Today we present Frederique Constant's elegant Lady Automatic Double Heart Beat Set.
Frederique Constant
"LIVE YOUR PASSION"
The manufacture, Frederique Constant was founded in 1988 by Aletta and Peter Stas. The name itself was derived from watchmakers Frederique Schreiner (1881-1969) and Constant Stas (1880-1967). Peter Stas, co-founder and CEO is a 4th generation descendant of Constant Stas who made printed clock dials for the watch industry after founding his company in 1904.Since its founding, Frederique Constant has grown into one of the larger Swiss watch manufacturers. Production reached over 120,000 watches in 2011 and are sold in excess of 2,700 retailers in over 100 countries around the globe. Frederique Constant positions itself in the accessible luxury segment, with most of its watches selling around $1200 - $6000 clearly stating that "our mission is not to restrict the interest in Frédérique Constant watches to a limited and elitist circle of connoisseurs but rather to a broader selection of appreciative enthusiasts who want to enjoy high quality classical watches at sensible prices".
The manufacture operates a 3200 sqm facility in Plan-les-Ouates, spread over four floors and comprising the sectors of movement component production, calibre assembly, watch assembly, and extensive, state-of-the-art quality control. The basement level is where all the components are manufactured.
2001 saw the development of Frederique Constant's first patented manufacture caliber in co-operation with the École d'Horlogerie de Genève, École d'Ingenieurs de Genève and the Horloge Vakschool Zadkine. The Heart Beat Manufacture has a characteristic bridge for the balance wheel on the front side of the caliber. Utilising this configuration made it possible to have the spiral and fine regulation on the front side as well, creating the Heart Beat design.
The company's "Heart Beat Manufacture" won the "Watch of the Year" Award of Horloges Magazine in the category up to € 3000 in 2005.
In February 2007, Frederique Constant began production of the Silicium escapement wheel (first introduced to the industry by Patek Philippe in 2005). In October of that year the Heart Beat Calibre FC 935 Silicium was introduced. It implements new high tech materials to create better, more precise and more reliable mechanical watches.
In April 2008, the manufacture created a tourbillon with a silicium escape-wheel and, for the first time, an amplitude of over 300 degrees between its vertical and horizontal positions. Coupled with rapid oscillation, this gives the watch an unusually high level of precision.
In 2012 the Worldtimer watch made its debut, implementing a unique mechanism, adjusted solely via the crown. The Worldtimer function is used by selecting the desired city and placing it at the 12 o'clock position on the dial. Internal discs automatically synchronise, and after that, it is possible to see what time it is in any of the 24 cities on the dial. In addition, thin discs also indicate at a glance whether it is day or night.
Many manufactures become sponsors or official timekeepers of various events such as rallies, formula one racing and tennis. The company sponsored the Hélice Classique Genève and Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance and developed it's Runabout range to pay tribute to the legendary Runabout gentlemen's sports boats of the roaring 20s. The events showcased the best vintage wood boats, which competed for top honors in 13 classes. They have also sponsored the Peking to Paris, Healey Challenges and La Carrera Panamericana.
Frederique Constant is also heavily involved in charitable events and organisations.
US$50 from the sale of each watch from its Double Heart Beat Collection are donated to various charities including those related to the heart and children.
During the 2010 Passion Awards for Charity event in New York, the American Heart Association received a US$50,000 cheque from the company.
The International Children's Heart Foundation received two cheques to the value of US$50,000 and US$75,000 in 2008 and 2011, respectively. The Foundation helps to diagnose and care for children with congenital heart disease in developing countries.
The company partners with the World Heart Federation on the "Hearts of Children" campaign an in a multi-national survey conducted in Brazil, India, UK and the USA by the World Heart Federation regarding perceptions and awareness of heart disease.
2013 will be the seventh time that Frederique Constant has been a partner of the Only Watch Auction to raise funds for scientific and medical research on neuromuscular diseases in general and Duchenne muscular dystrophy in particular.
More information about Frederique Constant's charitable efforts can be found here.
Via email, Frederique Constant founder and CEO, Peter Stas, stated:
"The watch we have offered to the Only Watch Auction is a continuation of other charitable efforts based on our Double Heart Beat Collection.For Only Watch, we created an unique model in 18K gold with diamonds set on the sides of case in addition to topring and dial. Total results in a new high-end beautiful Frederique Constant watch that is delivered together with Frederique Constant jewelry.We are looking forward to a high auction price so that the watch can contribute to research in muscular distrophy."
- Peter Stas, CEO and founder of Frederique Constant.
We can hope that each timepiece on offer in the Only Watch auction brings the highest possible result so that funds can be raised for the research and fight against muscular dystrophy.
The following video showcases the unique Lady Automatic Double Heart Beat timepiece and matching three-piece jewellery set.
Lady Automatic Double Heart Beat Set
Unique Lady Automatic Double Heart Beat timepiece with a dazzling 19 carat rose gold case "pave" with sparkling diamonds and "Only Watch 2013" hand engraved on the case back. Presented in a specially designed leather gift box. The successful bidder will also be receiving a matching three-piece jewellery set: a delicate and attractive pendant, bracelet and matching pair of earrings. All three pieces are finished in the same 18-carat rose gold, creating the perfect ensemble for that special evening out.
Catalogue Description:
| Frederique Constant, Lady Automatic "Double Heart Beat" for Only Watch Frederique Constant, Lady Automatic “Double Heart Beat,” Ref. FC-310DHB2PPV9 Fine and unique, 18k pink gold and diamond-set self-winding wristwatch accompanied by an 18k pink gold and diamond bracelet, pendant and earrings. Accompanied by a fitted box and Certificate. Double Heart” Bracelet Reference FC505A9 Description 18K pink gold “Double Hearts” with one “Double Heart” Pavé Diamond (0.08ct) and Semi Precious Stones. “Double Heart” Pendant Reference FC205A9 Description 18K Rose gold “Double Hearts” with Pavé diamonds (0.42ct) “Double Heart” Earrings Reference FC604A9 Description 18K Rose gold “Double Hearts” with Pavé diamonds (0.36ct) | |
| C. 18K pink gold case set with 193 full-cut diamonds, VS clarity, H color (1.424ct) on the bezel, Convex sapphire crystal, screw-down, see-through caseback, Crown set with an amber cabochon, water-resistant to 3ATM, unique “Only Watch 2013” engraving on the caseback. D. Opaline dial & MOP decoration in the outer ring, 8 diamond indexes (0.08ct) hearts “guilloché” decoration in the center, “Double Heart,” aperture at twelve O’clock. M. Cal. FC-310, automatic caliber, “Double Heart” aperture, perlage finishing on the balance's bridge opening, 38-hour power reserve. | |
| Estimate: 12,000 EUR - 16,000 EUR |
Links to all the articles in our countdown can be found on the original post
No comments:
Post a Comment