The A Closer Look at series explores Swiss second tier watch brands that normally have a rich history in watch making but for one reason or another often aren’t as celebrated some of the other mid-range watch brands. Having previously featured such watch makers as Eberhard & Co, Ebel and Concord, this week we take a closer look at Festina.
Festina is one of those watch brands that often divide opinion amongst many watch lovers. You can almost hear the yells of ‘fashion watch’ as a watch snob points his nose up at even the idea of a Festina timepiece. Of course, top level watches they certainly aren’t, but to the rest of us mere mortals, as a mid range watch brand, Festina offers much more than a ‘duty free’ special.
Established in 1902, the brand originates from respected watchmaking centre La Chaux-de-Fonds in the Swiss Jura Mountains and is perhaps one of the most famous locations in the watch making industry. Yet in all fairness it just doesn’t seem to excite the watch loving community like similar second tier brands such as Omega, Tissot or Concord might. Maybe this is because the brand is often thought of as making fashion watches, but this shouldn’t take anything away from the fact that it remains a solid and affordable watch maker.
Perhaps the most significant milestone in the brand’s recent history occurred in 1984 when Miguel Rodriguez, owner of Lotus Watches bought the Festina watch brand and created the Festina Lotus Group. As well as Lotus and Festina the group also includes Calypso, Jaguar, Regata, Perrelet and Candino. Following this takeover the company relocated its headquarters to Barcelona and also introduced Japanese made Citizen movements exclusively in many of its watches.
For its higher-end models, movements now originate entirely from its main distribution outlets in Toledo and Barcelona. The group also has a number of subsidiaries in Germany, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Benelux, Poland, Chile and Mexico.
Now that Festina watches are made in Spain and feature Japanese movements, many critics say that it should no longer be considered as a genuine Swiss watch brand. However, through its ownership of the Candino Watch Company, which is based in Bienne, Switzerland, there is still some link to back to its original roots.
For the past twenty or so years Festina has mainly focused on producing a range of ‘sports’ timepieces for both men and women. It is to Festina’s credit that the brand still remains a popular entry level watch brand and today sells in excess of 4.5 million watches per year.
Festina Black Limited Edition
The 2011 edition to the house of Festina is big, bold and unmistakably black. Limited to 3000 pieces, the stainless steel case has been PVD treated and measures 47.5mm in diameter, with a thickness of just over 15mm. The case in then outlined by a striking bezel that is said to replicate a bicycle chain. One of the definite highlights of the Black Limited edition is its three dimensional dial, which is continues the watches bicycle theme. The dial features white Arabic numerals that have been set on the raised rim and displays central hours and minutes with its skeletonised hands. The small second’s indicator can be found at the 9 o’clock position.
The chronograph of the timepiece features a 1/10 second sub dial at the position of 12 o’clock, an hour counter at 6 o’clock and a central seconds hand. All of the counters are highlighted by silver coloured framed circles. A date display can also be found between 3 and 4 o’clock.
Festina Multifunction Square Watch
The Multifunction Square Watch, model number F16235-B is taken from the brand’s Elegance range and is a good example of one of its slightly more refined timepieces. Measuring 37mm in diameter, the watch isn’t as big and bulky as some of its sportier timepieces. The display features a day indicator at 9 o’clock, as well as a date sub dial found at 12 o’clock. At 6 o’clock you’ll find a 24hr time zone display. The watch is also water resistant to 50 meters. The F16235-B normally retails for around £70, making it a reasonably priced option for any budding watch enthusiasts looking for a timepiece to start their collection.
The Festina Oro
Originally launched in 1999, the Festina Oro was the brand’s first line of gold watches. The original 18k collection comprised of three models for both men and women. The watches featured a Swiss Quartz movement with suitably enhanced diamond designs. The one pictured here is an original men’s FO479 (hence the old picture), which features a silver dial and butterfly clasp. The watch also offers water resistance to 3 atm and has a small seconds counter at the position of 6 clock.
Collection No 9
One of Festina’s most popular lines in recent years has been its No 9 Collection. The one shown here is model number F162951 which features a stainless steel bezel, complete with sparkling triangular shaped stones. The white square dial uses Arabic numerals, displaying 2, 3 and 4 on the right hand side and 8, 9 and 10 on the left side. Hour markers also feature at the positions of 12, 1, 5, 7 and 11. The rectangular display window found just below 12 o’clock is a date indicator, while the round sub dial features an hour indicator. The watch is water resistant to 50m and finished with a white leather strap.
Tour De France Chrono Bike 2011
Due to Festina’s ongoing association with the world of cycling, its Chrono Bike collection is inspired by the brand’s favourite sport. The chronographs that make up the collection are available in just about every colour, and pretty much epitomises everything about a Festina ‘sports’ watch.
Here the 2011 Tour De France Bike is dedicated to the world’s most famous cycle race. Its stainless steel case has a diameter of 48mm and is 15mm thick. The dial features black outer rim with a green central section. Some of the other colours available include orange, yellow, dark blue, light blue, purple, black and silver.
Festina in the World of Sport
Festina has a long standing association with a number of different sporting events. However, cycling is the sport with which the brand is mostly associated as it has been the official timekeeper of the Tour De France since 1993. It is also the official timekeeper at several other cycling events including the Tour De Suisse and La Vuelta. The brand even sponsored its own cycling team from 1989 to 2001. The Festina Cycling Team was relatively successful. However, at the 1998 Tour De France the team was involved in a doping scandal that would rock the cycling world.
As well as its involvement with cycling Festina also provide sponsored events in other sports including II Giro d’ Italia and the Hamburg, Berlin and Karstadt marathons. It has also sponsored a Czech ice hockey team HC Eaton Pardubice for a number of years.
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