Frédérique Constant Limited Edition FC-303CH4P5 piano

Short Biography

Frédéric-François Chopin (March 1, 1810 – October 17, 1849) is widely seen as one of the greatest of Polish composers renowned for his piano works. A great Romantic composer, who nevertheless wrote absolute music with formal titles such as Mazurkas, Impromptus, Walzes, Nocturnes. He was another one of the extremely rare child prodigies. The musical talent of young Chopin became apparent early on. At the age of 7, he was already the author of two polonaises (in G minor and B-flat major), the first being published in the engraving workshop of Father Cybulski. The prodigy was featured in the Warsaw newspapers, and ‘little Chopin’ became the attraction at receptions given in the aristocratic salons of the capital. He also began giving public charity concerts. His first professional piano lessons lasted from 1816 to 1822, when the teacher was no longer able to give any more help to the pupil whose skills surpassed his own.

Chopin’s music for the piano combined a unique rhythmic sense (particularly his use of rubato, chromatic inflections, and the style of Johann Sebastian Bach), as well as a piano technique, which was of his own creation. This mixture produced a particularly fragile sound in the melody and the harmony, which are nonetheless underpinned by solid and interesting harmonic techniques. He took the new salon genre of the nocturne, invented by Irish composer John Field, to a deeper level of sophistication, and endowed popular dance forms, such as the Polish mazurka and the Viennese waltz with a greater range of melody and expression.

Official Chopin 2010 logo

Chopin in 2010

In Poland, the year of 2010 is announced as the “Year of Fryderyk Chopin” as it is Chopin’s 200th birthday anniversary. Hundreds of events are planned, not only in Poland, however all over the world – concerts, exhibitions, meetings, festivals, congresses and others. Activities are actively coordinated and controlled The Fryderyk Chopin Institute, which was established in 2001 on the basis of an act of the Polish Parliament, to organise concerts, conferences, course, as well as to cover research and popularisation of knowledge about Chopin’s life and work, and cooperation with institutions and organizations dealing in the protection of the Chopin heritage. The Fryderyk Chopin Institute has officially licensed the Frédérique Constant Limited Edition F. Chopin.

Technical Specifications

Reference:
FC-303CH4P5

Limited edition of 1810 pieces, delivered in a miniature Frédéric Chopin Piano

Movement:
Caliber FC-303
Automatic winding mechanism with Date

Case:
Yellow gold plated case
Diameter 40mm
Water resistant to 6 ATM
Convex sapphire crystal, See-through case back

Dial:
Silvered dial with central “Piano guilloché” decoration
Date indicator at 6 o’clock

Strap:
Brown Croco Calf strap

Frédérique Constant Junior

Why wait? Give him his first Swiss Watch now. With personal engraving celebrating his first graduation. Design a Frédérique Constant Junior at junior.frederique-constant.com.

Frédérique Constant is proud to announce the launch of a dedicated range of Swiss Timepieces for young gentleman 12-16 years of age. The collection is built around Automatic and Quartz movements. First introduction is a contemporary Automatic with a suggested retail price of Euro 550. “I am convinced that fathers would like to give their sons a watch beyond the plastic stuff that is on the market today”, says Peter Stas, CEO of Frédérique Constant.

Personal Engraving

Each Frédérique Constant Junior has a dedicated place on its case back for a personal message. Whether this is for an Anniversary, Bar Mitzvah, Commune or other, any message can be engraved.

junior.frederique-constant.com

Via a new sophisticated website, juniors or their fathers can create an individualized Frédérique Constant Junior. The specially developed engraving module enables the online design of a personalized message, including the integration of various symbols and drawings. Thereafter, the watch with individualized engraving can be printed and saved for an order and production.

Frédérique Constant Junior case back with engraving

Father & Son Advertising

To support Frédérique Constant Junior, the company will start a dedicated advertising campaign featuring Sebastian and Alex Schneiter. Sebastian Schneiter (14) is currently qualifying for the Youth Olympic Games, a fantastic event in Singapore in 2010. To succeed at such an event you need a real passion and the story behind such endeavour will be a great one!

Technical Specification

Three main movements: Automatic, Chronograph Quartz, Day-Date Quartz. Case in three parts, diameter 38 mm, antireflective sapphire crystal, see-through caseback on the Automatic Junior Collection to show mechanical automatic movement. Silvered and black galvanised dials with applied indexes, super luminova on hour indexes on dial and on hands. Brown and black straps, as well as metal bracelet possible on all models.

Live your Passion

Peter Stas hosting a Master Class at the New York Institute of Technology

On Wednesay, December 2nd, Frederique Constant Founder and CEO Peter Stas was invited to host a Master Class at the New York Institute of Technology for the students — and next generation of business owners — on how to create a successful brand that is impermeable to the inevitable ups and downs of a global economy.

The event took place at NYIT’s brand new Broadway Theater where Mr. Stas was the first guest speaker. Over 200 students were in attendance, as well as select members of the press. The audience listened closely as Mr. Stas walked them through the history and growth of Frederique Constant, founded in 1988. Peter and Aletta Stas’ aim to produce luxurious watches with high quality Swiss-made movement at sensible prices remains at the heart of the brand and gives them a competitive edge in today’s market.

Questions and answers followed as well as three special prizes. NYIT’s Professional Enrichment program GAM had challenged students to design a Frederique Constant timepiece. NYIT student Christopher Engel won his very own Frederique Constant watch for best design. Two other students won their own watches in the raffle. Guests were treated to refreshments and hors d’oeuvres following the Master Class and a chance to meet Mr. Stas face-to-face.

Frédérique Constant Maxime Heart Beat Moon & Date FC-335MS5M6 & FC-335AS5MZ9

A unique combination, bringing together the Heart Beat aperture, a moon phase indicator and date pointer

Geneva – September 2009
Swiss watch Manufacture Frédérique Constant Genève presents the latest version in its new Maxime series: the Maxime Heart Beat Moon & Date. This creation combines the iconic Heart Beat aperture at 12 o’clock, a moon phase indicator as well as a date pointer.

The new Maxime collection once again demonstrates the brand’s creativity thanks to its outstanding design, combining tradition and modernity. With a 42-mm case, the brushed steel of the case sides fits perfectly to the polished bezel, which is finished in either steel or in pink-gold capped, depending on the version chosen.

The Maxime Heart Beat Moon & Date is equipped with the complicated FC-335 automatic caliber. It incorporates a Heart Beat aperture at 12 o’clock, the iconic signature of Frédérique Constant. Moreover, at 6 o’clock, the moon phase indicator blends into the guilloché work of the dial, combining a Sunray pattern in the center and “Clous de Paris” decoration under the hand-polished hour-markers. These come in Arabic or Roman versions, finished in the same material as used for the bezel. Finally, a central hand on the outer circumference of the dial indicates the date.

Rich in functions, the Maxime Heart Beat Moon & Date is a watch that perfectly combines the modernity of its case design with the tradition of its dial finishing and its functionality. At the same time, it will not fail to enchant lovers of beautiful watches thanks to its positioning in the “Accessible Luxury” segment…

Live your Passion!

For more information, please contact:
Yasmina Pedrini: pedrini@frederique-constant.com

Healey Challenage Canada 2009

Geneva – July 2009
As the Official Timing Partner, Frédérique Constant is excited to announce that the Healey Challenge Canada 2009 in Kingston, Ontario, has been a great success. More than 550 Healey owners and their partners were in attendance, to share their passion around the legendary Austin Healey cars.

During five days, over 230 Healey cars could be admired during numerous activities; from Rallies to a Concours d’Elégance and Track races, offering them wonderful moments in the picturesque Canadian countryside.

After day-long activities, the participants came to relax and unwind in the Frédérique Constant VIP Area. Obviously, also to admire the dedicated Frédérique Constant Healey watches. In succession of a highly successful series, Frédérique Constant introduced the new “Healey Chrono-Automatic”, issued in a limited edition of 1’888 numbered timepieces, during the event. Presented in steel, the rounded case with a diameter of 43mm is hand polished and features an elegant silvered dial with blue accents. The large numerals with blue outlines guarantee a clear readability thanks to their luminous finishing. One time more, Healey watches have been highly appreciated by these car lovers, especially the 2009 editions, created for the year’s event and decorated with a special event logo engraved on the case back, and with a signature rounded aperture, offering a glimpse of the beautifully decorated automatic movement.

Frédérique Constant Healey Automatic FC-303HB6B6

While it is obvious Healey owners are passionate about their cars, they also love their Frederique Constant Healey watches. Numerous people collect the Healey watches, while one fan in particular purchased the first edition Healey watch back in 2004, and has purchased all since then, including this year’s models.

As the Official Timing Partner & Premier Sponsor of the event, Frederique Constant was honored to offer Limited Edition Healey watches to Mr. Blair Harber who won the “Best of Show” Award and to Mr. Bruce Gearns, the only finisher of an equippe of more than 20 cars, to complete the discerning “Time, Speed, Distance Rally”.

It was again exciting to be part of this international Healey event and to meet so many passionate people, who do not only love cars, but also watches!

We are looking forward to next year’s Healey Event… See you all then!

Frédérique Constant at the “ONLY WATCH 09” Charity Auction

Geneva – July 2009
It is with great honor and pleasure that we announce the participation of Swiss Watch Manufacturer Frédérique Constant in the “ONLY WATCH 09” Charity Auction, held in Monte-Carlo on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Watch aficionados and representatives of the world’s most prestigious watch manufacturers gather to witness the third edition of this exceptional auction. All participating brands contributed to raise funds for research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a serious genetic disease that affects one out of 3500 boys born, by donating a unique wristwatch for the event. This Charity Auction afforded to raise € 1,9 M in 2005 and € 2,7 M in 2007.

The 2009 Frédérique Constant’s contributing lot will be as unique and engaged as this Charity Auction: The Heart Beat Trilogy, for the first time assembled in a common luxurious jewel box, which includes a choice of different bracelet. This very feminine Heart Beat Trilogy intended for a very special woman, designed by women for women.

Each of the three watches in the Heart Beat Trilogy is special:
- A unique Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic Pavée, the most luxurious and sparkling ladies timepiece within our Heart Beat collection.
- A unique Double Heart Beat Chocolate Pavée, joined to the “International Children’s Heart Foundation”.
- And a unique Love Heart Beat, linked to “Paint a Smile” Foundation.

Before the Auction planned in Monaco on September 24th, the Heart Beat Trilogy will do a worldwide

Tour in different famous places, well-known from the watch lovers:

Preview exhibitions
Shanghai (Park Hyatt): 29 – 31 July
Geneva (Patrizzi & Co): 27 – 29 August
London (Asprey): 3 – 5 September
New York (Tourneau): 10 – 12 September
Milan (Pisa Orologeria): 17 – 18 September
Monaco Yacht Show: 23 – 24 September

Auction
Monaco (Yacht show) 24 September at 18.00

Frédérique Constant Healey Chrono Automatic

As everyone knows, the story between the Swiss Watch Manufacturer Frédérique Constant and the Austin Healey Cars is a story of passion.

After having been the Official Timing partner of the 2nd European Healey Meeting in St. Moritz in 2004, the Dutch Healey Anniversary in 2005, the Healey Le Mans Challenge in 2006, the Healey Challenge Heidelberg in 2007 and the 3rd European Healey Meeting last year in Sweden, Frédérique Constant is proud to announce its new sponsorship of the 34th International Austin Healey Conclave 2009 organized by the Austin Healey Clubs of America and Canada. A unique event, which will reunite over 300 Austin Healey sports cars dating from the 1950s, and more than 600 enthusiasts from around the globe. These Healey enthusiasts will drive and race together from June 21st to 26th in the area of Kingston (Ontario) in Canada to celebrate their passion for the Austin Healey cars.

During one full week the attendees to the event will enjoy numerous activities. Track races, a Concours d’Elégance, rallies and the discovery of the exciting Canadian countryside are all part of the program. And all this, actively witnessed by three particularly honored guests: Mr. John Sprinzel, Mrs. Ann Wisdom and her husband Mr. Peter Riley.

Frédérique Constant Healey Chrono Automatic

Mr. John Sprinzel is synonymous with the great Sebring Sprite racing cars and was a BMC – “British Motor Corporation” race and rally driver in the 960’s. Moreover he is the former owner of John Sprinzel Racing Limited. John has written a book called “Spritely Years” and is an entertaining guest speaker.

Mrs. Ann Riley-Wisdom: is one of the most successful Healey navigators in the history of the brand. Debuting in the 1957 Italian Sestriere Rally with the first 6-cylinder rally car type UOC741. Ann was the successful navigator to Pat Moss in international rallying. Ann and Pat won many trophies including outright victory in the 1960 Liege event and a Class win in the 1960 Alpine Rally. She also took part in the 1959 Canadian Winter Rally with Pat Moss.

Mr. Peter Riley is a former BMC Works rally and test driver. Peter chalked up the Healey 3000’s first International Class victory in the 1959 Liege-Rome-Liege rally and drove UJB143 (now DD300) with Jack Sears at the 1960 Le Mans.

To celebrate the continuing sponsorship of the “Healey Challenge Canada 2009” in Kingston, Ontario, Frédérique Constant introduces the new “Healey Chrono-Automatic”, issued in a limited edition of 1’888 numbered timepieces. Presented in steel, the rounded case with a diameter of 43mm is hand polished and features an elegant silvered dial with blue accents.

The large numerals with blue outlines guarantee a clear readability thanks to their luminous finishing.

As a subtile hint to this “34th International Austin Healey Conclave – Kingston 2009”, the official logo of the event is engraved on the case back, and an aperture offers a glimpse of the automatic movement. To emphasize on the special value of this timepiece, it is delivered in a luxurious wooden gift box that offers a miniature duplicate of a Healey Car, type 100/6.

In line with its pay-off “Live your Passion”, Frédérique Constant dedicates this new watch to the passionate Healey enthusiasts, fascinated by the lifestyle that fits these famous cars…

The official logo of the event engraved on the case back

Technical Specifications

Reference: FC-392HS6B6

Case:
. Polished stainless steel case, diameter of 43 mm
. Convex sapphire crystal, See-through case back secured by 6 screws.
Austin Healey Conclave – Kingston 2009 Logo engraving on the case back.
. Limited edition at 1888 pieces & individually numbered
. Water-resistant to 10 ATM

Dial:
. Silver and blue dial with applied luminous Arabic numbers
. Date window at 6 o’clock
. Healey logo at 3 o’clock
. Hand polished stainless steel Hands, white luminous

Strap:
. Dark Blue calf racing strap, with optional folding clasp
. Water-resistant inner lining

Movement:
. Chronograph Automatic FC-392
. Mechanical chronograph counters: Hours, Minutes & Seconds
. 42-hours power reserve

Frédérique Constant FC-980MC4H8 and FC-980MC4H9

Geneva- December 2008- After a great success met with his Manufacture Tourbillon, edited in limited series of 188 pieces in rose gold, and unveiled in world-wide preview during Baselworld 2008, Frédérique Constant is very honoured to present you the new edition of his Manufacture Tourbillon, now limited of 88 pieces in white gold, and always endowed with its henceforth very famous Silicium Escapement Wheel.

Based on its award-winning Heart Beat Manufacture Calibre, Frédérique Constant developed its Tourbillon, completely conceived within its Workshops to Plan-les-Ouates and that presents several specific features, which gives a conception innovating and unique to this Tourbillon: a Silicium Escapement Wheel, a Smart Weight Balancing, a Fast Oscillation at 28’800 BpH, and a Tourbillon Cage individually numbered.

The technical innovations:

The Silicium escapement wheel, particularly useful in a Tourbillon mechanism, and already used in a limited series “Heart Beat” in 2007 presents 3 major advantages: Lubricant-free running – avoids the risk that oil spreads to other parts of the movement, and that thus avoids the age’s effects – Very light (low inertia) – the lower weight Silicium escapement wheel has lower inertia, increasing energy efficiency – Good friction properties – lower friction reduces loss of energy, hence the energy requirement for the Calibre is lower. As a result, the Frédérique Constant Tourbillon with Silicium escapement wheel has amplitude of over 300 degrees in dial-up and dial-down positions. Even in the crown-down position, it is over 275 degrees, which is substantially better than the performance of other high-end Tourbillon.

Frédérique Constant FC-980MC4H8

Smart Weight Balancing: the Frédérique Constant Tourbillon Cage consists of 80 parts. Each of these parts is produced to the highest possible tolerance, with a precision of 1-2 micron (0.001-0.002 mm), on Frédérique Constant’s ultra precise CNC machine in Plan-les-Ouates. Even with such a high degree of precision, it is impossible to have a 100% equal distribution of weight in the individual parts; for a Tourbillon to run accurately, an equal distribution of weight is essential. Frédérique Constant solved this problem by a “Smart Screw” system on the outer edge of the Tourbillon cage. At first, the Tourbillon cage is constructed with a slight over-weight opposite the Smart Screw system on the main Cage Wheel. Thereafter, a highly skilled watchmaker is able to balance the weight into the center of the Tourbillon cage by adding or exchanging tiny metal rings under the two screws on the main cage wheel. Typically, 8 hours are required for a watchmaker to adjust the tiny rings and balance the weight perfectly for the entire Tourbillon cage.

Fast Oscillation: the Frédérique Constant Tourbillon runs at 4 Hertz whereby the balance wheel beats 28’800 times per hour. Hence, in a Frédérique Constant Tourbillon, the balance wheels swings 28,800 times an hour and the gear train moves forward 691,200 times in 24 hours. In four years, this represents over one billion impulses. Most competing Tourbillons run at 3 Hertz only. The higher ‘Beats per Hour’ (BpH) enable a higher accuracy of the Tourbillon calibre. The higher oscillation also makes the calibre less susceptible to gyration effects.

The Tourbillon

Individually numbered: each Tourbillon cage is individually numbered to show the Limited Edition of 88 pieces. The minuscule top plate in the center of the Tourbillon cage is sequentially numbered and match with the Limited Edition number on the case, making the combination of calibre and case unique.

The Tourbillon is one of the most valued and sought-after complications by collectors and aficionados of premium timepieces alike. A Tourbillon mechanism is extremely complex to manufacture due to the required accuracy of all the parts involved, and requires highly qualified and experienced watchmakers to be able to manufacture the Tourbillon Calibre. Through allying technical complexities, to the aesthetic value that contributes to the charm of this timepiece, Frédérique Constant presents thus the one of its more beautiful creations…

Live your Passion !

Please feel free to contact us:
Yasmina Pedrini: pedrini@frederique-constant.com
Caroline Delmonte : delmonte@frederique-constant.com
Frédérique Constant S.A.
32 Chemin du Champ des Filles
Plan-les-Ouates
CH-1228 Genève
Switzerland
Phone : +41-22-860-0440
Fax : +41-22-860-0464

Back side

ShuQi wearing Frédérique Constant

Behind the scenes at the photo shoot of the new Frederique Constant advertising campaign with Ms. ShuQi and at the exclusive Frederique Constant Fashion Show in Beijing

Geneva – December 2008 – Recently, the official announcement of Ms. ShuQi as the new Frédérique Constant Brand Ambassador for Greater China took place in Beijing. To communicate that this famous movie star and Taiwanese native is one of the ambassadors for the brand, Frederique Constant created a full new advertising campaign.

The campaign was shot in Hong Kong under the passionate direction of Paul Tsang, one of the best photographers in his field. A team of over 20 creative professionals worked together towards a great result.

The ambassador, who previously worked together with some of the other big names in the luxury industry, proved to be a perfect fit with the elegant style of Frederique Constant’s ladies watches.

ShuQi with Frédérique Constant Double Heartbeat Chocolate

More information: www.paintasmile.org

Mrs ShuQi enjoys wearing the most beautiful & feminine model of the Frédérique Constant Collection. She told the press: ‘I was delighted when Frédérique Constant asked me to be their Chinese Ambassador for the Ladies collection. I have always loved watches and I am very excited by the Ladies Automatic Double Heartbeat Chocolate’.

During the event, the latest creations of Frédérique Constant were revealed on the catwalk during an exclusive fashion show.

To top it off, while the event in Beijing took place at the same time on the other side of the world ‘E!’, a US based entertainment and celebrity media company announced Ms. ShuQi as the winner of the woman with the Sexiest Lips on the Planet, voted by the viewers of E! TV. The second place was occupied by Angelina Jolie.

Tha making of the ShuQi ad

Frédérique Constant - New LOve Heart Beat © Frédérique Constant

Frédérique Constant Press Release – January 2009, Geneva -Frédérique Constant is proud to introduce its new “LOve Heart Beat” models. The new version of the highly successful Ladies Automatic Heart Beat series comes with an original dial design and in new colors.

After the success of the first series of Double Heart Beat ladies watches, introduced in 2006, Genevabased Watch Manufacturer Frédérique Constant presents a new version of this passionately feminine wristwatch. A new creative timepiece designed by ladies – for ladies: the “LOve Heart Beat” models. After the worldwide recognized Double Heart Beat Dial aperture, which became an iconic product within the Frédérique Constant collection of Ladies’ watches, the new “LOve Heart Beat” model features a very special LOve aperture in the dial, set with diamonds and a liberally opened O-shape to let us discover the escapement of a finely decorated automatic movement, also visible through the back of the case thanks to the sapphire crystal.

The case shape is gently rounded with a diameter of 34mm and the fine ‘godron’-decoration all around the bezel gives the watch a timeless elegance. The dial, decorated with a subtle heart-shaped guilloché finishing, features a charming LOve opening at 12 o’clock, set with sparkling diamonds, which reveals the beating of the heart of the watch.

Every details of the “LOve Heart Beat” watch has been designed with passion to reflect the values and aspirations of today’s women. And, as the name of the watch shows, more and more women greatly appreciate wearing an automatic watchmaking piece, combined with feminine touches.

Moreover, the Frédérique Constant “LOve Heart Beat” watch is a delicate wink for men, who want to offer a present to their lady-loves.

The “LOve Heart Beat” watches are presented in different trendy colors: in rose gold plated with either a sweet vanilla or a gourmet chocolate finishing, and in steel with a romantic opaline and mother of pearl dial finishing, set with shiny diamonds varying in number according to the different versions, which will perfectly blend with the current fashion trends….

These new timepieces are an ode to femininity and…. LOve.