WHY MARCO LOVES FREDERIQUE
This Swiss brand also boasts limited-edition timepieces that are getting reverential double takes from aficionados
Wait a second — this is not a love story of these times. We know who Marco Lobregat is, but if you have not heard of Frederique Constant, it’s high time you got acquainted with this watch brand.
Watchpro, the UK magazine and website devoted to timepieces, named the Frederique Constant Smartwatch Vitality as one of only five top smartwatches for 2020.
This Swiss brand also boasts limited edition timepieces that are getting reverential double takes from aficionados. Expert Elias Toledo, who curates for Leon Gallery’s watch auctions titled INVERTED SIX, decodes the sophisticated features of the top-end Frederique Constant Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon.
Marco holds two watches close to his heart — the timepieces gifted to him by his biological father, and his stepdad.
“There are only 30 pieces in the world, and one is in the Philippines. Priced at P1.9 million, it’s definitely in the collectible range, with good reason. When you get a perpetual calendar watch from other established brands, you’ll be paying from P8- to P10 million. That’s why it’s amazing to see Frederique Constant’s version, with such complexities at a fairly reasonable price point. I think that’s the come-on.”
Rainier Jacinto, marketing services manager for Philippine distributor Wizer Industries, says there’s a wide price range to choose from. “Prices start from around P50,000 to P60,000, up to just under P2 million. It has always stayed true to its core philosophy, affordable luxury, for both its mid-range to limited edition watches.” Rainier presented select timepieces last December 2020, at an exclusive event, Ahead of its Time: The Story to Watch in 2021. It featured luxury timepieces such as the Classic Manufacture Worldtimer, Vintage Rally Healey, Highlife COSC certified chronometer watches, and Yacht Timer, and introduced Frederique Constant’s brand advocate, Marco Lobregat. Lobregat, an entrepreneur who loves travel and the outdoors, talked about how he was able to still pursue his passion despite the challenges of 2020. He encourages everyone to do what they love best:
“Do things that matter to you. Some people take a long time to figure that out. But don’t stop.” He holds two watches close to his heart — the timepieces gifted to him by his biological father, and his stepdad. As he grew older, Lobregat added his own acquisitions. “The watches that were given to me, those are sentimental pieces. Now that I am older, I also appreciate the value of a watch, which I can pass down.”
“To be honest, things didn’t really change much for me, in terms of my personal lockdown experience. But it somehow reinforced the values that I already had. We have to rethink what matters most. For me, it’s about living well, doing what I want to do. And focusing on the stuff that I find valuable.
“Just as an example, I love this traveling lifestyle that I had prior to the lockdown. Then I figured, I could still do that. So after a couple of months of living in Manila, I moved to Batangas where I now live and work by the sea. I work from here, and I’m so productive. And that’s what matters. Because I love that kind of life.
“Recently, I started an online site. Basically, it guides parents, teachers and would-be teachers on how to teach Singapore math. And that’s how my life is right now. It’s really about doing things that matter to you. I know that some people are having a hard time figuring that out. But don’t stop. Just keep going.”
“It’s the reason Frederique Constant appeals to me. It’s battle cry — Live Your Passion — echoes my own personal mantra.”
Frederique Constant is available at its mono brand concept stores in SM Mall of Asia and the Podium and at Tempus SM Lanang Premier and Tempus SM CDO Premier.