Launched just three years ago, Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener collection is the brand’s luxury sports watch collection with a fresh, contemporary design. Ranging from an affordable perpetual calendar with manufacture movement to automatic time-and-date models, the Highlife targets a younger audience. In 2022, Frederique Constant teamed up with the contemporary French musician and producer The Avener to promote the Highlife collection. Today, Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener and The Avener present two 39mm limited editions of the Highlife Automatic time-and-date with dials depicting the frequencies monitored on a recording studio console.
Tristan Casara, aka Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener, is a phenomenon on the deep house and electro-music scene and has sold over one million albums. As an ambassador for the Highlife collection, The Avener has put his personal seal on the two Highlife Automatic models. Presented in 39mm stainless steel cases with a thickness of 10.34mm, one is fitted with an integrated steel bracelet, while the second has a black sandblasted DLC coating with a matching rubber strap. The identity of the 100m water-resistant, barrel-shaped Highlife case with its half-moon facets is intact, and the steel version displays the characteristic brushed and polished finishings. Limited to 432 editions in each variant, this number corresponds to 432Hz, which is considered the perfect frequency, producing absolute harmony and promoting mental clarity and calmness.
The dials are decorated with a pattern that evokes the sound waves of studio monitors. On the stainless steel edition, the blue sound waves traverse the dial against a black background, the shade of blue being the same colour The Avener used on the cover of his first album. The black PVD model differs in that the sound waves are depicted concentrically. ‘A tempo’ is printed just above the date window at 6 o’clock, reminding musicians to recuperate a normal tempo after a slow or fast section. Although both models feature applied steel indices, the twelve hour markers on the black dial are filled with black luminescent material matching the hour and minute hands; the blue dial, however, has fewer indices (12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock) and the luminous material on the hour markers and hands appears to be white.
Powered by the automatic calibre FC-303 (base Sellita SW 200-1 without COSC chronometer certification), the movement can be seen on the reverse side of the case with its gold-coloured rotor delivering energy to the barrel for 38 hours.
The stainless steel Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener comes with a fully interchangeable integrated 3-link stainless steel bracelet with a folding buckle as well as an additional black rubber strap. The black DLC features a fully interchangeable black rubber strap and an additional black Nubuck leather strap with a pin buckle.
Category: Frederique Constant
Frédérique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture
Frederique Constant is known chiefly for its interesting take on Swiss watchmaking, entirely focused on accessible luxury. With all models, whether a sporty time-only watch, an innovation that no one saw coming or a complex perpetual calendar, the brand always delivers more than expected. With the new Frédérique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture, we enter a somewhat different sphere and price segment, which on paper doesn’t really feel like accessible luxury anymore… Or is it still? Marking the 35th anniversary of the brand and the 15th anniversary of its tourbillon calibre, the brand releases a surprisingly high-end, hand-decorated model oozing luxury everywhere. Looking at the brand’s portfolio, you can clearly see a pricing sweet spot ranging from EUR 1.5k to 4k. Some watches, far more complex, can go up to low 5-digit prices, but even there, you’d still get a lot of watchmaking for your money. Today’s watch plays in a different league, sitting well above the 40k mark – far from the brand’s usual comfort zone. Based on the recently launched Frédérique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture, a watch powered by an in-house tourbillon movement retailing below EUR 15k in steel, Frederique Constant releases what could well be its most high-end watch to date. And it’s not only about the materials, as the back has some surprises too. Technically speaking, this new Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture is identical to the previous gold or steel editions of this watch. A streamlined watch entirely devoted to the anti-gravity regulator, it comes in a sleek and nicely proportioned case of 39mm x 11mm but is made of 950 platinum with an entirely polished finish. The dial, which follows the same principle of discretion, retains its thin, elongated markers and lance-shaped hands, as well as the large tourbillon opening at 6 o’clock. What matters is that here it is made from a thin slice of the Gibeon meteorite. Protected by a coat of ruthenium, enhancing its natural grey glints and shielding the surface from oxidation, it offers a nicely textured effect while keeping things low profile. The movement of this watch is, on paper, the same as used before. This means an automatic calibre developed in-house and fitted with a silicon escapement wheel and anchor. Running at a beat of 4Hz, the movement displays a small seconds above the one-minute tourbillon. But most importantly, it’s the back that makes an impression in this edition, with a level of finishing unexpected in a Frédérique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture watch. Entirely decorated by hand, the main bridge features a texture reproducing the aspect of a meteorite – it is hand-chamfered, hammered and finished with charbonnage on the frame. Then, the edges are beaded and grained, and parts are decorated on both sides (even those that aren’t visible), the screws are black-polished, and the lower plate is hand-hammered. Finally, the rotor also features bevelling… a significant step change in the quality of the decoration at FC.
Frédérique Constant Runabout Automatic
These limited-edition Frédérique Constant Runabout Automatic watches are inspired by “gentlemen’s sport boats of the roaring twenties.” It’s important to explain this and emphasize their nautical, Italian nature as well as the wood and chrome runabout boats (“most commonly seen on the canals of Venice”) they are meant to reference – because otherwise they might be mistaken for just basic but handsome, three-hand automatic Swiss watches. So, with that imagery in mind, let’s consider how these Frédérique Constant Runabout watches fit into the brand that is so well-known for entry-level value.
The entry-level Swiss luxury watch market must be an incredibly intense space to operate in. Frédérique Constant has proven itself agile and dynamic, however, recently offering in-house movements, a “horological smartwatch,” a perpetual calendar watch for around 8,000 Swiss francs… all among their standard fare of good value for classic and mostly uncontroversially designed watches. The Frédérique Constant Group also has Alpina for sport watches and Ateliers DeMonaco for more haute horology stuff. And now, they have been acquired by Citizen Watches, which also puts them under the same expanding umbrella as Bulova, Arnold & Son, Angelus, and movement maker La Joux-Perret. So, there is a lot going on at Frédérique Constant, and looking at the brand, I think: “They are in it to win this game.” They are, at the very least, certainly worth keeping tabs on.
The Riva Historical Society provides the context for this batch of limited edition Frédérique Constant watches. Frédérique Constant partnered in 2009 with the Italian non-profit organization that helps preserve these cool old boats, and the brand puts out limited-edition watches to honor the relationship each year. Past models included chronographs and moon phases, and these Frédérique Constant Runabout Automatic watches offer just three-hand time-telling, and the date at 6 o’clock. This picture should give you a basic idea of the kind of boats we are talking about and the lifestyle association they are going for:
What may help these Frédérique Constant Runabout Automatic watches stand out a bit, and what may not be immediately clear from these images, is that the somewhat conservative designs come in a 43mm polished case. That should give some wrist presence and machismo to their otherwise restrained personality. They appear designed to be elegant and not overly flashy – which I can appreciate – and legibility promises to be pretty good on both models, but especially the white-dial one.
All the basic stats and details you should be looking for in this segment check out, of course: sapphire crystal, some texture and dimensionality to the dial, lumed hands and indices, and a see-through sapphire (that’s a bonus) caseback to display the Swiss automatic movement. The case is water-resistant to 100m, which seems appropriate for a watch with an aquatic theme – and we’d actually like to see pretty much all modern watches with that rating.
The Frédérique Constant Runabout Automatic is powered by the automatic (obviously) FC-303 movement (4Hz, 42-hour power reserve) which is a base Sellita SW200-1 “assembled in the Frederique Constant manufacture.” It’s sure to have a custom-decorated rotor of some sort, but we unfortunately don’t have any images of that for the moment. The flag of the Riva Historical Society is also apparently etched into the case back window.
Frédérique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic
Geneva-based manufacturer Frederique Constant presents DJ The Avener as its new brand ambassador. The French artist’s music is characterised by innovation, creativity and modernity. Frederique Constant is also committed to these qualities. These mutual values are the basis of the partnership that is now celebrated with the release of the Highlife Chronograph Automatic. With this watch, the house is adding a chronograph to the Highlife collection for the first time. Initially, there are three versions: Two in stainless steel and one two-tone with rose gold. All of them remain true to the design language of the line and proudly bear the engraving of the earth on the dial. One of the models is limited to 1888 pieces, the other two are available without limitation.
Der schweizer Uhrenhersteller Frédérique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic präsentiert den französischen Star-DJ “The Avener” als neuen Markenbotschafter und lanciert anlässlich der Zusammenarbeit die Highlife als Chronograph. Zum ersten Mal wird das Erfolgsmodell der Marke aus Genf mit den Funktionen Start, Stop und Reset ausgestattet und ist in drei Versionen erhältlich. Ob Sie in dem Trio Ihren Favoriten finden, wissen Sie spätestens nach dieser Lektüre, in der wir Ihnen alle wichtigen Informationen zusammengestellt haben.
Die Maison Frédérique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic wurde 1988 gegründet, ein Jahr nachdem der französische Künstler und DJ Tristan Casara, alias “The Avener” geboren wurde. Als sich Ihre Wege in diesem Jahr zum ersten Mal kreuzten, wurden die Berührungspunkte in der Ausübung ihrer Leidenschaft schnell offensichtlich. Hier geht es um das Zusammentreffen zweier Welten, die durch eine gemeinsame Mission verbunden sind: Uhrmacher und Musiker, die als Handwerker der Emotion agieren. Bei der Kreation eines Werkes bemühen sich beide darum, die perfekten Noten zu finden, die harmonisch zusammengestellt außergewöhnliche Momente schaffen.
Die 1999 erstmals lancierte Uhrenkollektion der Highlife trat 2020 in neuer Gestalt ins Rampenlicht, allerdings mit einem entschieden zeitgenössischeren Design. Auch hier spiegelt sich die Zusammenarbeit spielend wieder, da auch The Avener großen Spaß daran hat, Klassiker neu zu interpretieren und ihnen einen Hauch von Modernität in einem originellen Elektropop-Stil zu verleihen, der mit Anleihen aus dem Blues, Jazz, Folk oder Soul durchsetzt ist.
Das Zifferblatt jeder Version verfügt über eine klassische Anordnung mit kleiner Sekunde bei 9 Uhr, einem 30-Minuten-Zähler bei 3 Uhr und einem 12-Stunden-Zähler bei 6 Uhr. Drei zentrale, handpolierte Zeiger vervollständigen das Ensemble: zwei Leuchtzeiger für die Stunden und Minuten und ein zentraler Sekundenzeiger des Chronographen. Jedes Modell ist zudem mit einer zweiten, im Alltag nützlichen Komplikation ausgestattet: dem Datum, das diskret in einem eigenen Fenster zwischen 4 Uhr und 5 Uhruntergebracht ist.
Der Gehäuseboden ist mit einem Saphirglas versehen, um den Blick auf das Automatikwerk FC-391 und sein Chronographenmodul zu ermöglichen. Insbesondere das Säulenrad bei 3 Uhr werden Sie trotz Anschnitt auf dem Foto vermutlich sofort erkannt haben. Dieses Kaliber wurde in Zusammenarbeit mit der schweizer Manufaktur La Joux-Perret entwickelt und zeichnet sich nicht nur durch eine bemerkenswerte moderne Bauweise, sondern auch durch ein hohes Maß an Qualität und Verarbeitung aus. Darüber hinaus hat Frédérique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic für jedes dieser neuen Modelle eine roségoldene Schwungmasse mit Genfer Streifen entworfen. Die Frequenz liegt bei 28.800 Halbschwingungen pro Stunde (4 Hertz) und die Gangautonomie nach Vollaufzug bei 60 Stunden. Jedes Exemplar ist mit der Gravur „Highlife Chronograph“ versehen und liefert eine Wasserdichtigkeit von 10 bar, was dem Druck in 100 Meter Tauchtiefe entspricht.
Frédérique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic
In 2022, Frederique Constant is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its long-standing automotive partner, Austin-Healey, and is renewing its intangible loyalty with two exclusive limited editions. For the occasion, its new mechanical chronograph, the Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic, has adopted the “British racing green” colour of the legendary vintage car with the NOJ393 number plate. With a bicompax dial and two racing red hands, this timepiece is produced in two versions: the first, limited to 10 watches with the 70 figure visible at midday, and the second, with a run of just 700 watches, with the “12” in its normal place.
Three letters, three figures: NOJ393. This is the number plate of the famous Austin-Healey 100S, bought in 1969 by a fan of the legendary car. It was the outcome of the collaboration between the Austin Motor Company and that of the driver, Donald Healey, also a creator and designer. A responsive and distinguished racing car, the only one of its kind, of which one of the last original cars was this famous NOJ393 purchased at that time for £155. It fetched 1 million euros when it was sold in December 2011.
This out-of-the-ordinary enthusiasm demonstrates the power of attraction the vintage Austin Healey has on collectors of beautiful machines. Its perfectly controlled lines, simultaneously rounded and tight, have made it a model of styling. Its legendary “British racing green” livery has become a classic. 2022 marks the 70th anniversary of the creation of this legend, of which the Frederique Constant house in Geneva has been the key partner since 2007. The occasion to offer vintage car fans a collector’s piece to wear on the skin: the Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic.
The new Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic is offered in two versions sharing a 42 mm steel case as well as a common look. Except for one small detail, which makes all the difference: only 10 timepieces will be produced of the first, and instead of the the “12” index at midday, Frederique Constant has placed the “70” which celebrates the creation of the Austin-Healey firm. The second, limited to 700 timepieces, prefers the watchmaking tradition in which the figure 12 is in its normal place and the “70th Anniversary” wording is at 6 o’clock.
The engine: the mechanical FC-397 calibre automatic winding. On the rev counter: 28,800 beats per hour. Its tank: 48-hour power reserve. Bodywork: British racing green. Dashboard: bicompax, in the purest watchmaking tradition. On the left, the seconds counter for the timing part; on the right, the chronograph’s minutes counter. The index and timer are in pure white for perfect legibility on the matt-finish dial, indispensable for a watch dedicated to motor racing. The racing spirit of the piece is emphasised by the two hands of the chronograph which stand out in their bright red hue: the central hand for the seconds and that at three o’clock for the 30 minutes countdown.
The two central hands of the hours and minutes, as well as the indexes are a silver-tone and impressed with a luminescent material. Along the 12 o’clock – 6 o’clock axis the two logos of the house reply to each other, a symbol of their long and faithful union: “Frederique Constant – Geneva” at midday, “Healey” at six o’clock, in its legendary original font.
As for the chassis, the timepiece is closed by a back open onto the movement and etched with a “Limited Edition XX/10” or “Limited Edition XX/700” number. The watch is worn on an asphalt black strap finished with two lines of topstitching, like two white lines marking the edges of the track. To perfect this parallel with motor racing, the new Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic is supplied in its dedicated case alongside a miniature replica of the famous NOJ393.
The union of Frederique Constant and the Austin-Healey firm is no real coincidence. Both companies are driven by the same passions and values which brought them together in 2004 and which continues today: the love of beautiful machines, precision, the celebration of timeless design, the combination of leather and metal, comfort and above all, a certain art of living. Frederique Constant’s Vintage Rally collection, dedicated to this partnership is all of that …and lots more besides.
Frédérique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture
Presented in 2022, the Frédérique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture imposed itself in record-breaking time as one of Frederique Constant most sold timepieces, widely acclaimed by the watchmaking community. A success which shows no sign of abating, today celebrating its 10th anniversary with two very exclusive limited editions: the first in 18-carat pink gold, a production of just 88 watches and the second in steel comprising 1,888 pieces. Dedicated to the art of travel and exploration of the world, they illustrate to perfection the watchmaker’s international history, from the Netherlands to Switzerland, taking in Hong Kong on the way. It is a special creation, dear to Frederique Constant’s history, which itself crosses continents and transcends borders. A true travel icon presented for the first time in 2012, the Classics Worldtimer Manufacture, now a must, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2022. To mark the event, Frederique Constant is now presenting two exclusive limited editions, for the greatest satisfaction of fine watch collectors and fans.
To celebrate this anniversary in a befitting way, Frederique Constant has decided to take a new path and break with traditional watchmaking by offering its icon a journey into Web 3.0: the Classics Worldtimer Manufacture has become an NFT.
An NFT (Non Fungible Token) is a digital asset inside a contract drawn up in a blockchain. It guarantees ownership of a digital asset that can be of any kind: an artistic work, an avatar, a collectible, a musical production, etc. It can be bought and sold in specialised market places, but can also offer exclusive experiences to the holders of these assets (utilities).
The creation of exclusive NFTs of the Frédérique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture will be entrusted to Rarecubes, a Geneva-based studio specialised in blockchain technology. More details will soon be available on the official Frederique Constant website.
The two versions on offer are coloured a deep blue which represents the oceans of the central planisphere, executed in relief and in grey. All around luminescent indexes are applied to ensure perfect readability, even at night – like the hour and minute hands, marked in the same way. To finish the assembly, a white disc displaying 24 cities unfolds on the flange. Finally, at 6 o’clock the date is displayed by a hand on a blue, fine sunray guilloché dial.
The first version, rarer and more prestigious, will be limited to just 88 pieces and offers an 18-carat pink gold case. The second, produced in steel, will be limited to 1,888 pieces. The hands of the hours, minutes and seconds – as well as the contour of the indexes – also elegantly reflect the case, using the same hue. Sharing the same 42 mm diameter, these two timepieces are worn on a navy blue alligator strap with a folding buckle, decorated with the emblematic seal of the Frederique Constant Manufacture, an eternal passport for escape.
How does the Frédérique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture today manage to impose itself in collectors’ hearts? A single question, but several answers, all combined within its new variations.
Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Automatic & Classics Index Automatic
A subtle combination of tradition and elegance, the Classics collection has established itself over the years as one of Frederique Constant’s pillars. In 2022, the Brand returns to the aesthetic roots of one of its flagship lines, the “Classics Automatic”, with no less than five new self-winding models: three Index versions and two Heart Beat variations – this famous opening on the dial revealing the balance-wheel, which has become the Maison’ssignature. Featuring a 40 mm case, these five timepieces feature a delicate guilloché decoration accompanied by Roman numerals, attributes of a classic and timeless appearance.
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If there is an often-said watchmaking phrase, it is that the dial is the face of the watch. Although the technological race now results in increasing complications, it is sometimes forgotten that the identity of a watch is not solely expressed by how many rubies it has or the torque of its barrel spring, but also, and quite simply, by its dial. It is what conveys a watchmaker’s identity values and that is immediately recognisable.
It is with this in mind that Frederique Constant is returning to the sources of classicism which, over the centuries, has defined timeless aesthetic ideals. Among them: a guilloché dial, a discreet date window and Breguet-style hands. And delicate Roman numeral indexes. The latter are back in the Classics Index Automatic line, in the centre of three new automatic movement variations. The first boasts a pink gold-plated case worn on a dark brown leather strap, with a silver dial superimposed by three hands indicating the time via 12 indexes set around a satin-finish hour circle: a prestigious, timeless composition, whose elegance is guaranteed.
Two other variations use the same composition with a steel case: one with a silver dial, the other with a khaki dial, both worn with a black leather strap. Each model is powered by the automatic FC-303 calibre, offering a power reserve of 38 hours.
These last two new watches, with a silver or khaki dial – displaying the same aesthetic features as the Classics Index Automatic models – offer a variant, rich in symbols, thanks to an alternative “Heart Beat”. This design invented by Frederique Constant uniquely highlights the beating heart of the watch, hence its name.
The first Frederique Constant Heart Beat watch was created in 1994. Since then, its original design has often been copied and adapted, but it is never as pure and authentic as in a genuine Frederique Constant watch. This is what these two Classics Heart Beat Automatic watches offer: a homage to the founding spirit of the watchmaker and the rediscovery of a design which takes its rightful place among the classics of fine Geneva watchmaking.
The latter, beating to the rhythm of the FC-310 calibre with automatic winding, have a 30- hour power reserve.
Frédérique Constant Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Emerald
Frédérique Constant Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Emerald presents a high complication watch that combines two iconic horological complications: Perpetual Calendar and Tourbillon. Belongs to the Frederique Constant Highlife collection this timepiece is available in 18 carat rose gold and stainless steel versions. The Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar watch is equipped with the FC-975 Manufacture self-winding movement.
Within the 41 mm case with the integrated strap characteristic of the Highlife collection, Frederique Constant has organised its complications into four segments.
The brand has arranged the day and date counters horizontally so that they can be read in a natural and intuitive way in a fraction of a second.
Brought together in a single counter at 12 o’clock are the month (large hand) and leap year indication (small hand). Adding the finishing touch to this perfectly mastered aesthetic composition, the tourbillon balances it out at 6 o’clock, counting down the seconds with its central hand.The FC-975 calibre is designed, produced and assembled in very limited numbers at the Geneva-based manufacture. For greater precision, Frederique Constant has equipped it with a silicone escapement – both the escape wheel and the lever.
The inner workings of this exceptional movement can be admired from any angle on the Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, on the dial side and on the back. Correctors used to set the watch are discreetly tucked away in the caseband.The two versions are dominated by the colour blue. On both sides of the complications on display, Frederique Constant has opted for a face without a dial. This allows you to see the inner workings of the FC-975 Manufacture calibre, alongside the delicate blued screws, perlage and subtle Côtes de Genève.It also improves the contrast between the rhodium-plated movement and the perpetual calendar display. To ensure it is easy to read, the Manufacture has also been careful to give them recessed counters on two levels, so as to better capture the light.Although the Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is strictly limited to 30 pieces for the rose gold version and 88 for the steel version, collectors can create different looks for their numbered and engraved watches. Each one comes with two straps, which can be swapped around at will, without the need for tools.The rose gold version comes with a topstitched alligator leather strap, alongside a second rubber strap, reinforcing the urban and contemporary attitude that the Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture can take on in seconds.
This same rubber strap also comes with the steel watch, alongside a steel strap with a three-link design comprised of polished and satin-brushed links and a folding buckle bearing the Frederique Constant hallmark.
Frederique Constant Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture
Frederique Constant presents a high complication watch that combines two iconic horological complications: Perpetual Calendar and Tourbillon. Belongs to the Frederique Constant Highlife collection this timepiece is available in 18 carat rose gold and stainless steel versions. The Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar watch is equipped with the FC-975 Manufacture self-winding movement.
Within the 41 mm case with the integrated strap characteristic of the Frederique Constant Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture collection, Frederique Constant has organised its complications into four segments.
The brand has arranged the day and date counters horizontally so that they can be read in a natural and intuitive way in a fraction of a second.
Brought together in a single counter at 12 o’clock are the month (large hand) and leap year indication (small hand). Adding the finishing touch to this perfectly mastered aesthetic composition, the tourbillon balances it out at 6 o’clock, counting down the seconds with its central hand.
The FC-975 calibre is designed, produced and assembled in very limited numbers at the Geneva-based manufacture. For greater precision, Frederique Constant has equipped it with a silicone escapement – both the escape wheel and the lever.
The inner workings of this exceptional movement can be admired from any angle on the Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, on the dial side and on the back. Correctors used to set the watch are discreetly tucked away in the caseband.
The two versions are dominated by the colour blue. On both sides of the complications on display, Frederique Constant has opted for a face without a dial. This allows you to see the inner workings of the FC-975 Manufacture calibre, alongside the delicate blued screws, perlage and subtle Côtes de Genève.
It also improves the contrast between the rhodium-plated movement and the perpetual calendar display. To ensure it is easy to read, the Manufacture has also been careful to give them recessed counters on two levels, so as to better capture the light.
Although the Frederique Constant Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is strictly limited to 30 pieces for the rose gold version and 88 for the steel version, collectors can create different looks for their numbered and engraved watches. Each one comes with two straps, which can be swapped around at will, without the need for tools.
The rose gold version comes with a topstitched alligator leather strap, alongside a second rubber strap, reinforcing the urban and contemporary attitude that the Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture can take on in seconds.
This same rubber strap also comes with the steel watch, alongside a steel strap with a three-link design comprised of polished and satin-brushed links and a folding buckle bearing the Frederique Constant hallmark.
Highlife is the revival of a legendary line, part of an historic collection that has shaped the face of luxurious and affordable contemporary Swiss Made watchmaking. Complete with a perpetual calendar, this piece is powered by the Manufacture FC-775 caliber, a self-winding mechanical movement. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph, it has a power reserve of 38 hours. Its perlage and Côtes de Genève can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback.
Frederique Constant, which has made a name for itself by being acquired by Citizen, one of the leading manufacturers of the Far East, as well as its models that impress with their price/performance ratio, continues to expand its product range with new models. The brand that managed to design and produce 30 different in-house movements so far, brings together its game-changer Caliber FC-975 movement equipped with perpetual calendar and tourbillon functions under the same roof in the Frederique Constant Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Collection.
Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic Skeleton
Not quite everything is on show… but almost. It became a staple of Frederique Constant in a few short months and now the Highlife collection is showing itself in a new light. The focus of its unique interplay between light and dark? A globe. Finely crafted in the centre of the dial, it is one of the aesthetic hallmarks of the collection. The Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic Skeleton lets you journey to the centre of the Earth. Laid bare through skilful skeleton work, strong lines reveal the inner workings of the Swiss Made FC-310 movement inside.
This skeleton work presents a technical and aesthetic challenge. Technical, as the calibre is updated through tiny openings as numerous as they are delicate and created without the use of any sharp angles, in keeping with the curvature and harmony of the Earth.
Aesthetic, as Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic Skeleton work is a rare watchmaking practice that does not traditionally focus on the dial alone and the centre even less so. It is a daring style that Frederique Constant has mastered perfectly, and thanks to this very principle of aesthetic ingenuity that the Manufacture brought the iconic Heart Beat collection to life over 25 years ago. What Frederique Constant has created here is a daring and unique new interpretation that should stand it in good stead for the next quarter of a century.
The new Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic Skeleton is in the same vein. The highly original cut-out of the Earth at its centre reveals the beating heart of the movement: at 12 o’clock, the balance wheel; between 5 o’clock and 6 o’clock, the barrel, wound by the winding stem found at 3 o’clock. The openwork Earth allows you to see something, but not everything.
In a complex play of light and shadow, between the hidden and the exposed, the Highlife Automatic Skeleton brings to life a modern vision of skeleton work and mechanical watchmaking. Those who are especially curious will appreciate the open caseback, which showcases the mechanical workings of the piece and the finishes prized by the Geneva-based manufacturer.
These new Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic Skeleton watches are not part of the collection, but will be available as two series of 888 pieces each. The first incorporates the Highlife collection’s much-loved colour combination: steel case and strap with blue dial. The piece comes with a second interchangeable strap in navy blue rubber, accentuating its sporty look.
The second variation is a first; a steel version with anthracite grey titanium PVD coating – again supplied with a strap in the same material, as well as another in rubber of the same shade. In the 41mm case containing an automatic movement with a power reserve of 38 hours, the Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic Skeleton exhibits a beautifully crafted, mysterious and modern look, on which it is already building for the future.
