Frederique Constant finds itself at the cutting edge of innovation yet again. In 2022, the Brand is shaking up convention in the watchmaking industry by embracing Web 3.0 and the Metaverse. On March 24th, Frederique Constant emerged as the very first watchmaker to launch a timepiece in an interactive, personalised 3D setting. Introducing the Frederique Constant Metacube, a space where videos, photos, objects and avatars collide, powered by Spatial technology. It was in this digital environment that the Maison revealed the two limited-edition Classics Worldtimer Manufactures in celebration of the watch’s 10th Anniversary, and announced plans for its first NFT project.
Supported by Rarecubes, a Swiss-based agency specialising in NFTs and blockchain technology, on March 24th Frederique Constant made waves in the watchmaking industry by becoming the very first brand to launch a new timepiece in the Metaverse. Founded in 1988, the pioneering watchmaker specialises in crafting accessible luxury watches, and has always put innovation at the heart of everything it does.
Frederique Constant chose a symbolic year to make its digital début, with 2022 marking the tenth Anniversary of its flagship Classics Worldtimer Manufacture watch, first launched in 2012. Now one of the Maison’s most iconic designs, the timepiece epitomises its inventiveness and creative flair through the construction of its movement (FC-718), which allows the wearer to adjust all functions using nothing more than the crown. To mark the event, two limited editions have been dreamt up: 88 units in 18-carat rose gold, and 1,888 units in stainless steel.
Introducing the Metaverse and Web 3.0
A new platform for expression, an online digital environment, and a world brought to life through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): welcome to the Metaverse.
Frederique Constant has used the platform to create a space fully decked out in the Brand’s trademark style, known as the Metacube — currently still in beta stage — drawing on Spatial technology to showcase the two Anniversary editions of its iconic Classics Worldtimer Manufacture watch.
On March 24th, Frederique Constant invited 50 VIP customers to step into the Metacube for an avant-garde immersion in a world of 3D objects, photos and videos: an innovative journey deep into the heart of this new timepiece, accompanied by Niels Eggerding, Managing Director of Frederique Constant, Technical Director Pim Koeslag, and Oliver van Lanschot Hubrecht, Strategic Digital Activities Director.
The event was a resounding success, and was intended to mark the Maison’s first forays into Web 3.0 as well as NFTs (Non Fongible Tokens), digital objects stored in digital wallets.
NFTs: the start of something special
The Classics Worldtimer Manufacture’s 10th Anniversary was an opportunity for Frederique Constant to launch its first NFT campaign, creating 50 limited-edition copies of a digital twin of the stainless steel Anniversary edition, meaning a digital replica of the actual watch, as a token of gratitude to thank Frederique Constant customers for their loyalty. Upon buying the Classics Worldtimer Manufacture’s stainless steel Anniversary edition online or in store, each customer is given the opportunity to enter a draw for a chance to win a digital copy of the watch. Registration closes on September 30th, 2022, with the draw due to take place on October 4th, 2022, at 5:00pm (CET). The lucky winner of the NFT will enjoy a host of benefits, such as a warranty extension, early-bird access to future releases, and opportunities to be invited to Frederique Constant events.
“We hope to use the Frederique Constant Metacube space as a digital hub that brings together all those who are passionate about the Brand and its products, a stage on which to showcase our collections and engage in moments of togetherness. Launching two new products in the Metaverse was a unique, ground-breaking experience that makes us proud,” explains Niels Eggerding, Managing Director at Frederique Constant. “It served as yet another demonstration of Frederique Constant’s pioneering founding spirit, and was also an opportunity to unveil our very first NFT campaign, which we wanted to dedicate to our customers. They’re the reason why Frederique Constant has been going strong for over thirty years now.”
And the Frederique Constant Metacube experience doesn’t stop there. The space is set to run and grow over the coming weeks and months, hosting other virtual events including launch and exhibition sessions for other upcoming NFT projects in the pipeline.
About Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant is a Swiss watchmaking manufacture located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Maison was founded in 1988 by a couple of independent entrepreneurs, Aletta and Peter Stas, to offer quality Swiss watches at an affordable price, with the aim of democratising luxury Swiss Made watches.
Frederique Constant creates, develops, assembles and controls a wide variety of mechanical, quartz and connected timepieces at the same time within its 6,200 m2 Manufacture in Planles-Ouates (GE). To this day, Frederique Constant has designed 30 Manufacture calibres, including high complications, such as the Tourbillon, the Perpetual Calendar, the Flyback Chronograph, as well as a new and unprecedented type of escapement in watchmaking – the Monolithic. Made from a single piece of silicone, replacing the 26 components of a standard assortment, it oscillates at a frequency of 40 Hz, which is 10 times that of most mechanical movements.
In 2015, Frederique Constant launched the Horological Smartwatch, the first Swiss Made connected timepiece featuring a traditional appearance. In 2018, the Classic Hybrid Manufacture succeeded it, combining a mechanical Manufacture movement with connected features. It was followed by the Smartwatch Vitality line in 2020, equipped with a new generation built-in heart rate sensor.
The same year, Frederique Constant reinvigorated the Highlife collection (1999) with a redesigned case and an interchangeable integrated strap. This was followed in 2021 by the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture with its very high-frequency one-piece escapement, then by the Highlife collection for women.
Frederique Constant is currently present in nearly 3,000 points of sale in 120 countries across the world. In 2016, the Frederique Constant group (Frederique Constant, Alpina Watches, Ateliers deMonaco) joined the Japanese group Citizen, so as to pursue its international development and nurture new synergies.