Frederique Constant - how old is my watch
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Brief overview of the brand
| Period | Key data / characteristics |
|---|---|
| 1988 | Founded by Peter Stas and Aletta Stas in Geneva |
| 1992–2003 | Early quartz and automatic watch series, mostly based on ETA/Sellita movements |
| 2004 | first in-house manufactured movement (FC-910) – Heritage Collection |
| 2008–2015 | other in-house calibers (FC-700 series, FC-980 tourbillon etc.) |
| 2016 | Introduction of the Horological Smartwatch / Hybrid |
| from 2018 | New caliber generation (FC-303, FC-710, FC-718, etc.) – “Manufacture” line becomes central |
| from 2023 | New Highlife generation and evolved smartwatch lines |
Here's how you can estimate the year of origin:
| Caliber group | Production / Timeframe | Typical model |
|---|---|---|
| FC-200 / FC-235 (Quartz) | 1990 – today | Classics Quartz |
| FC‑303 / FC‑306 (automatic, Sellita) | 2003 – present | Classics / Runabout |
| FC-700 (Manual) | from 2004 | first in-house calibers (manual winding – e.g. FC-710 Date) |
| FC‑900 / FC‑980 (tourbillon) | ca. 2008 – 2012 | Tourbillon Manufacture |
| FC-718 (Worldtimer) | from 2012 | Manufactory automatic with base FC-710 |
| FC‑760 (Flyback Chronograph) | from 2017 | In-House Chronograph, Highlife / Flyback |
| FC‑810 / FC‑810 Perpetual Cal. | from 2018 | Perpetual calendar |
| FC-303 Smartwatch Hybrid HR | from 2020 | Hybrid line, battery + analog display |
Chronological classification according to caliber evolution
| Year | Key events / models |
|---|---|
| ≈ 1992–2000 | The first automatic models (Cal. FC-303B1); often with “Automatic Swiss Made” on the dial. |
| ≈ 2004 | Release FC-910 – first in-house movement (visible through opening in the dial) |
| ≈ 2012 | Introduction FC-718 – Worldtimer (typical for references FC-718MC4H4 etc.) |
| ≈ 2016 | Horological Smartwatch Line (Analog Smartwatch, Cal. FC‑285 / FC‑286) |
| ≈ 2018–2023 | New Highlife series with in-house calibers (FC-303 / FC-745 / FC-775) |
Design features as guidelines
| feature | Time range |
|---|---|
| Flat steel base, engraved with “Frédérique Constant Geneve”. | until approximately 2003 |
| See-through base (sapphire crystal) with guilloche rotor (signature) | from 2004 |
| Open heart aperture (“heart beat”) at 12 o’clock | from 2006 onwards – signature design |
| The word "Manufacture" is written on the dial. | from 2008 |
| Integrated band (Highlife Collection) | from 2020 |
Example analysis
| engraving | Factory / Model | Estimated year of construction |
|---|---|---|
| FC-303MC4P6 – No. 0458 | Cal. FC-303 Automatic | 2014–2018 |
| FC-710MC4H4 – No. 0281 | Cal. FC-710 Manufacture | 2009–2012 |
| FC-718WM4H4 – No. 1175 | Cal. FC-718 Worldtimer | 2013–2015 |
| FC-760DG4H4 – No. 0069 | Cal. FC‑760 Flyback Chronograph | 2017–2020 |
| FC-810P4NH6 – No. 0940 | Cal. FC‑810 Perpetual Calendar | 2020–2023 |
Swiss watch brand
Frederique Constant originated from two names: Frederique Schreiner (1881-1969) and Constant Stas (1880-1967). The current managing director of Frederique Constant, Peter Stas, is a fourth-generation descendant of Constant Stas. Constant Stas founded his company in 1904 , where he manufactured clock faces for grandfather clocks.
Frederique Constant was founded in its current form in 1988. Aletta Bax and Peter Stas developed their first collection – six models with Swiss movements, manufactured by a Geneva watchmaker, which were presented in 1991 at a Far Eastern trade fair. A Japanese wholesaler ordered 350 pieces.
The brand was officially registered in 1992 , subsequently gaining increasing recognition and soon appearing in Swiss shops, particularly in tourist destinations. Meanwhile, Frédérique Constant watches were also available with mechanical movements. A frequently copied stroke of genius was the idea of creating a cutout in the dial and part of the mechanical movement to reveal the oscillating balance wheel.
After developing the business plan for a Geneva headquarters in 1996, a work permit was naturally required. The couple received it on the condition that they employ at least twelve people within five years. This goal was achieved just two and a half years later in a workshop in Chêne-Bourg. In 2006, a company building was opened in the Geneva suburb of Plan-les-Ouates. The new location was in good company, sharing the premises with renowned companies such as Piaget , Vacheron Constantin , Patek Philippe , and Rolex .
At the end of May 2016, Citizen acquired the Frederique Constant and Alpina brands from Dr. Peter Stas. In 2018, Frédérique Constant celebrated its 30th anniversary. Today, the company is led by Dutchman Niels Eggerding, who is responsible for the company's expansion.
Aletta and Peter Stas have remained with the company as consultants. On June 8, 2019 , the new company headquarters was officially opened by Niels Eggerding, Managing Director of the Frederique Constant Group; Toshio Tokura, CEO of the Citizen Group; and President and Co-President Peter and Aletta Stas.
Source: Watchwiki, eBay, AI
