Located at Keizersgracht 241, overlooking one of Amsterdam’s world famous canals, you will find the headquarters of Fromanteel Watches. A brand established in 2009 by entrepreneurial watchfans Alfredo Silva and Martijn van Hassel, to infuse the character of Amsterdam into the world of luxury Swiss watchmaking. Their main goal – to create beautifully designed, high quality watches that don’t break the bank.
When talking to Alfredo and Martijn it becomes clear that they are serious watchfans. Or perhaps Horology fans to be more accurate. Something that becomes apparent when you delve into the history of the Fromanteel name, and learn that clockmakers Ahasuerus and John Fromanteel made some of the first pendulum clocks in the world. Putting to work an invention of fellow Dutchman, Christiaan Huygens, and revolutionising timekeeping, by improving accuracy from 10-15 minutes, to 10-15 seconds a day!
Skipping forwards a little under 400 years, and the modern Fromanteel brand is focused on delivering affordable, high quality, luxury to the wristwatch wearing public. Designing timepieces that are subtle, stylish, elegant, functional and playful at their Amsterdam HQ, that are then carefully assembled at the Fromanteel Swiss Atelier in Bienne.
Exploring the Core Collections
At time of writing (June 2023), Fromanteel produces nine distinct models. Through dial and case variation this number grows to 32 watches, including the PVD coated Nero
line, and the gold accented LX and Prestige. However fans of simplicity will be pleased to know that Fromanteel’s 2023 offerings can be divided into three core collections: Generations, Globetrotter, and Pendulum – all featuring the signature Fromanteel yellow crown.
Generations
The Generations Collection is formed of four models, each based around a 42mm stainless steel case, with a Swiss made quartz movement inside. The collection includes the simple three-handed Generations Day Date and Day Date LX, the Generations Chrono with day-date function, and the twin-register Chrono Phantom with date at six. The Generations Chrono and Day Date are also available as a PVD coated Nero edition.
Globetrotter
The Globetrotter Collection is focused around two models: the Globetrotter GMT, a smart travel timer with a second central time zone and yellow GMT hand; and the Globetrotter Moon Phase, a handsome triple calendar moonphase with applied markers and polished hands (available in PVD Nero edition). Both models feature sapphire crystals, 42mm stainless steel cases, 20mm lug widths and Swiss made quartz movements.
Pendulum
The Pendulum Collection features Fromanteel’s most luxurious watches, equipped with Swiss made automatic movements from ETA and Sellita. The collection is built around three models: the Pendulum, a crystal clear three-hander with date at 9; the Pendulum Small Second, with a small seconds dial at 6, and date at 9; and the Pendulum Chrono, a three register chronograph with day and date at 9. All models in the Pendulum collection have 42mm stainless steel cases (some models available in gold tone), sapphire crystals, and 20mm lugs.
All Fromanteel watches come with a choice of leather, cordura, wool or fabric straps, and the option to purchase a stainless steel butterfly deployant, NATO strap, or a stainless steel bracelet (solid link or milanese mesh).
Explore the range of Fromanteel watches available from Montredo today.
