Aletta Stas Bax of Frederique Constant


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When it comes to fine timepieces, there possibly is no better competitor than Frédérique Constant. Over a short chat with the brand’s COO and Co-Founder, Aletta Stas-Bax we prodded her to reveal the brand’s highlights for 2016 and what she foresees as its future in India.

What’s the highlight for 2016?
There is the Manufacture Perpetual Calendar. It features an in-house manufactured movement. It’s a 42mm case and this piece starts at a very good price since there aren’t too many brands who can offer manufactured perpetual calendar movements. The other very interesting item is that the design of the watch is very balanced. We first started by asking ourselves, ‘Let’s look at the dial. Where do we want to draw the eyes? Where do we want to place everything?’ And then we started to make the movement. That is very unconventional. Usually, it’s the other way around. And also, we could make use of new technology that uses lesser parts. In the past, sometimes you had to make three components, now we can make one because technology has improved. It has made it possible to offer this watch for an attractive price.

Aletta Stas-Bax, Frederique Constant On What to Expect in 2016

How different are the approaches to designing a watch?
When you don’t think about the design of the dial, you look only at the technique. And then the outcome might be different. When you see the aesthetics here, you’ll notice the placement of the pivots for the hands. It is very easy to adjust using the pushers on the side. We have it in three dial versions—blue dial, rose gold plated, and stainless steel. It’s also important, as this year will be the 21st manufacture calibre. We launched our first manufacture calibre in 2004, we’re now in 2016 and we already have 21 manufacture calibres. And then we have a watch for the ladies. We have a brand ambassador, Gwyneth Paltrow, who supports all of our charity activities; she’s also involved herself so it’s a good match. If you look at the watch, you’ll notice the pattern of the heart in the centre, and the outside is mother-of-pearl. Moreover, it’s an automatic, and it’s very flat.

What are your thoughts on the Indian market?
We’ve continued growing and now I think, we have 43 points of sales in India. We are really concentrating on expanding at the points of sales by showcasing a bigger collection and to have a strong presence. Last year, we grew again, so we’re really happy. The people like our brand and it takes time, of course, but having 43 point of sales is really good because now people can find the brand more easily. It’s a huge country, so we are available in the big cities and even tier II cities.

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