Swiss “affordable luxury” watch maker Frederique Constant will continue to focus on the corporate executive segment in India. This, even as it expands its offerings to cover multiple segments and expand retail presence.

The company re-entered the Indian market in December 2010, after a failed attempt to enter the market through a distributor-led model in 2007.

“Senior executives in the corporate sector are a key segment, but most brands have not targeted them specifically. So we decided to put in efforts focused on them, with sponsorship of Golf tournaments, business television shows and the like,” said Mr Arun D'Silva, India Representative for Frederique Constant Geneve.

The company is present in 20 outlets currently. Highest sales are at the Ethos outlets at the Delhi and Bengaluru international airports, according to the spokesperson.

“There are not more than 40 outlets where a brand of Frederique Constant's stature can be sold in, in India. In comparison, there would 300 outlets in France or 250 in Portugal. That is a constraint. But the brand is well known to the well-travelled connoisseurs. So we must make the watches available,” D'Silva added.

Most sales are currently from the metros.

The brand will expand its presence to 10 more outlets, including those in Raipur and Cochin in 2012.

In terms of price points, Frederique Constant retails in India between Rs 45,000 and Rs 2.25 lakh. Maximum sales are in the Rs 45,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh bracket in India. The entry price point for the brand has gone up from Rs 29,000 at the time of launch.

> gokul.k@thehindu.co.in

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