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tesmith2112 · 16 February 2014, 08:09 AM

I'm not sure how I stumbled onto this brand, but I was pleasantly surprised to see what they refer to as, "affordable luxury". Here's a couple moon phase dials and a world time I find attractive.

Curious if anyone here has any experience with the brand..

Thanks!

GradyPhilpott · 16 February 2014, 11:54 AM

Personally, I like them.

zama · 16 February 2014, 01:41 PM

I think they look really good, in the PP mould but the prices are certainly much lower, as such I am guessing they use a fairly generic ETA movement or something of that type. Certainly they look classy when on a wrist.

Chewbacca · 16 February 2014, 01:53 PM

had the CARRERA PANAMERICANA for about 3 months. decent style and movement for the $900 paid but the crown action wasn't robust and the leather bands are quite cheap. you get what you pay for.

MitchSteel · 16 February 2014, 01:59 PM

First off, what the hell does "affordable luxury" mean.....sounds like an oxymoron.Nothing against the brand, just not too keen on their marketing campaign.

FeelingTheBlues · 16 February 2014, 02:39 PM

My brother tried a complete calendar one the other day that was gold plated, I personally think their quality/price ratio is great and they are a very good brand. I just wish they had more solid gold models but could see them becoming a high end brand someday.

tesmith2112 · 16 February 2014, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

had the CARRERA PANAMERICANA for about 3 months. decent style and movement for the $900 paid but the crown action wasn't robust and the leather bands are quite cheap. you get what you pay for.

That's good feedback. Thank you.

tesmith2112 · 16 February 2014, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zama

I think they look really good, in the PP mould but the prices are certainly much lower, as such I am guessing they use a fairly generic ETA movement or something of that type. Certainly they look classy when on a wrist.

They actually have some in-house movements. They even have a couple of design patents under their belt. I'm not seeing anything unique in terms of style, but these pics I've linked here are nice.

GradyPhilpott · 16 February 2014, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MitchSteel

First off, what the hell does "affordable luxury" mean.....sounds like an oxymoron.Nothing against the brand, just not too keen on their marketing campaign.

"Affordable luxury" doesn't sound like an oxymoron to me. I'm quite certain that people who can afford luxury find luxury to be affordable.

The etymology of the word luxury is quite interesting.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luxury

tesmith2112 · 16 February 2014, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

"Affordable luxury" doesn't sound like an oxymoron to me. I'm quite certain that people who can afford luxury find luxury to be affordable.

The etymology of the word luxury is quite interesting.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luxury

Well put!

I guess "luxury" is relative. These watches do have a classic luxury brand look, specifically PP IMO, which is a brand most would consider "unaffordable luxury". I'm sure the materials are not equal nor the craftsmanship, but lets face it, with some brands you're paying a premium for the name. With this brand, you're not buying the name, you're buying the look. That's why it's affordable.

tavv160 · 16 February 2014, 09:08 PM

FC has found a niche in which they are really strong. They make nice watches, and they try to innovate quite a bit. They have their own in-house movements at really affordable prices. They also own Alpina, and this brand now also has in-house movements. I like it that they are in a niche where in-house movements are not required, yet they go the extra mile to design the in-house movements. There are many "lazy" brands in this price category that do not innovate at all, and only design a new case with the same movement.

I personally am not a big fan of gold plated watches, but I guess it would not be feasible for them to make solid gold watches. This would mean the prices would be way above the budget of their target market. One thing I very much dislike about the brand is the croco print straps they use. Makes a watch look really cheap. But once again, this is something they do to maintain the price point.

I very much respect this brand, and I think they did a great job. Within the price range there is very little that is on the same level IMO (with the exception of Nomos). Admittedly, the designs are not ground breaking, nor are the in-house movements, but for the price you get a lot of watch IMO. Also, Mr. Stas, the founder and CEO of the brand is quite active on forums which I quite like.

tesmith2112 · 17 February 2014, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tavv160

FC has found a niche in which they are really strong. They make nice watches, and they try to innovate quite a bit. They have their own in-house movements at really affordable prices. They also own Alpina, and this brand now also has in-house movements. I like it that they are in a niche where in-house movements are not required, yet they go the extra mile to design the in-house movements. There are many "lazy" brands in this price category that do not innovate at all, and only design a new case with the same movement.

I personally am not a big fan of gold plated watches, but I guess it would not be feasible for them to make solid gold watches. This would mean the prices would be way above the budget of their target market. One thing I very much dislike about the brand is the croco print straps they use. Makes a watch look really cheap. But once again, this is something they do to maintain the price point.

I very much respect this brand, and I think they did a great job. Within the price range there is very little that is on the same level IMO (with the exception of Nomos). Admittedly, the designs are not ground breaking, nor are the in-house movements, but for the price you get a lot of watch IMO. Also, Mr. Stas, the founder and CEO of the brand is quite active on forums which I quite like.

Interesting stuff. Thanks for the insight. I think I'll buy the black dial moon phase and world timer and post a review.

incontrol · 17 February 2014, 01:45 AM

I have a friend that has one of these watches. Every time I see it I always congratulate him on the great looking watch. I think they are a great brand that knows its market and are doing a lot if things right. I agree they could be a very desirable brand in the future.

MCV · 17 February 2014, 03:01 AM

I have a FC Peking to Paris chrono which I think is a great watch for the money. I don't have any problems with the crown action, although the strap is a bit thin for the price point, but certainly not low end.

Overall, this brand seems to represent a good value, esp. for in-house movements. I don't think you'd go wrong if you pulled the trigger on one.

Cheers,

-Marc

BlueHeron · 21 February 2014, 05:41 AM

Okay, I have an FC 718 Worldtimer, rose gold plate. LOVE THE WATCH. The design detail on the dial is gorgeous: the way light reflects across it, changing color to match the hue of the room or sky, the blue hands / blue world time dial set against the light background (telling time on this watch is a joy), the reflection of the city names inside the case wall.

Many of the FC models are limited edition (this one is 1,888 pieces), and the movement is in-house, with a beautiful case back showing a nice level of finishing on the mechanisms.

I personally believe that the beauty of the watch stacks up against any other brand, and yet the gold plate keeps it under $5k (you can negotiate and pay $3k - $4k).

I recently tried on a Vacheron world timer, one of my favorites, list price EURO45,000. You know what? I prefer my FC 718 dial and overall look, which surprised me.

Would I love it in solid gold? Of course I would, but I'd have to find $20k+ and that is not easy these days, now is it.

In the mean time I've got an automatic mechanical of extreme beauty, Swiss made, in house movement.

LOVE IT.

One more thing: FC has won some distinction (apparently) for the complexity of the crown -- on this watch, one crown controls the hands, the date, and the world time function (cities move such that you place your home city above the 12). I am no expert, but I've read that this aspect is unusual.

SearChart · 21 February 2014, 05:48 AM

I like some of their models but I would buy a Nomos in this price range.

brianrx74 · 21 February 2014, 02:40 PM

The Slim Line Moonphase is my favorite FC. Yes, it resembles the JLC MUT Moonphase, but it's a third of the cost. I like how the steel model looks and it uses one of their in house movements.

tavv160 · 21 February 2014, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianrx74

The Slim Line Moonphase is my favorite FC. Yes, it resembles the JLC MUT Moonphase, but it's a third of the cost. I like how the steel model looks and it uses one of their in house movements.

Yes, that is a pretty nice watch. But too big for my liking with a 42mm diameter. They should have kept it to 40mm and it would be a peffect affordable dress watch.

16 February 2014, 08:09 AM	#1
tesmith2112 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: United States Posts: 256	Thoughts on Frederique Constant Brand.... I'm not sure how I stumbled onto this brand, but I was pleasantly surprised to see what they refer to as, "affordable luxury". Here's a couple moon phase dials and a world time I find attractive. Curious if anyone here has any experience with the brand.. Thanks!

16 February 2014, 11:54 AM	#2
GradyPhilpott 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: Seiko #SRK047 Posts: 34,460	Personally, I like them. __________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

16 February 2014, 01:41 PM	#3
zama "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Craig Location: Sydney Watch: 4 Broken glass Posts: 5,808	I think they look really good, in the PP mould but the prices are certainly much lower, as such I am guessing they use a fairly generic ETA movement or something of that type. Certainly they look classy when on a wrist. __________________ Day Date 118206, Daytona 116509 & 116505, AP 25859ST Gone but not forgotten and genuinely missed..... Root Beer GMT, Sub, TT Daytona, YG DD Bark, Datejust(2 his & hers), AP RO, PP Aquanaut, Lange 1, Heuer Monza, Piaget Altiplano, GP Chrono, Seamaster, Tudor Sub, Tudor Chrono, Tudor Black Bay Bronze

16 February 2014, 01:59 PM	#5
MitchSteel "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: MDangerSteel Location: Canada Watch: Vintage Rolex Posts: 2,301	First off, what the hell does "affordable luxury" mean.....sounds like an oxymoron.Nothing against the brand, just not too keen on their marketing campaign. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons Probability of survival is inversely proportional to the angle of arrival---Capt. Rage Don't believe anything in aviation, 'till V1---Mitch Danger Steel

16 February 2014, 02:39 PM	#6
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	My brother tried a complete calendar one the other day that was gold plated, I personally think their quality/price ratio is great and they are a very good brand. I just wish they had more solid gold models but could see them becoming a high end brand someday. __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

16 February 2014, 01:53 PM	#4
Chewbacca Banned Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: CJ Location: Kashyyyk Watch: Kessel Run Chrono Posts: 21,112	had the CARRERA PANAMERICANA for about 3 months. decent style and movement for the $900 paid but the crown action wasn't robust and the leather bands are quite cheap. you get what you pay for.

16 February 2014, 09:08 PM	#11
tavv160 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: Tony Location: UK Watch: AP, Rolex, JLC... Posts: 631	FC has found a niche in which they are really strong. They make nice watches, and they try to innovate quite a bit. They have their own in-house movements at really affordable prices. They also own Alpina, and this brand now also has in-house movements. I like it that they are in a niche where in-house movements are not required, yet they go the extra mile to design the in-house movements. There are many "lazy" brands in this price category that do not innovate at all, and only design a new case with the same movement. I personally am not a big fan of gold plated watches, but I guess it would not be feasible for them to make solid gold watches. This would mean the prices would be way above the budget of their target market. One thing I very much dislike about the brand is the croco print straps they use. Makes a watch look really cheap. But once again, this is something they do to maintain the price point. I very much respect this brand, and I think they did a great job. Within the price range there is very little that is on the same level IMO (with the exception of Nomos). Admittedly, the designs are not ground breaking, nor are the in-house movements, but for the price you get a lot of watch IMO. Also, Mr. Stas, the founder and CEO of the brand is quite active on forums which I quite like. __________________ Kind Regards, Tony.

17 February 2014, 01:45 AM	#13
incontrol "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Kevin Location: Somewhere in PA Watch: All of them... Posts: 10,355	I have a friend that has one of these watches. Every time I see it I always congratulate him on the great looking watch. I think they are a great brand that knows its market and are doing a lot if things right. I agree they could be a very desirable brand in the future. __________________ Patek Philippe Rolex

17 February 2014, 03:01 AM	#14
MCV 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Marc Location: USA Watch: GO Sport Evo Posts: 679	I have a FC Peking to Paris chrono which I think is a great watch for the money. I don't have any problems with the crown action, although the strap is a bit thin for the price point, but certainly not low end. Overall, this brand seems to represent a good value, esp. for in-house movements. I don't think you'd go wrong if you pulled the trigger on one. Cheers, -Marc

21 February 2014, 05:41 AM	#15
BlueHeron "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: New York Posts: 425	Okay, I have an FC 718 Worldtimer, rose gold plate. LOVE THE WATCH. The design detail on the dial is gorgeous: the way light reflects across it, changing color to match the hue of the room or sky, the blue hands / blue world time dial set against the light background (telling time on this watch is a joy), the reflection of the city names inside the case wall. Many of the FC models are limited edition (this one is 1,888 pieces), and the movement is in-house, with a beautiful case back showing a nice level of finishing on the mechanisms. I personally believe that the beauty of the watch stacks up against any other brand, and yet the gold plate keeps it under $5k (you can negotiate and pay $3k - $4k). I recently tried on a Vacheron world timer, one of my favorites, list price EURO45,000. You know what? I prefer my FC 718 dial and overall look, which surprised me. Would I love it in solid gold? Of course I would, but I'd have to find $20k+ and that is not easy these days, now is it. In the mean time I've got an automatic mechanical of extreme beauty, Swiss made, in house movement. LOVE IT. One more thing: FC has won some distinction (apparently) for the complexity of the crown -- on this watch, one crown controls the hands, the date, and the world time function (cities move such that you place your home city above the 12). I am no expert, but I've read that this aspect is unusual. Attached Images

21 February 2014, 02:40 PM	#17
brianrx74 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Real Name: Brian Location: Wisconsin Watch: 14060M Posts: 205	The Slim Line Moonphase is my favorite FC. Yes, it resembles the JLC MUT Moonphase, but it's a third of the cost. I like how the steel model looks and it uses one of their in house movements.

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