Interview: Niels Eggerding Shares What Accessible Luxury Means To Frederique Constant

Frederique Constant has in the last decade given a whole new definition to accessible luxury. While other timepiece makers focussed on thin sized novelties, some even being pricier, FC targeted on making high complication accessible. At the heart of that shift is CEO Niels Eggerding, who took charge as the CEO in 2018 and has since helped the brand become a powerhouse. Outlook Luxe had a candid conversation with Eggerding on what makes the brand a collector’s first mechanical watch, and his take on accessible luxury.

Frédérique Constant has long championed the idea of accessible luxury. How do you define that philosophy in today’s watchmaking industry?

Accessible luxury means offering Swiss-made timepieces that embody fine craftsmanship, timeless design, and innovation — yet remain within reach of a broader audience. We want more people to experience authentic Swiss watchmaking without it being reserved for a privileged few. Our motto is « Let more people enjoy luxury » and this is what we try to do every day.

How do you ensure that affordability does not compromise craftsmanship, innovation, or heritage?

We control the full value chain — from design to assembly in our Geneva manufacture. By optimising processes, investing early in our own movement development, and maintaining a lean structure, we protect both quality and accessibility. The result is a watch that is true to Swiss heritage while remaining competitively priced.

Swiss watchmaking is synonymous with precision and tradition. What key elements of Swiss craftsmanship remain non-negotiable at Frédérique Constant?

Attention to detail, rigorous quality control, and the expertise of our watchmakers in Geneva. No matter the price point, every Frédérique Constant must meet the same high standards of precision and finishing expected of Swiss watchmaking.

Frédérique Constant has consciously avoided the celebrity-driven marketing many luxury watch brands rely on. What led you to make this decision, and do you believe that watchmaking excellence can speak louder than celebrity endorsements?

We believe that authenticity and substance matter most. Our watches are the heroes of our story. While endorsements can create visibility, our strategy is for now to let the quality, innovation, and value of our timepieces speak for themselves.

How do you ensure your message of craftsmanship and value still resonates strongly without star power behind it?

We focus on authentic storytelling: highlighting our in-house calibres, complications, and design philosophy. We connect directly with collectors and enthusiasts, both in retail and online, while empowering our retail partners to share this narrative consistently with their clients. In addition, we collaborate with renowned designers and artists such as seconde/seconde/, creating unique design proposals that not only engage the watch community but also generate strong visibility for both partners.

Developing over 30 in-house calibres in just 35 years is an extraordinary achievement. What drove the brand to invest so heavily in movement development so early on, and what are the biggest challenges a relatively young brand like Frédérique Constant faced in building in-house calibres compared to century-old watchmakers?

We wanted independence and control over our creativity but also on our business growth. For a young brand, the challenge was resources: developing calibres requires immense investment, expertise, and time. That’s why we did collaborate at the beginning with watchmaking schools. Unlike century-old maisons, we had to build this from scratch — but this agility allowed us to innovate quickly and carve a unique position in Swiss watchmaking.

 

How has this focus on in-house movements strengthened your position in the highly competitive Swiss watchmaking landscape?

It has elevated our credibility. Collectors recognise us as a genuine manufacture, not just an assembler. Our in-house calibres give us the freedom to innovate and ensure long-term value for our customers.

Frédérique Constant is famous for making the tourbillon more accessible. What inspired the brand to focus on affordability without compromising Swiss watchmaking standards?

We wanted to democratise complications traditionally reserved for the elite. By designing and producing the tourbillon in-house, we maintained Swiss quality while reducing external costs. It’s about proving that Swiss excellence can be inclusive.

How do you define “accessible luxury” in the context of a complex complication like the tourbillon?

It’s about offering the emotion and prestige of a tourbillon without the prohibitive barrier of price. The complication remains exceptional, but our approach makes it attainable for a new generation of collectors.

The Worldtimer has become one of Frédérique Constant’s bestsellers. What do you think makes this model resonate so strongly with collectors and enthusiasts?

The Worldtimer combines technical sophistication with practical elegance. It speaks to today’s global citizen — frequent travelers and watch lovers alike — while offering intuitive usability and distinctive design. Moreover, its calibre has been engineered so that all functions can be adjusted directly through the crown, without the need for additional pushers — a feature that makes it exceptionally convenient and user-friendly.

Are there particular designs or functional elements in the Worldtimer that contribute most to its popularity?

Yes, the city disc and intuitive world time indication make it immediately legible and user-friendly. Coupled with elegant dials and strong finishing, it strikes the perfect balance between function and refinement. Moreover, its calibre has been engineered so that all functions can be adjusted directly through the crown, without the need for additional pushers — a feature that makes it exceptionally convenient and user-friendly.

Frédérique Constant maintains a retail-first strategy, with most sales happening in stores. What advantages does this approach offer compared to a digital-first model?

Luxury watches are emotional purchases. Clients want to feel the weight of the watch, see the finishing, and connect personally with the brand. Retail offers this tactile experience and builds lasting trust.

How do you ensure consistency in brand representation and customer service worldwide in partnership with your global retailers?

We invest in training and long-term partnerships. We carefully select retailers who share our values, and we equip them with the tools to deliver a consistent, authentic brand experience everywhere.

Frédérique Constant continues to operate independently in an industry dominated by conglomerates. What are the key benefits of remaining independent and in what ways does independence influence decision-making around design, production, and pricing?

We are also part of a big Group, the Japanese Citizen group. But as a Brand, we are overall quite independent and independence give us agility. We can innovate quickly, take bold decisions, and remain true to our mission of accessible luxury without external pressures. It allows us to prioritise long-term value over short-term profit.

“Fail fast, learn, and succeed” is central to your management style. How has this approach shaped the culture at Frédérique Constant?

It has created a culture of curiosity and resilience. Our teams are encouraged to experiment, learn from mistakes, and continuously improve. This mindset drives innovation and keeps us dynamic as a relatively young brand.

Frédérique Constant is known for filling the gap between entry-level quartz watches and high-luxury brands. How do you define this unique position in the market?

We occupy the space of “accessible Swiss luxury”: true Geneva-made watches that bridge affordability and prestige. This position allows us to welcome first-time buyers while also appealing to seasoned collectors.

Frédérique Constant is often called the “gateway to Swiss luxury watches.” How did the brand earn this reputation?

By offering uncompromising Swiss quality at a fair price, we opened the door for many to own their first luxury mechanical watch. Over time, this consistent promise earned us the title of gateway to Swiss luxury.

In what ways does Frédérique Constant introduce new collectors to the world of mechanical watches and horology?

Through accessible but serious complications, transparent storytelling, and approachable price points. Our watches often become the first step in a collector’s journey — sparking a lifelong passion for horology.