Watches for ELA: Frederique Constant Has Created a Unique In-House Timepiece

This philanthropic initiative is closely tied to the history of the Frederique Constant brand. As Niels Eggerding, CEO of Frederique Constant, explains: “At Frederique Constant, our motto, ‘Live Your Passion,’ celebrates everyone who channels their passion, altruism, and determination into causes that truly matter. Since 2009, we have supported organizations working in the healthcare sector and have recognized the passion, dedication, and perseverance of medical professionals and researchers. Our support for ELA fully reflects these shared values, helping to advance research and bring hope to families affected by leukodystrophies. Through this partnership, we pay tribute to those whose passion helps protect and improve lives.”

One of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations

Since its founding, ELA has funded 601 research programs internationally, representing a total investment of 51.9 million euros. The organization has thus become the world’s leading philanthropic donor to leukodystrophy research, helping to open new therapeutic avenues and instill hope among affected families.

By joining the Watches for ELA initiative, Frederique Constant is proud to contribute to this cause in its own way. This commitment reflects the words of Zinedine Zidane, the association’s long-time ambassador for more than 25 years: “We must stand up to this disease, fight it, try to eradicate it, and overcome it. It’s not easy, because everyday life is hard, but we must believe that one day it will all end. Even though it’s hard for families, we must hold on to hope. As for me, I’ll always be here for ELA.”

Guy Alba, president of ELA International, also praises this shared commitment: “The Watches for ELA project was made possible thanks to the talent of renowned watchmaking houses, the support and expertise of Christie’s and its teams, as well as the unwavering commitment and generosity of Zinedine Zidane and François-Henri Pinault toward the ELA organization. We would also like to express our gratitude to all collectors and future buyers, whose generosity offers real hope to families affected by leukodystrophies.”

A New Take on a Modern Icon

Since its launch in 2012, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture has become one of the cornerstones of the Frederique Constant watchmaking house and a modern watchmaking icon. Its status as a Swiss Made Haute Horlogerie timepiece, its ingenious functions, and its exceptional value are the keys to its success, which have made this watch an iconic model.

In 2026, Frederique Constant redesigned its flagship model: the new in-house FC-719 movement. Power reserve increased to 72 hours. New 40-mm case. New gem-setting. New, simplified dials without a date indicator. Today, the manufacture presents a unique piece set with 70 diamonds, complemented by a dial and an alligator leather strap in a rich cherry red color.

Optimized mechanism

Behind its clear display and easy operation, the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture conceals a precisely crafted horological complication. It provides a simultaneous, real-time overview of the time across 24 reference time zones. Thanks to the two-tone dial, travelers can intuitively distinguish between day and night time zones. On the new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture model, the omission of the date display further enhances the readability of the hours, minutes, and the valuable complication itself. This allows travelers—both in body and spirit—to keep track of the passage of time, no matter where they go.

The FC-719 caliber, developed on a proven technical foundation, benefits from an optimized power reserve. Previously 38 hours, it has now been extended to 72 hours—an increase of nearly 90 percent, providing a full three days of operating autonomy. This optimization was made possible by a longer balance spring and a modified alloy composition. Nevertheless, the FC-719 movement not only retains its original frequency of 4 Hz but, despite the longer balance spring, is housed in a case that is 2 mm smaller in diameter. The FC-719 caliber thus becomes one of the most optimized Worldtimer movements on the market.

The finish and decoration of this new caliber demonstrate Frederique Constant’s commitment to fine craftsmanship. The automatic winding bridge is adorned with sunburst Geneva stripes. The balance cock, gear train, and balance wheel bridges are decorated with perlage, while the rotor is satin-finished and spiral-cut. The entire movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The case back is engraved around its circumference with the inscription “Watches for ELA.”

A module that celebrates simplicity

Simplicity is sometimes the hardest thing to achieve. With just 24 components, the Worldtimer module is a perfect example of this. This is particularly evident in the way all functions are set using a single crown. The first advantage is practicality, as the user controls all functions exclusively via the crown.

The second advantage is reliability. There is no need for recessed correctors or their vulnerable mechanical levers, nor is a correction stylus required to press them—a tool one rarely has on hand while traveling. Third, there is water resistance. By eliminating the various correctors and corresponding openings in the case, the new Classic Worldtimer Manufacture model guarantees water resistance up to 5 ATM. At the same time, the Manufacture preserves the clean lines of the new classic 40 mm case.

By creating this unique edition of the Classic Worldtimer Manufacture for Watches for ELA, Frederique Constant reaffirms its belief that fine watchmaking can embody both deeper meaning and perfection. By combining in-house expertise, exclusive aesthetics, and a long-standing philanthropic commitment, these unique timepieces embody the values of passion, generosity, and innovation that drive this watchmaking house. On November 9, 2026, at an auction organized by Christie’s, every bid will contribute to supporting research into leukodystrophies and help bring hope to families affected by these diseases.

ABOUT THE ELA ORGANIZATION

The European Leukodystrophy Association (ELA), founded in France in 1992 by Guy Alba and supported by Zinédine Zidane, brings together families determined to overcome these genetic disorders. These diseases destroy myelin, the protective sheath surrounding the nerves of the central nervous system. Every week in Europe, 20 to 40 children are born with these diseases, which gradually lead to the loss of sensory, motor, and vital functions. Today, ELA International brings together seven ELA associations across Europe—in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland—while also connecting researchers from around the world. Since its founding, ELA has funded 601 research programs through donations, representing a total investment of 51.9 million euros. As a result, ELA is the world’s leading philanthropic donor to medical research on leukodystrophies.

For more information: www.watchesforela.eu and www.elainternational.eu

Excerpt from a Frederique Constant press release dated September 17, 2026.