he pace of new product launches at Frederique Constant and Alpina reflects the ambitions of both brands. Towards the end of 2025, they stepped up their presentations of models in various segments, including collaborations (with Bamford, the Freeride World Tour and the specialist podcast The Real Time Show), pieces inspired by heritage (Alpina’s roots date back more than 140 years) and classic complications (Frederique Constant’s Elements collection featuring elegant worldtimer, perpetual calendar and moon phase models).

While watchmaking is more fascinating than ever, Frederique Constant’s strength – even if it allows itself a few deviations in the form of flagship pieces – remains its commitment to its original goal, set in 1988: to offer Swiss-made luxury watchmaking ‘at a fair price’, a concept that has become increasingly important as prices have skyrocketed in the industry.

Throughout its history, the Geneva-based brand has developed a collection of 34 calibres. It currently has nearly 3,000 points of sale in 120 countries. In 2016, Frederique Constant and Alpina joined the Japanese Citizen Group. This move promises to yield further strategic benefits, particularly in the United States. We take stock with Niels Eggerding, CEO of the Frederique Constant group.

Europa Star: Despite the many twists and turns surrounding import taxes, the United States remains the key market for Swiss watchmaking. You are part of a group, Citizen, which has a privileged position there. What is the place of Frederique Constant and Alpina in this dynamic?

Niels Eggerding: In the United States, Citizen has an exceptional network, with around 500 points of sale and very strong distribution, including in duty-free shops. For Frédérique Constant and Alpina, it is an invaluable opportunity to be part of this ecosystem. The American market remains extraordinarily dynamic, and Citizen’s special position there is driving the whole group forward.

Frederique Constant is achieving continuous growth in the United States, as is Alpina. We are also seeing interesting development in Mexico and Canada, which are benefiting from this regional dynamic. The American market is demanding, but it is also a market of opportunities, particularly for our women’s models – in the United States, 50% of our sales are to women, a segment that has long been under-exploited.

In 2025, to mark its 37th anniversary, Frédérique Constant has designed its first ever box set, limited to just 37 pieces. It contains only Manufacture pieces, all in strictly limited editions. Together, they embody the quintessence of what the company has to offer today to its most discerning collectors. The theme for this year is minerals. Lapis lazuli, turquoise, heliotrope and onyx take centre stage, complemented by a Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon with a burgundy dial, largely openworked to reveal the mineral nature of the movement. From the worldtimer to the perpetual calendar and moon phase, this box set of five watches has been named ‘The Elements Collection’.

You also mention India as a new priority. Why now?

Because the time is right. Twenty years ago, we made an initial attempt, but the conditions were not right. Today, the Indian middle class has exploded, taxation is more favourable, and independent retailers are growing rapidly. We have gone from just a few points of sale to nearly 70 today. It has become a significant market with very strong growth potential. India is a bit like a new El Dorado for brands that know how to position themselves just below ostentatious luxury.

Designed to celebrate the ninth year of the partnership between the Freeride World Tour (FWT) and Alpina, the Alpiner Extreme Automatic FWT, in its smaller 39 x 40.5 mm case, is clad in alpine rock grey and features the FWT motif stamped on its dial – a first for this model. Worn on a black rubber strap designed for outdoor sports, it is powered by the Swiss-made AL-525 calibre, which guarantees a 38-hour power reserve.

You have presented several models with complications. Does your historical price positioning for Frederique Constant – between 1,000 and 3,000 Swiss francs – remain at the heart of your strategy?

Absolutely. Our mission is to bring volume back to an accessible but high-quality segment. We remain true to our DNA: offering high perceived value. I would add that the women’s segment is becoming a real growth driver. At the same time, we continue to innovate with complications such as our perpetual calendar, below the psychological threshold of £10,000.

Launched just over a year ago, the Classics Moneta Moonphase is a pure exercise in style: its flange is inspired by the fluted edge of a coin, hence its name. Now available in a 37 mm steel case, the watch revives the use of the fluted bezel.

And what about Alpina, whose range is priced between 995 and 2,000 Swiss francs?

Alpina currently accounts for around 15% of our total sales, but its potential is enormous. It is a sportier, more technical brand that appeals to a different clientele. It has long remained somewhat under the radar, but it is making a strong comeback with a clear identity and a consistent range. In a context where competing brands are repositioning themselves higher up, this opens up a natural space for us.

In 2023, Alpina celebrated its 140th anniversary and unveiled two series of 14 pieces powered by the authentic hand-wound Calibre 490 dating from 1938, restored and presented in a silver case. To ensure continuity in 2025, the Swiss watch manufacturer decided to create a special European version equipped with one of its contemporary movements, the AL-530 self-winding mechanical calibre. Adorned with a black dial with a small seconds counter, this new Alpiner Heritage Carrée Automatic Edition Europe captures the Art Deco spirit of its original inspiration: a minimalist rectangular case, a sector dial typical of the 1930s, accompanied by dauphine hands and the original Alpina logo.

How is the collaboration between Switzerland and Japan organised on a day-to-day basis?

It is very close. We work hand in hand with Citizen in Japan and La Joux-Perret in Switzerland. We exchange ideas on movements, solar technologies and materials research. The aim is not to merge, but to pool intelligence and resources. Each company retains its identity while benefiting from the strength of the group. It is this combination – Japanese stability and Swiss creativity – that has made us so successful.

Unveiled at Dubai Watch Week, this Highlife Chronograph Automatic combines Bamford’s signature style with Frederique Constant’s expertise. The timepiece features a crystallised titanium case, striking contrasts and optimal readability.

In conclusion, how would you define the current phase the group is going through?

It is a period of maturity and controlled expansion. We have found our balance between independence and synergy. Markets are changing and costs are rising, but our market share is growing. Frederique Constant and Alpina are moving forward steadily, driven by a clear vision: to be the most accessible, credible and desirable Swiss brands in their segment.

Alpina and the hosts of the watch podcast The Real Time Show have joined forces to offer a very special edition of the Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic. Their work focused on the dial and breaks with the conventions of the Seastrong collection, featuring new colours, a new dial and new hour markers. Even the Alpina logo at 12 o’clock has been redesigned, while the flange has been removed, all for greater legibility.