This is what Peter Stas, founder and CEO of Frederique Constant, said in his definition of the brand concept during the presentation of his company’s record first half-year results for 2014. “It clearly proves that our product proposition – accessible luxury – continues to have great potential. The initial concept behind the brand was to create Swiss Made, high quality and innovative watches at sensible prices.”

Frederique Constant is growing above all in the US$ 1,000 to $5,000 segment. One of the latest pieces for 2014 is the Heart Beat Manufacture FC-945, the latest version of a concept launched ten years ago, which now incorporates silicium technology, used for the escapement to reduce friction and the need for lubrication. The silicium escapement wheel can be seen through the the aperture at 6 o’clck, the distinctive feature of this piece. The watch has a moon phase and date subdial at the top, and a 24-hour time indicator at 9 o’clock.

The watch is available in 18-carat gold, in a limited edition of 188 pieces (Reference FC-945MC4H9, price CHF 11,890), and in steel, limited to 1,888 pieces (Reference FC-945MC4H6, price CHF 5,595). The movement has 126 components.

Find stores here: http://www.frederique-constant.com/store/