Hvilina’s latest creation is the Nomro Hybrid, a collection of six watches that are all powered by Seiko Epson caliber PX85A. This is an interesting movement as it is a so-called hybrid or kinetic, meaning that the motion of an oscillating weight is converted into electricity, which is used to power the quartz movement. Such a movement combined the precision and dependability of a battery-powered quartz movement with the heart and soul of a mechanical one. Hvilina most certainly doesn’t hide such an interesting movement behind a closed caseback but shows it in all its glory behind a colored yet transparent insert in the caseback.

According to Hvilina, the inspiration for this collection came from the world of cyberpunk, which represents nighttime skyscrapers and artificial neon lights. This translates to some more expressive pieces, like the Synthwave, which combines rather bold colors, and the more traditional Post Industrial, which mixes silver and black on the dial. The Seiko Epson Hybrid movement features not only a date function but also a GMT. Hvilina took advantage of that by creating a subtle yet expressive GMT hand that gives an extra dash of color to the dial. The date wheel is also not the standard type but suits the theme Hvilina set for this collection.

The case with an integrated bracelet resonates with current trends. It is well constructed, and while it lacks the option for micro-adjustment, it does feature links that are small enough to make the bracelet fit comfortably. Hvilina gave each of the six models a name of its own, of which two have a pink gold IP coating, and limited them to 350 pieces per model. The Nombro Hybrid is priced at €399,-, but now open to pre-order at €299,- with delivery in December.

For more info, visit Hvilina, here.

Martin Green/WatchTime: A watch brand founded in Hong Kong by a Dutch couple turned into a trailblazing Swiss manufacture that was bought by a major Japanese player (Citizen). You were along for most of the ride. How was that, and how does it define what Frederique Constant is now?

Niels Eggerding/Frederique Constant: Working with the founders from 2012 was an incredibly enriching experience. I learned a great deal about building a watch brand from its original founders as a family-owned company. When Citizen acquired us in 2016, it was crucial for the founders to ensure continuity, preserving the brand’s DNA and entrepreneurial family spirit. They appointed me to facilitate this transition with Citizen. This collaboration allowed us to smoothly move from a family-owned company to a larger organization. In my view, it was a wise decision for Frederique Constant, as it helped maintain the brand’s essence.

The story of Frederique Constant reads almost like a fairytale, also because it all happened in record time. What has been key into the fast development of the brand, in your opinion?

I believe the key factors are a few crucial elements. To move quickly, it’s essential to have a highly aligned team across development, construction, technical areas, and watchmaking. When developing a manufacture calibre, speed is important, but the final quality is paramount. Being a young brand, we always plan three years ahead, determining what calibre we aim to develop each year and assessing if our team can handle it. For me, the brand’s rapid development hinges on having the right people around you and maintaining a clear, forward-thinking strategy.

Frederique Constant has an impressive array of manufacture movements. How important is it for Frederique Constant that you make your own movements?

It’s incredibly important for us. As a relatively young company, establishing the reputation and credibility enjoyed by larger, longstanding brands is crucial. The quickest route to gaining this credibility is through creating our own movements. This decision dates back to 2004 when we recognized the risks associated with relying solely on external suppliers. We saw the potential vulnerability if this supply chain were disrupted, so producing our own movements became not just a necessity but a strategic imperative for differentiation and long-term sustainability.

Frederique Constant is now owned by Citizen. How does that influence the brand?

The influence has been minimal. Over the past eight years, our main benefit has been expanded distribution and sales opportunities. Markets such as the US, Italy, UK, Japan, and China, where Citizen operates, have allowed us to establish dedicated business units for the Frederique Constant and Alpina brands, leveraging the group’s resources. This strategic alignment has been the most significant advantage. In today’s competitive landscape, significant growth often requires being part of a financially strong group, which enhances our ability to thrive and innovate.

As CEO, what do you consider your main task at Frederique Constant?

My primary task is to articulate a clear vision and strategy for the company. This involves motivating and energizing our teams, listening attentively to our consumers, and continually refining our strategy based on their feedback. It’s a continuous cycle for me, starting with a strong vision. The three key pillars are product excellence, nurturing our talented teams, and understanding and responding to consumer needs. Managing consumer expectations, ensuring our products meet their desires, and empowering our teams to innovate and effectively communicate our offerings are the essential components of my role.

Both Frederique Constant and sister-brand Alpina exhibit at Watches & Wonders. How important is this for the brand to be there?

Participating in Watches & Wonders is crucial for us as a watch brand. It’s the premier global event where consumers, retailers, and press converge for a dedicated week immersed in everything related to watches. For brands like ours, which are still growing, being present allows us to connect with the right audience— consumers who appreciate our values and retailers who help communicate our brand’s identity and opportunities. It’s an invaluable platform to showcase our innovations and strengthen our presence in the industry

The (watch) world has changed quite a bit since Frederique Constant was founded. How do you keep track of its pulse, and ensure that your offerings are in line with current times (or perhaps a little bit beyond)?

In my role, listening to consumers is very important. I travel extensively, as do my teams, to engage directly with consumers and understand their evolving needs. It’s crucial to not only meet their expectations but also to innovate beyond them. This requires some degree of risk-taking in product development—introducing offerings that align with our brand’s DNA while also anticipating future trends. It’s about maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset, staying flexible, and continuously adapting to the pulse of the market

Can you tell us something about the company that is not common knowledge, but that you feel deserves more attention?

I think what sets us apart is our unique company culture. We embody a direct Dutch mentality within a multicultural team environment. Our organization is remarkably flat, fostering direct communication that not only attracts but also deeply engages and motivates our people to continually strive and work diligently. This culture is essential for our survival and success. Moreover, a crucial aspect that often surprises people is our status as a true manufacture. We proudly produce 33 in-house calibers right here in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. This commitment to manufacturing excellence is central to our identity, especially considering our strategy to offer high-quality timepieces at affordable prices. It’s something we constantly emphasize because, despite our youthfulness in the industry, we are making significant strides in watchmaking that deserve recognition.

For more info, visit Frederique Constant, here

It might for some, but there are simply too many variables to make this comparison so easily, and it all depends on how you personally value the different aspects. One might retain its value better than the other, or you might appreciate the heritage of one model more; you can want a steel watch with a blue dial and bezel, so one is automatically out of the race; you always preferred Connery over Brosnan for Bond. There are a whole lot of points that will eventually determine whether or not the watch is worth the price they are asking for it.

When reviewing a watch, I always try to be as objective as possible because I am not writing these articles for myself to read. Some watches that I really don’t care for that much are, in fact, very good timepieces, and perhaps the perfect choice for one of the readers. In the end, the most personal aspect of a watch might be its price. What one can and is willing to pay for a certain timepiece is considered outrageous by another. The fact of the matter is also that the watches we discuss here are no necessity; they are an art form and, therefore, by nature, often incomparable in many ways.

Versace Medusa Pop

The Medusa Pop is a typical Versace creation, so it is not for the shy and introverted. This is also the fun part of a watch like this, which stands out by the bold Versace letters and Medusa head on the silicon strap that also covers the case. This means that the wearing comfort is outstanding, in which also the diameter of 38mm plays its part. The dial is what gives this Versace an extra dose of character as the gold-tone hands turn behind a three-dimensional Medusa. The head is actually placed on a flat crystal which is in turn protected by a domed sapphire crystal. A quartz Ronda movement ensures accurate timekeeping, so you won’t miss happy hour. You can match the Medusa Pop watch to your swimming attire, as it is available in black, white, blue, purple, and even red. Price: $495.

For more info, visit Versace, here

Swatch Neon Wave

In case you haven’t noticed yet, neon colors are back in fashion. The hues that decorated the 80s and 90s made a strong comeback, perhaps because we were missing them. Swatch took inspiration and launched an entire collection in bright neon colors, or perhaps I should say relaunch as these colors were one of the cornerstones of the success the brand enjoyed back in those days. With the Neon Wave, you get a bold combination of colors, but you stay still in control thanks to the chronograph and date function. Its matte yellow case is attached to a structured silicon strap that is very comfortable. With its diameter of 42mm, it is a statement, but when you are worried that it won’t match your outfit, don’t, as it is not supposed to. Price: $130.

For more info, visit Swatch, here

Maurice Lacroix Aikon #Tide Camo

The Aikon #Tide Camo is a watch that either perfectly blends in, or stands out like crazy. With its case, bezel, and dial in green hues combined with a camo-colored strap, this is not a watch that you need to lay somewhere when camping in the woods because the chances are that you will never find it again. Anywhere else the watch will make quite a statement, which might also be what you are looking for. The 40mm large case is made from upcycled plastic that is retrieved from the oceans, a material that is also used to craft the buckle. As a result the Aikon #Tide Camo is pleasantly light to wear, while its quartz movement makes sure that you don’t miss a beat during vacation. Price: $825.

For more info, visit Maurice Lacroix, here

G-Shock G-LIDE

To some, nothing says vacation like a G-Shock, as these resilient watches are known to withstand a beating and look good doing so. When you are going to the beach, and even more so when you enjoy watersports there, the G-LIDE also offers a wide variety of useful functions, the main being a tide indicator. The display of the G-Shock is very well organized as we are used from the brand, making it easy to take all the information in. The strap and part of the case are made form biobased resin, with the rest being stainless steel. The G-Lide is water resistant up to 20 ATM/200 meters, and the Bluetooth function not only makes setting it a breeze but also gives you an excuse to be on your phone during vacation. Price: $160.

For more info, visit G-Shock, here

At the Geneva Motor Show of 1995, Mercedes-Benz introduced its Vario Research Car. This frontwheel-drive car was fitted with a plastic body reinforced with carbon fiber that could be switched in about 15 minutes, allowing you to turn the vehicle from a sedan into a wagon, convertible or even pickup. While this piece of ingenuity never made it into production, its horological counterpart did. In 2019, Paris-based watch brand Hegid entered the market with its EVOL system, allowing owners to swap between different cases and straps in a matter of seconds.

The patented system evolves around so-called capsules. They form the heart of the watch, housing for Hegid an upgraded version of the Sellita SW200 automatic movement, dial and hands. Thanks to a screw-down crown, it offers water resistance up to 10 ATM or 100 meters. The ingenuity of the design is that thanks to a sophisticated bayonet locking, this capsule can be inserted and secured in a case with just two fingers, simply by turning the back of the watch. Thanks to quick-release spring bars, the same goes for the strap. In practice, this system not only works smoothly, but the way that it is constructed also oozes quality and a keen eye for details.

Hegid offers the capsules in various designs and complements them with an even more extensive variety of different cases and straps. As most of them are also sold separately, a relatively modest investment allows you to change the look of your timepiece. This versatility gives you unprecedented options, as now a single watch can take on several different roles. It is hard to describe Hegid’s design language, but one word that comes to mind is “effortless.” In a few lines, they have been able to express distinct character but also infuse their designs with that typical French sense of “joie de vivre,” the cheerful enjoyment of life. As a result, the different style cases all share a family resemblance, while some won’t hide their sportive appearance as others offer a more classic look.

While this is most certainly pleasing in everyday life, it is also great for traveling. Instead of putting several different watches in the hotel safe, a Hegid with one or two additional cases and a few straps gives you near endless options to match all activities on a vacation or business trip.

Hegid is not only challenging the status quo with its EVOL system but also in terms of design. Surrounding the theme of Space-Time, Hegid’s artistic director Jérôme Coste designed a collection with Hervet Manufacturier. The co-founder of this company is Cédric Hervet, which many know as the former artistic director of electronic music duo Daft Punk. This is also what gives the Celeste, the fruit of this collaboration, a recognizable vibe with its charismatic faceted design. It is combined with a uniquely designed dial and hands, which underscore the experience of time and space. Hegid is offering the Celeste in white and yellow gold, as well as in stainless steel, all in limited editions. While the capsule, strap and cases of the Celeste are not available individually, they are interchangeable with the rest of the Hegid collection, giving owners of these unique watches boundless options to mix and match.

To learn more about Hegid, click here, and to subscribe to the WatchTime print magazine, click here.