Since its 2020 relaunch, the Highlife collection has been exploring additional complications. Following the Worldtimer, Chronograph, and Perpetual Calendar models, it is now the turn of the Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture. Classic and stunning, it embodies the philosophy close to Frederique Constant’s heart: a high-quality timepiece featuring complications and an in-house movement and module. It occupies an unrivaled market position at just €4,495, backed by a 5-year warranty. Two 39mm stainless steel versions are available—models that leave no room for compromise. They come with either a blue or champagne-colored dial, each accompanied by an interchangeable leather strap and steel bracelet.
MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT AND MODULE: The Highlife Moonphase Date features two innovative complications powered by a manufacture movement, the FC-716. This automatic movement is designed and assembled at the heart of the Geneva-based Maison. It offers a generous power reserve of three full days (72 hours), achieved through a new mainspring alloy housed within a redesigned barrel. For the dial, Frederique Constant has developed an ultra-realistic depiction of the moon, revealing its surface details—including shades of gray, relief textures, and areas of shadow. The combination of moon phase and date functions is intuitive: the date change mechanism drives the progression of the moon phases throughout the lunar cycle (averaging 29.5 days). Both complications are synchronized, and all functions are accessible via the crown—offering both efficiency and ease of use. Visible through a sapphire case back, the movement’s perlage and Côtes de Genève finishes reflect the meticulous care Frederique Constant’s manufacture devotes to the design of its calibers.
Frederique Constant presents two versions, united by the same 39mm stainless steel case. The sunray effect on the dial is remarkable: it is not centered but radiates from the moon phase at 6 o’clock, which effectively forms the aesthetic and radiant heart of the composition. The first version boasts a rose-champagne dial. This finish plays with contrast; its tones—ranging from gold to copper—create a sunlit backdrop against which the moon phase stands out in deep starry blue. The dial’s brilliance is enhanced by applied, polished indices and hour and minute hands featuring luminescent material. The second version opts for chromatic unity. Its sunray-finished dial is rendered in a night blue that is slightly lighter than the blue of the moon phase. While the continuity is evident, each area retains its own distinct shade to ensure simple, fluid legibility. Only the final day of the month breaks the pattern, appearing as a red „31“ that marks the end of one cycle and the beginning of the next.
TWO CONTRASTING OPTIONS: Each version comes with two interchangeable straps: the first is crafted from blue „Saffiano“ leather. It is distinguished by its iconic cross-hatch texture, lending it an aesthetic that is both elegant and sporty. A protective treatment makes it highly resistant to scratches, light, and moisture. The second option is a five-link stainless steel bracelet featuring alternating polished and brushed finishes. This choice allows collectors to style their watch to suit their outfit, activity, or mood—capturing the essence of the playful paradox inherent in a timepiece that is simultaneously sporty and elegant. With the Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture, Frederique Constant continues to evolve its collection by introducing a new in-house complication. Powered by the FC-716 caliber and boasting a 72-hour power reserve, the watch remains true to one of the brand’s hallmarks: offering an in-house movement at a unique price point—just €4,495. This compelling proposition is further enhanced by a 5-year warranty, reflecting the brand’s confidence in the reliability of its new timepiece. Uncompromising in every respect, the Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture has it all.
