Sun 26 Jun 2011
Frederique Contstant Persuasion Automatic
Posted by The Breitling Source under Watch ReviewsNo Comments
Frederique Constant is a relatively young watch manufacture, formed in 1988 by Aletta Bax & Peter Stas. The company is based in Switzerland and produces luxury Swiss automatic and has been very forward thinking with manufacturing silicon escapement wheels and creating a tourbillon movement. This Persuasion Automatic isn’t one of these iconic award-winning masterpieces from Frederique Constant, but it is a fine, entry level luxury Swiss Timepiece in its own right.
The beautiful white, textured dial is reminiscent of Cartier’s due to the oval Roman Numeral layout, but still retains some sense of identity without looking like a copy of some sort. The double-beveled Persuasion case is classic, yet has a touch of modern to its overall look.. not much, but just a touch – enough to let you know it was made in the last decade.
The stainless steel, 40mm diameter watch come mounted on a faux Crocodile leather strap, which is appropriate for this price range. With a retail price around $1800, Crocodile usually isn’t supplied. Otherwise, its a great quality strap, with a good buckle on it. Handles are blued steel, and there is no lume to be found on the dial. Date is located at 6 o’clock, and the crown at 3. The Swiss Made marking is also located at 6 o’clock under the date.
The watch features a curved AR-coated sapphire crystal front, and an exhibition back. Water resistance is 60m, and the crown is not screwdown.
The movement is an ETA 2824-2 base, with 25 jewels. It isn’t really decorated and has a gilded rotor, engraved with the Frederique Constant signature.
Here’s the watch in the oversized leather-look box, which is quite nice for a watch of this price. These can be found online for around $1100, and seems like a decent price given the quality. The casework is excellent and the deep engraving on the caseback is a nice touch. Overall an excellent watch for those looking for a dress watch from a slightly more obscure brand that you won’t see on too many other people’s wrists.