Thoughts on the Frederique Constant Worldtimer

[Tricolore]

Happened to bump into this post while surfing the net (http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/hands-o...ant-worldtimer)

Anyone happens to own a Frederique Constant watch? Seems like it is getting pretty good reviews from other forums for its quality and its value. ( I heard it is around $4K for the model on the webpage)

And by the way, does that model kinda remind you of Patek Philippe watches? It looks kinda expensive and well made, IMO. Any thoughts from SG-ROC members?

[pegasi]

Yes this model does look like a PP or GP. Personally I won't spend a few k for this brand. In fact I won't buy this brand. Reason? (lack of) Brand prestige/heritage/resale value. And don't get too carried away by its manufacture movement. The China Seagull and some Russian brands have in-house movements too.

[pegasi]

It's good to learn the specification from such journalist reviews, but take their comments with a pinch of salt (watches or other products alike).

[Tricolore]

True. Frederique Constant has only been around for a decade or so, hence it lack provenance.

I like the watch not because of the review, but rather, the looks and the design. I'm a sucker when it comes to beautiful watches. And this is one gorgeous babe. But yeah, I agree that this brand is not really tested yet, so need to think twice if I really have the $$ to commit one...

[wristmachines]

Beautiful piece, my only gripe is with the date sub-dial because it blocks out the time and cities at the 6 o'clock position. If I'm not mistaken, this shares the same movement with the Alpina Worldtimer.

[ac_wong75]

I recall in the early days Frederique Constant was distributed by City Chain in SG for a while and then it went up market. Their earlier model watches usually cost around $1k++. just food for thought... not saying they are bad watches , but like all brands it is still in its infancy but the prices have certainly moved significantly...

[pegasi]

Before it was sold by City Chain (which I am not aware of just quoting the above post), it was sold next to some China-made mickey mouse watches in a gift shop at Bishan Junction 8 many years ago. How do I know that? I saw it myself and was quite impressed with the "open heart" design. I am a watch enthusiast since young - not as young as Tricolore though

[Tricolore]

Woah, seems like this brand has risen quickly through the ranks uh

[pegasi]

Woah, seems like this brand has risen quickly through the ranks uh

That's the power of marketing. Not taking anything away from their effort in product development and quality. It helps to have a brand name that sounds atas/sounds like one of the top swiss brand Vacheron Constantin

[ac_wong75]

Ya part of the marketinng went to a very cute taiwanese actress as per below from Wiki ;-)

Frederique Constant is represented in Asia with brand ambassador Shu Qi. Frederique Constant and Paint-a-Smile Foundation transformed the murals on the walls of the cardiology department at the Beijing Children's Hospital in 2009.[9]

[pegasi]

Not often I hear people describe Shu Qi as cute...

[watchfun2]

Yes this model does look like a PP or GP. Personally I won't spend a few k for this brand. In fact I won't buy this brand. Reason? (lack of) Brand prestige/heritage/resale value. And don't get too carried away by its manufacture movement. The China Seagull and some Russian brands have in-house movements too.

There are two schools of thoughts. One is to buy the watch because of its brand and the other is to buy it because you like it! With the former, the buyer has to be prepared to pay premium for just the brand. Is it worth it? Well, it is up to the individual.
I remember some years back, many shunned Yishun flats because it was not 'branded'. Now that it has gained its prestige as a matured town, its price has sky-rocketed.
IMO, buying a watch could be the same. Those who had bought Rolex when it was at its infancy stage and were ridiculed by their friends over its non-prestigious brand then would have their last laugh now!

[Jubilee]

Just came across this and it certainly looks like quite a nice piece to have!

Fully agree with the above post - definitely spend your money on what tickles your fancy, not others'.

In saying that, anyone owns one of these yet? Care to share some photos? Does anyone know what it retails for and where in SG? Have not done any footwork but will be doing so this weekend...