At Sail+Leisure we like the idea of giving back, especially when it comes to supporting underprivileged children through sport and education. Sailing has provided many similar opportunities for promising youngsters who have been able to experience the fun of the sport, learnt life skills such as teamwork and discipline, and discovered a career path in the industry as well.
In keeping with our thinking, a portion of the profit from sales of the new Frederique Constant Ladies Automatic goes to a children’s charity that supports sports and education chosen by brand ambassador Gwyneth Paltrow.
When I was 10 years old, my mother gave me my first watch for my birthday. My mother was not in the habit of making quick decisions, particularly when it came to investing in something to mark a special occasion. It was a classic design – round 20mm dial in a gold case, clear lettering perhaps larger than the norm for that size dial, on a black leather strap. My name was engraved on the case back. Beyond the early training that formed the basis for my dance passion and eventual part-time career, I believe the evening ritual of winding this manual beauty was the first habit I chose to learn. And I still have the watch.
Looking through my collection, I have always favoured an elegant style so perhaps it was a good thing that the black/gold option wasn’t among the six new Frederique Constant Ladies Automatic timepieces introduced by Paltrow in June 2018. This time I selected the navy dial and alligator strap combination with rose-gold plated case. Alternative dial-and-strap colour combinations are available in shiny grey, light blue and burgundy.
Keeping time
Of all the watch experts I’ve interviewed during the past decade and more, not one has said they wear one to keep track of time. The mobile phone is generally accepted to serve that purpose, the exception being the jetsetter who enjoys a watch with a world-time complication to keep track of the availability of loved ones or staff members while travelling.
Being an automatic movement, as long as the watch is more on the wrist than off, this beauty maintains a power reserve of about 40 hours. The fact that for each Ladies Automatic watch sold, $50 is donated to DonorsChoose.org, Paltrow’s charity of choice, is added value. The charity supports education and sports for underprivileged children, tying in with Frederique Constant’s commitment to doing good in the lives of others. DonorsChoose.org makes it easy for anyone to help students in need, whether it is through books, school supplies or funding field trips. ‘What’s great about Frederique Constant is their combination of classic style and strong values that I really agree with, but also they have a beautiful commitment to sharing their success by giving back. We are very well aligned in our passion for charity,’ says Paltrow.
By Debbie Hathway
