The phrase "The Most Underestimated Brand Out Of Switzerland - More In-House Than You Realize" is the title of an editorial video by horology expert Teddy Baldassarre, released on December 30, 2025. The brand highlighted in this feature is Frederique Constant. Why It Is Considered "Underestimated" Despite being a relatively young brand (founded in 1988), Frederique Constant has built a level of vertical integration usually reserved for historic "Holy Trinity" maisons. Manufacturing Power: The brand operates a massive 32,000-square-foot manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, where it handles almost every stage of production, from initial design to final assembly. In-House Movements: While many brands in its price segment (typically $1,000 to $5,000) rely on third-party suppliers like ETA or Sellita, Frederique Constant has developed over 30 in-house calibers. High-End Complications:
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The brand is one of the few to offer "true" in-house complications—such as a Tourbillon, Perpetual Calendar, and Flyback Chronograph—at prices significantly lower than its luxury competitors. Technical Innovation: In 2021, they introduced the Monolithic oscillator, a revolutionary single-piece silicon component that replaces roughly 26 parts of a standard escapement, vibrating at a staggering 288,000 beats per hour. Other Often-Cited "Underestimated" Swiss Brands In broader industry discussions during late 2025 and early 2026, several other brands are frequently labeled as underestimated for their in-house capabilities: Girard-Perregaux: Often overlooked despite holding over 80 manufacturing patents and a history dating back to 1791. Armin Strom: A boutique brand praised for its "low-key" approach to high-level technical achievements, such as its resonance and double-barrel movements. Formex: Noted for manufacturing many of its own components—including unique case suspension systems and quick-adjustment bracelets—in-house. These articles explain how Frederique Constant leverages in-house manufacturing and calibers to offer high-end complications at accessible price points.
Teddy Baldassarre
