative, and reliable watches. Now, in celebration of its 30th anniversary, Frederique Constant is turning a new page in its development with the inauguration of a new factory at its headquarters in Plan-les-Ouates. The foundation for the future is set.
By Benjamin Teisseire
Contributor
All were assembled at the new factory on a glorious June afternoon when the founding couple, Peter and Aletta Stas, emotionally remembered the beginning of their adventure with Frederique Constant. They recalled their desire to create an accessible watch brand that offered the opportunity to acquire mechanical horological beauty to as many people as possible. And, they reminisced about their lightning-fast growth from nothing to more than 160,000 watches today. Even Mr. Tokura, president of Citizen Watch holding company – which bought the brand in 2016 – made the trip from Japan. Quite the proof of the Swiss Manufacture’s importance within this large watch group.
Manufacture Experience
Countless journalists were present for the opening of the "Manufacture Experience" space, which traces the company's 30 years of existence and its many achievements: the 29 calibres created, including the first-ever manufacture calibre of 2004; watch innovations like the Horological Smartwatch and the Hybrid Collection; as well as, the latest novelties such as the Heart Beat Manufacture, the FC-700 series of calibres, the splendid Perpetual Calendar, and the Tourbillon Manufacture Quantième Perpétuel launched this year.
Cleverly combining digital and mechanical, this space also highlights Frederique Constant’s sister brands: Alpina and Ateliers deMonaco. For example, they shine a spotlight on Alpina’s continued pursuit of market expansion for the Citizen Watch group by introducing mechanical watchmaking to a whole new generation of consumers, as evidenced by the confirmed success of the AlpinerX, the visionary connected watch introduced in 2018. Additionally, they feature the Citizen Watch groups knowledge of traditional watchmaking through Ateliers deMonaco’s creation and incorporation of high complications – which is found in all of its sister brands.
Affirm the past to define the future
In five years, this new state-of-the-art building will increase annual production from 160,000 to 250,000 watches, according to Peter Stas. The opening celebration was also an opportunity for him to reflect, "Frédérique Constant has been producing watches in the heart of Plan-les-Ouates since 2006. It has remained at the forefront of innovation and excellence in the Swiss and international watchmaking sector thanks to the first Swiss Horological Smartwatch and the Hybrid collection. The unbroken tradition of investing in new technologies and affordable manufacturing mechanical movements reflects the brand's commitment to democratizing the pleasure of luxury around the world."
Niels Eggerding, director of Frederique Constant, added, "This new building is at the forefront of the industry in watch assembly, training and quality control. Indeed, our very rapid growth in recent years required truly innovative places to gain efficiency. Besides, we have brought together our R & D, production and quality control processes under one roof. This complete grouping will contribute more than ever to improve productivity and to streamline of our brands."
Given the Citizen Watch group's growth results, driven by the two flagship brands of Frederique Constant and Alpina, it is clear that the future looks very bright. The choices of streamlining production, controlling costs, and pursuing innovation to open up new segments seem to be bearing fruit. Backed by the sprawling watchmaking group Citizen Watch Co., Frederique Constant has given itself the means to carry out all its ambitions. This new Manufacture is gleaming proof.
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