Frederique Constant is a reputable Swiss brand that aims to deliver affordable Swiss watches without sacrificing quality. You might think that Tissot or Swatch has a similar mission and vision, but Frederique Constant is very much different from the cheaper brands.
Frederique Constant aims to deliver the highest level of craftsmanship in all of their watches.
The brand started journeys in 1988 at the hands of a Dutch couple. Aletta Francoise Frédérique Stas-Bax and Peter Constant Stas, the couple decided to pour their knowledge of family heritage into making an affordable Swiss watch brand. Thus, comes the name – Frederique Constant.
Most of their watches range from CHF 1,000 to 5,000 ($1,100 to $5,500) with a few exceptions.
Soon, the brand became very popular all around the world. Their clever marketing tactics in rally races also helped to spread their name to mass people.
However, the couple sold the company to Citizen Holdings, Tokyo, Japan, in 2016 in pursuit of developing next-gen smartwatches.
So, let’s take a look at the Frederique Constant watch review in detail now!
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Frederique Constant Runabout FC-350RMG5B6 |
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Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch Fitness Watch FC-285V5B4 |
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Frederique Constant Slimline FC-200RS5S36 |
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Frederique Constant Geneve Vintage Rally Healey FC-397HN5B4 |
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Frederique Constant Men’s Slimline FC-312V4S4 |
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Frederique Constant Classics FC-316MC5B9 |
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Frederique Constant Double Heart Beat FC-310CDHB2PD4 |
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Frederique Constant Geneve Classic Tourbillon FC-975S4H9 |
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Top 8 Best Frederique Constant Watches Reviews of 2020
Frederique Constant Runabout FC-350RMG5B6
Let’s start with a classic option – the Frederique Constant Runabout FC-350RMG5B6. This limited-edition watch stood as the fan-favorite for a long, long time.
Frederique Constant poured their heart and soul into the creation of this watch. You can see the hints of elegance in every aspect of the watch design.
Let’s start with the choice of the movement. They have used the FC-350 caliber in this watch, which is based on the Sellita SW200-1. FC-350 is a GMT movement, which means that you can keep track of your travel schedules and business meetings with more ease now.
You’ll not have to fix your watch every time you move to another time-zone.
Every single component is made of superior quality. For example, the case is made of polished SS, the dial has a hint of guilloche pattern, and the strap is made of croc-calf leather.
As you can see, you’re not making any compromise in any department. The watch maintains the Swiss standard from A to Z.
What’s the best part?
It’s affordable!
Well, you shouldn’t compare it with some other “affordable” Swiss watches like Tissot or Swatch.
Frederique Constant is a class apart!
Product Specification – Frederique Constant Runabout FC-350RMG5B6
- Movement: Swiss Automatic
- Caliber: FC-350
- Base Caliber: Sellita SW200-1
- Jewel Count: 26
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Case Thickness: 12mm
- Band Width: 20mm
- Case Material: Polished Stainless Steel
- Band Material: Crococalf Leather
- Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
- Clasp Type: Tang Buckle
- Crystal: Scratch Resistance Sapphire
Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch Fitness Watch FC-285V5B4
We’re all familiar with the smartwatches and FitBits. After all, the smart wearables are threatening the traditional watch market more and more these days.
Watch manufacturers like Garmin are designing “feature-monsters,” and it’s a very exciting time to witness all the technological marvels.
Now, what if I tell you that Frederique Constant has an analog smartwatch?
Yes, Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch Fitness Watch FC-285V5B4 comes with a plethora of smart features. You can now have dynamic coaching, sleep monitoring, activity tracking, get-active alerts, and many more.
You can even connect the watch with your Android or iOS smartphones!
Well, most of the credit goes to the movement, MMT-285.
Now, you can have the best of both worlds!
Product Specification – Frederique Constant Runabout FC-350RMG5B6
- Movement: Swiss Quartz
- Caliber: MMT-285
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Case Thickness: 13.5mm
- Band Width: 21mm
- Case Material: Polished Rose Gold-Plated Stainless Steel
- Band Material: Leather
- Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
- Clasp Type: Deployant
- Crystal: Scratch Resistance Domed Sapphire
Frederique Constant Slimline FC-200RS5S36
The Slimline collection is the most popular collection from the brand. There’re two variants available – quartz and automatic.
Frederique Constant Slimline FC-200RS5S36 is the quartz variant that costs slightly less while maintaining the same looks.
So, if the automatic variant seems out of your budget, you can easily choose this one. Externally, both of the watches are identical and comes with premium features like crocodile leather strap, sapphire crystal, and polished SS case.
But you’re getting FC-200 movement which is a 4-jewel quartz movement. It’s certainly the best budget option from Frederique Constant.
Product Specification – Frederique Constant Slimline FC-200RS5S36
- Movement: Swiss Quartz
- Caliber: FC-200
- Jewel Count: 4
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Case Thickness: 5mm
- Band Width: 20mm
- Case Material: Polished Stainless Steel
- Band Material: Crocodile Leather
- Water-Resistance: 3 ATM
- Clasp Type: Tang Buckle
- Crystal: Scratch Resistance Sapphire
Frederique Constant Geneve Vintage Rally Healey FC-397HN5B4
Frederique Constant Geneve Vintage Rally Healey FC-397HN5B4 celebrates the ’60s motorsports design. The two chronograph subdials resemble the speedometer of the rally cars.
The watch also shows Frederique Constant’s love for rally races. After all, Frederique Constant has been sponsoring many rally races worldwide since 2004.
Now, you can show your love for rally races with the Vintage Rally Healey FC-397HN5B4. However, the price might be a concern as these watches don’t come cheap!
Product Specification – Frederique Constant Geneve Vintage Rally Healey FC-397HN5B4
- Movement: Swiss Automatic
- Caliber: FC-397
- Base Caliber: Sellita SW-510
- Jewel Count: 25
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Case Thickness: 15mm
- Band Width: 21mm
- Case Material: Rose Gold PVD Stainless Steel
- Band Material: Leather
- Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
- Clasp Type: Tang Buckle
- Crystal: Anti-Reflective Sapphire
Frederique Constant Men’s Slimline FC-312V4S4
As I said, Frederique Constant has two variants in the Slimline collection. Frederique Constant Men’s Slimline FC-312V4S4 comes with automatic movement.
However, the watch’s most exciting part is the semi skeleton opening at the 12 o’clock marker. This opening lets you peak through the intricacies of the movement working inside.
To balance the intricate design, Frederique Constant has kept every other aspect of the watch very minimal. You’ll see clean white dial base with batons to show the hour markers. Again, the rose gold PVD case and brown leather enhances the elegance.
On top of everything, you’re getting the ultra-slim finish (5mm depth), which is the Slimline watches’ specialty.
Product Specification – Frederique Constant Men’s Slimline FC-312V4S4
- Movement: Swiss Automatic
- Caliber: FC-312
- Base Caliber: ETA
- Jewel Count: 25
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Case Thickness: 12mm
- Band Width: 20mm
- Case Material: Rose Gold PVD Stainless Steel
- Band Material: Leather
- Water-Resistance: 3 ATM
- Clasp Type: Deployant
- Crystal: Scratch Resistance Sapphire
Frederique Constant Classics FC-316MC5B9
Frederique Constant pays homage to the traditional Swiss watches through the Classics collection. These watches are premium and offer the highest level of build quality.
Frederique Constant Classics FC-316MC5B9 is one of the more well-known models in this collection. The watch comes with FC-316 caliber that is based on Sellita SW300 caliber.
So, you’ll not have any issue accuracy or precision. These calibers are very popular for precision.
The 18K rose gold case with transparent case back will assure you a sense of elegance that very watch at this price can offer you.
Truthfully, there’s nothing to complain against this particular watch.
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Product Specification – Frederique Constant Classics FC-316MC5B9
- Movement: Swiss Automatic
- Caliber: FC-316
- Base Caliber: Sellita SW300
- Jewel Count: 25
- Case Diameter: 37.5mm
- Case Thickness: 12mm
- Band Width: 20mm
- Case Material: 18K Rose Gold
- Band Material: Leather
- Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
- Clasp Type: Tang Buckle
- Crystal: Scratch Resistance Sapphire
Frederique Constant Double Heart Beat FC-310CDHB2PD4
The Double Heart Beat collection is the special ladies’ collection from Frederique Constant. Frederique Constant Double Heart Beat FC-310CDHB2PD4 is one of the older classics in this collection.
Many interesting design choices make the watch quite special. For example, the twin heart-shaped cut-out lets you see through the movement. The name of the collection comes from this special design choice.
Then, you can see a heart-shaped guilloche design in the center of the dial. Eight of the hour markers have diamonds as indicators. Also, there are crystals embedded on the bezel.
But I really liked deployant clasp included in the watch. It’s unique and artistic.
Overall, this old classic watch might just be the most lucrative design for the ladies from Frederique Constant.
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Product Specification – Frederique Constant Double Heart Beat FC-310CDHB2PD4
- Movement: Swiss Automatic
- Caliber: FC-310
- Base Caliber: Sellita SW300-1
- Jewel Count: 26
- Case Diameter: 35mm
- Case Thickness: 10mm
- Band Width: 19mm
- Case Material: Rose Gold PVD Polished Stainless Steel
- Band Material: Alligator Leather
- Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
- Clasp Type: Deployant
- Crystal: Scratch Resistance Sapphire
Frederique Constant Geneve Classic Tourbillon FC-975S4H9
Let me talk about the most expensive and most unique watch from Frederique Constant. I’m talking about Frederique Constant Geneve Classic Tourbillon FC-975S4H9.
Just all the Swiss tourbillon watches, this watch is the epitome of swiss craftsmanship. CÔTES DE GENÈVE decoration will mesmerize you at first glance.
Rather than depending on third-party caliber makers, Frederique Constant has used their in-house FC-975 caliber. This masterpiece has 33 jewels that looks stunning through the skeleton display.
18K rose gold case, genuine alligator strap, and convex sapphire crystal will make your fall in love with the watch even more
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Product Specification – Frederique Constant Geneve Classic Tourbillon FC-975S4H9
- Movement: Swiss Automatic
- Caliber: FC-975
- Base Caliber: In-House
- Jewel Count: 33
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Case Thickness: 11.30mm
- Band Width: 20mm
- Case Material: 18K Rose Gold
- Band Material: Brown Alligator Leather
- Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
- Clasp Type: Tang Buckle
- Crystal: Scratch Resistance Sapphire
Is Frederique Constant A Good Brand?
Yes, without any doubt!
You should never question the quality of a true Swiss watch – these watches offer unrivaled quality and precision.
Frederique Constant will let your taste every single premium element of the Swiss watches yet the piecing will surprise you. If you think about it, the watches are quite cheap compared to the Swiss watch industry standard.
Also, Frederique Constant is considered a top-shelf Swiss brand with impressive brand value in the community.
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What did We like About Frederique Constant?
Well, every single thing regarding the brand is lovable!
Frederique Constant uses third party base caliber and then modify them for their personal usage. The choice of movement is worth some praise. They are accurate and reliable and offers great value.
I’ve also loved the choice of materials for the case and strap. They didn’t cheap out on anything and included materials of highest value.
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What Didn’t We Like About Frederique Constant?
Frederique Constant fails miserably in one department and that’s water resistance. None of the watches have standard water resistance performance.
You’ll get 5 ATM resistance at best and a great number of watches even come with 3 ATM resistance, which very poor.
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Conclusion
What is the best Frederique Constant watch?
Is it the Tourbillon? Or the impressive Slimlines?
Well none, Of course these watches are good but I’d love rank the watch number one that’s affordable and offer the highest value.
So, for that perspective, Frederique Constant Runabout FC-350RMG5B6 comes to the number one spot.
Then, Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch Fitness Watch FC-285V5B4 comes to the second position for offering so many features.
Finally, Frederique Constant Slimline FC-200RS5S36 would come to the third position. Well, who can ignore the beauty of a classic Swiss watch?
Do you agree with the picks? Let me know in the comment section!