FROM THE EDITORS Letters + Events
Frederique Constant’s
Hybrid Manufacture 3.0
TECHNOLOGICAL EDGE
hile it’s true that watchmaking stopped representing the cutting edge
of technology centuries ago, horology continues to innovate within its
specific realm of micro engineering. Several stories inside this issue
illustrate certain aspects of this point.
W
CITIZEN, THE SUBJECT OF OUR COVER STORY, prides itself on its ability to make technology the single
strongest driving force in its new product development process. The Tokyo-based watchmaker’s early focus on
light-powered timepieces has rewarded the brand with dominance today in this expanding category. Eco-Drive
collections are today Citizen’s top sellers worldwide.
Zenith too has been rewarded for its focus on finding the technological cutting edge. Its Defy Lab, which Zenith
CEO Julian Tornare discusses in our interview with him inside this issue (see page 120), has given Zenith more
buzz among collectors than it had just a few years prior. Tornare explains that collectors can expect additional
Zenith watches using the Defy vibrating silicon oscillator technology very soon.
Over at Frederique Constant, watchmakers have teamed with in-house electronics wizards to launch the
Frederique Constant Hybrid Manufacture 3.0, the Geneva company’s latest generation smartwatch that, for the
first time, works hand in hand with its mechanical counterpart. Turn to page 72 to read much more about how
this innovative melding of old and new technology works to display the time for the wearer while also monitor-
ing the owner’s fitness and health.
As we prepare to see all of the new timepieces at this
year’s Baselworld show, we are excited to see which
other brands have also focused their attention on new
technology. Inside this issue, we show you many of the
previews watch companies have sent us to whet our
appetite for the 2018 debut watches. While thus far
brands with a focus on technology seem few and far
between, we will find those pioneers and report back
to you during and after the show.
Regards ,
Michael Thompson
Editor-in-Chief | [email protected]
10 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | SPRING 2018
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