To mark its 25th anniversary, Frederique Constant’s flagship collection is releasing new variations of its sports model, the 41mm Chronograph Automatic. It starts with two models with very complementary approaches: a first, non-limited version with a rose gold-plated case and midnight blue dial, a combination of timeless elegance; At the same time, a version with a steel case limited to 1,888 pieces, a novel combination of an opaline dial with green counters, which embodies a sporty and contemporary character. As usual, each model, powered by the FC-391 caliber with 60 hours of power reserve, comes with several interchangeable bracelets (two and three respectively).
Frederique Constant’s Highlife collection, in the spotlight of the watchmaking world since 1999, was way ahead of its time: an integrated and interchangeable bracelet, a design true to the canons of fine Swiss watchmaking, meticulous finishing – all with a look at a fair price that gives many people access to Swiss Made luxury.
The Avener ambassador, musician and producer
The collection, reissued in 2022, whose ambassador is the musician and producer The Avener, immediately became one of the manufacturer’s biggest hits. The highly anticipated chronograph was offered in the same year with two now legendary models: an essential Panda Chrono and a variant in which the color black is replaced by blue.
The introduction of two new references is therefore particularly important. She doubles the collection. Above all, it offers lovers two very different alternatives. The first belongs to the regular collection. It differs significantly from the Highlife Chronograph Automatic by offering its very first edition in rose gold plated. This luxurious choice makes it possible to present a model that, on the one hand, remains affordable while at the same time embodying the classic and timeless Haute Horlogerie, in which the color gold plays an essential role. The blue dial and bracelet with silver azure counters confirm the watch’s decidedly modern style. This model stands out for the details, such as the hand-polished hands, the alternating polished and satin finishes or the choice of a blue alligator-embossed suede strap in addition to the rubber version.
The second copy goes in a completely different direction. It is not included in the collection and is strictly limited to 1888 pieces. A rare collector’s item: It is only the second time in three years that Frederique Constant has produced a limited edition Highlife Chronograph Automatic steel.
The steel case already reveals its sporty temperament. The choice of pine green bracelets and counters emphasizes their commitment to the great outdoors. Its green suede strap ensures a discreet appearance in the city; the other two bracelets, one in polished, brushed metal and the other in rubber, point decidedly in the direction of world discovery, as can be seen from the engraving on the opaline dial.
These two sisters, each with their own temperament, share the same beating heart, the FC-391 caliber, a Tricompax hour, minute and second hand with a date window at 4:30 o’clock. This movement already powers the two Highlife Chronograph Automatics in the collection. So it’s a reliable and proven caliber with a power reserve of 60 hours – enough to spend the weekend relaxing when you take off your watch on Friday evening and find it back on time on Monday morning. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case back and reveals the Geneva stripes. It is enclosed and protected by a 41 mm case with a guaranteed water resistance of 10 ATM.
