A brand I would have never considered buying, but after handling one in person, I'm reconsidering.

May 15, 2019,13:18 PM
 

OK, it's not a brand that shows up here often, and not a brand I would have ever considered buying in the past, but I stopped by my local AD and was immediately attracted to one specific watch.

The brand is Frederique Contsant, the model, a very attractive perpetual calendar that's amazingly affordable. Admittedly, if not for the low retail price (which is of course further discounted at the AD) I probably wouldn't consider it, but it's a rather attractive watch in person, much nicer than even the photos on the company's website, and I'm actually impressed.

42mm and 10.2mm thick including the domed sapphire crystal. It wears very well. Available in stainless, 18K rose gold, or gold-plated (no watch should be gold-plated IMO but who am I to judge?). I prefer stainless for all my watches.

Of course at this price point its movement is CNC made and decorated as are all the brand's models, but at least its made in-house and the movement is certainly not unattractive. The case and dial are also well made and simply styled, which I like.

So if I stick to my usual "buy what you love" philosophy, this watch fits the bill. But still not sure about the brand. Not necessarily a purist watch, but still a very nice perpetual for what it is. Opinions?





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I don't know what else you have in your collection...

 
 By: LX (Alex) : May 15th, 2019-13:36
but take the advice my wife gave when I was considering FC. She simply said: "Sure the price is good, but you will not wear it." Also, if you are looking to quench a thirst for a new watch, remember one thing: The watch you bought "in-between" is always t... 

Your point is well taken...

 
 By: Watch_This : May 15th, 2019-13:55
I bought this FC before I got into higher end watches. I still love the look. Exhibition back and great deployent clasp. But of late, when I need a luxury brown strap watch, I will more often than not wear this: But I gotta be honest, that FC still gets a...  

That's generally good advice and I've considered how much I would wear it and I'm actually sure it would see enough wrist time.

 
 By: Emil Wojcik : May 15th, 2019-14:12
My collection is small, maybe 15 or so watches, ranging from a worthless funky '70s digital through Breitling, Rolex, JLC, Jaquet Droz, AP, as well as some random vintage pieces. I usually change watches two to three times a day and have been doing so for... 

Exactly Nicolas, FC manufactures a nice watch at a fair price.

 
 By: =RWK= : May 15th, 2019-18:28
Which let's us get into deeper trouble elsewhere ;-) -- Richard.

;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : May 15th, 2019-21:57

Nice FC...

 
 By: =RWK= : May 15th, 2019-18:29
Enjoy! -- Richard.

I've recently had a discussion with someone about this specific watch

 
 By: dedestexhes : May 16th, 2019-00:27
And I think if you can overcome all the fuss about names etc, this is a very interesting package indeed. So I fully understand your statements. Sure it will make you happy. Br, Dirk

FC--don't do it

 
 By: Mostel : May 18th, 2019-14:34
A copycat brand with no meaning. My 2c. With that said, their choice of brands to copy are well-founded. Kind of like when Hyundai copies Benz. In this vintag-y realm, go Montblanc! (pre-owned, perfect)

I think you're on the right track. A little perspective, here, for all...

 
 By: halgedahl : May 19th, 2019-08:14
As CNC machines have been mentioned in the OP, let’s all be aware of this: “Our tour started in the basement, where components manufacturing takes place. Like any full-fledged watch manufacture, this involved multiple-axis CNC machines, spark erosion mach... 

I had a look at the FC QP last week

 
 By: Westley Greenhalf : June 24th, 2019-05:10
I was quite impressed with the presentation of the watch, it's clean dial and nice fit.

Oh… I'm so glad. And not because of my diatribe (which, not incidentally, I do believe in). Rather, because it is important to remain

 
 By: halgedahl : June 24th, 2019-07:49
grounded in this ever-spiraling hobby. Cbb-in-honor-of-Chamnong-Bhirombhak's post of June 23 (5077P) perfectly illustrates my point. How unutterably beautiful these marquetry dials are! And if one had had his billions—OK, then, why not purchase a set of f...