Exploring Frederique Constant’s Evolutionary Momentum

After stints at watchmakers like IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Richemont Group, Zenith, and Bertolucci, Yasmina Pedrini was so impressed with meeting Co-Founder of Frederique Constant Peter Stas, and absorbing his entrepreneurial spirit and distinctive vision of accessible luxury, that she joined the company in 2008, working both for Frederique Constant and sibling brand Alpina.

However, while she values the strong human dimension of both brands and the passion and commitment of the teams, she also points to the watchmaking expertise and long-term vision brought by Citizen Group, which acquired both brands in 2016, as a milestone.

Now Frederique Constant’s Global Marketing & Communications Director, Pedrini’s enthusiasm remains unchanged throughout her career, driven by the conviction that great watchmaking is not only about exceptional timepieces, but also about the people, emotions, and stories behind them.

Watchonista: How have Frederique Constant’s pillar focal points evolved in your years with the brand?

Yasmina Pedrini: Our core philosophy remains unchanged: Making fine Swiss watchmaking accessible without compromising on quality, craftsmanship, or innovation. This is our DNA.

What has evolved is how we express this philosophy. While classical elegance and accessible complications remain essential pillars, we are placing greater emphasis on design, creativity, and emotional connection.

Some of our collaborations, like with Time+Tide, George Bamford, and seconde/seconde/, perfectly illustrate this evolution. They bring fresh perspectives, bold creativity, and a touch of unexpected modernity to our collections, helping us reach new audiences and strengthen the brand’s desirability.

Collections such as the Classics Manchette also demonstrate our ability to explore more contemporary, fashion-oriented expressions of watchmaking.

Ultimately, our ambition is not to change who we are, but to broaden the perception of Frederique Constant, connecting with younger generations while remaining true to our values. Accessibility remains at our heart, but desirability is becoming equally important.

W: In terms of Frederique Constant’s ongoing story, what significance do you assign the new $6,195 Worldtimer Manufacture that debuted this past April in Geneva?

YP: Since its initial introduction in 2012, the Worldtimer Manufacture has become the best-selling in-house calibre in the brand’s history, consistently appreciated by watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

What makes this FC-719 movement remarkable is its ingenious construction: All functions are synchronized and adjusted exclusively through the crown, making a highly complex complication incredibly intuitive to use.

This year’s new generation takes the collection even further, introducing an upgraded Manufacture calibre with a 72-hour power reserve, a refined 40mm case, and the removal of the date sub-dial for a cleaner, more balanced aesthetic.

For us, the Worldtimer is much more than a successful collection. It is evolving to meet the expectations of today’s watch enthusiasts.

W: In your opinion, which post-Watches and Wonders releases speak most to the brand’s sense of evolution?

YP: I would definitely highlight the Classics Moneta Hand-Winding, which we launched at Geneva Watch Days. This limited edition of just 999 pieces worldwide has been a real hit with both the press and watch lovers!

I personally love its distinctive 38.5mm case with the signature coin-edge inner ring, the new Lajoux-Perret-based FC-435 hand-wound movement offering a 63-hour power reserve, and especially that beautiful textured dial with its black-to-salmon gradient.

Everything comes together so nicely in this watch: Lots of character, beautiful details, and a look and feel that punches well above its price point.

W: Frederique Constant is up for two GPHG Awards this coming weekend (Saturday, November 7th), a coveted “Petite Aiguille” and in the always competitive Challenge Category. Care to comment?

YP: As you can imagine, we are incredibly honored! The news brought so much happiness and pride to the entire team. Of course, we’re all hoping that one of our watches (the already mentioned Worldtimer Manufacture in “Petite Aiguille” and the already mentioned Classics Moneta Hand-Winding in the Challenge category) – or, let’s dream a little, both of them! – will win in their respective categories.

Personally, I would be especially happy to see Frederique Constant receive this recognition from the GPHG Academy and jury. After so many years of creativity, innovation, and passion, it would be a wonderful reward for the brand and for all the people who have contributed to its success.

But we also have to admit that there are many fantastic brands and timepieces in the competition, so let’s keep our fingers crossed and see what happens.

For more information about this weekend’s awards ceremony, check out Watchonista’s GPHG 2026 event page!

To learn more about the brand and its watches, check out the Frederique Constant website.