Talking Shop with Frederique Constant CEO Niels Eggerding
Few brands went through such rapid developments as Frederique Constant. Within a record time, this brand evolved into one of the most respected and innovative Swiss watch manufacturers. Is it now resting on its laurels, enjoying the fruits of its current status or is it still all hence on deck as they move forward into the future? We talked with Frederique Constant’s CEO Niels Eggerding to find out.
Martin Green/WatchTime: A watch brand founded in Hong Kong by a Dutch couple turned into a trailblazing Swiss manufacture that was bought by a major Japanese player (Citizen). You were along for most of the ride. How was that, and how does it define what Frederique Constant is now?
Niels Eggerding/Frederique Constant: Working with the founders from 2012 was an incredibly enriching experience. I learned a great deal about building a watch brand from its original founders as a family-owned company. When Citizen acquired us in 2016, it was crucial for the founders to ensure continuity, preserving the brand’s DNA and entrepreneurial family spirit. They appointed me to facilitate this transition with Citizen. This collaboration allowed us to smoothly move from a family-owned company to a larger organization. In my view, it was a wise decision for Frederique Constant, as it helped maintain the brand’s essence.
The story of Frederique Constant reads almost like a fairytale, also because it all happened in record time. What has been key into the fast development of the brand, in your opinion?
I believe the key factors are a few crucial elements. To move quickly, it’s essential to have a highly aligned team across development, construction, technical areas, and watchmaking. When developing a manufacture calibre, speed is important, but the final quality is paramount. Being a young brand, we always plan three years ahead, determining what calibre we aim to develop each year and assessing if our team can handle it. For me, the brand’s rapid development hinges on having the right people around you and maintaining a clear, forward-thinking strategy.
Frederique Constant has an impressive array of manufacture movements. How important is it for Frederique Constant that you make your own movements?
It’s incredibly important for us. As a relatively young company, establishing the reputation and credibility enjoyed by larger, longstanding brands is crucial. The quickest route to gaining this credibility is through creating our own movements. This decision dates back to 2004 when we recognized the risks associated with relying solely on external suppliers. We saw the potential vulnerability if this supply chain were disrupted, so producing our own movements became not just a necessity but a strategic imperative for differentiation and long-term sustainability.
Frederique Constant is now owned by Citizen. How does that influence the brand?
The influence has been minimal. Over the past eight years, our main benefit has been expanded distribution and sales opportunities. Markets such as the US, Italy, UK, Japan, and China, where Citizen operates, have allowed us to establish dedicated business units for the Frederique Constant and Alpina brands, leveraging the group’s resources. This strategic alignment has been the most significant advantage. In today’s competitive landscape, significant growth often requires being part of a financially strong group, which enhances our ability to thrive and innovate.
As CEO, what do you consider your main task at Frederique Constant?
My primary task is to articulate a clear vision and strategy for the company. This involves motivating and energizing our teams, listening attentively to our consumers, and continually refining our strategy based on their feedback. It’s a continuous cycle for me, starting with a strong vision. The three key pillars are product excellence, nurturing our talented teams, and understanding and responding to consumer needs. Managing consumer expectations, ensuring our products meet their desires, and empowering our teams to innovate and effectively communicate our offerings are the essential components of my role.
Both Frederique Constant and sister-brand Alpina exhibit at Watches & Wonders. How important is this for the brand to be there?
Participating in Watches & Wonders is crucial for us as a watch brand. It’s the premier global event where consumers, retailers, and press converge for a dedicated week immersed in everything related to watches. For brands like ours, which are still growing, being present allows us to connect with the right audience— consumers who appreciate our values and retailers who help communicate our brand’s identity and opportunities. It’s an invaluable platform to showcase our innovations and strengthen our presence in the industry
The (watch) world has changed quite a bit since Frederique Constant was founded. How do you keep track of its pulse, and ensure that your offerings are in line with current times (or perhaps a little bit beyond)?
In my role, listening to consumers is very important. I travel extensively, as do my teams, to engage directly with consumers and understand their evolving needs. It’s crucial to not only meet their expectations but also to innovate beyond them. This requires some degree of risk-taking in product development—introducing offerings that align with our brand’s DNA while also anticipating future trends. It’s about maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset, staying flexible, and continuously adapting to the pulse of the market
Can you tell us something about the company that is not common knowledge, but that you feel deserves more attention?
I think what sets us apart is our unique company culture. We embody a direct Dutch mentality within a multicultural team environment. Our organization is remarkably flat, fostering direct communication that not only attracts but also deeply engages and motivates our people to continually strive and work diligently. This culture is essential for our survival and success. Moreover, a crucial aspect that often surprises people is our status as a true manufacture. We proudly produce 33 in-house calibers right here in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. This commitment to manufacturing excellence is central to our identity, especially considering our strategy to offer high-quality timepieces at affordable prices. It’s something we constantly emphasize because, despite our youthfulness in the industry, we are making significant strides in watchmaking that deserve recognition.
For more info, visit Frederique Constant, here