The world of luxury watches is a realm of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation, where the passage of time is not merely measured but celebrated. For a quarter of a century, Frederique Constant, a Swiss watchmaker renowned for its blend of classic design and modern sensibility, has been crafting timepieces that resonate with watch enthusiasts worldwide. As the Maison marks the 25th anniversary of its iconic Highlife collection, it unveils a new chapter in its horological journey with the limited-edition Highlife Chronograph Automatic.
Frederique Constant’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Founded in 1988 by Aletta and Peter Stas, the company quickly established itself as a purveyor of fine Swiss watches accessible to a wider audience. Their philosophy, "Live your passion," is reflected in every timepiece they create, blending traditional watchmaking techniques with contemporary aesthetics.
Courtesy of Frederique Constant
The Highlife collection, introduced in 1999, embodies this philosophy perfectly. It is a testament to Frederique Constant's commitment to innovation, featuring a unique design characterized by an integrated bracelet that seamlessly merges with the case. This distinctive feature, a hallmark of the Highlife line, has been modernized and refined over the years, solidifying the collection's status as a modern classic.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Highlife collection,
Frederique Constant has unveiled a limited edition of the Highlife Chronograph Automatic. Limited to 1,888 pieces, this timepiece pays homage to the collection's heritage while embracing a contemporary spirit. The 41-millimeter stainless steel case exudes a refined elegance, while the opaline dial with green counters adds a touch of sporty sophistication.
At the heart of the Highlife Chronograph Automatic beats the FC-391 calibre, a self-winding movement with a 60-hour power reserve. This robust and reliable movement ensures accurate timekeeping and powers the chronograph functions, which include a small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock, a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock. The date display, nestled between 4 and 5 o'clock, adds a practical touch to this exquisite timepiece.
Courtesy of Frederique Constant
The Highlife Chronograph Automatic comes with three interchangeable straps, a testament to Frederique Constant's commitment to versatility. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of leather, the sporty vibe of rubber, or the rugged durability of stainless steel, this watch adapts to your style and occasion.
The design of the Highlife Chronograph Automatic is a harmonious blend of form and function. The integrated bracelet, a signature element of the Highlife collection, ensures a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. The lack of lugs enhances the watch's sleek profile and allows for greater flexibility, ensuring that it sits naturally and effortlessly.
The dial, a canvas of subtle sophistication, features applied indexes and hand-polished hands that gleam with luminescent material, ensuring legibility in any lighting condition. The chronograph subdials, arranged in a balanced layout, add a touch of sporty dynamism to the overall aesthetic. The globe motif, a recurring symbol in the Highlife collection, graces the dial, representing the interconnectedness of our world and Frederique Constant's commitment to sustainable and responsible practices.
The case back, secured with six screws, offers a glimpse into the intricate workings of the FC-391 calibre. The sapphire crystal exhibition window reveals the oscillating weight, adorned with the Frederique Constant logo, as it harnesses the energy of your wrist's movement. The case back also bears the limited edition number, a reminder of the exclusivity of this timepiece.
Courtesy of Frederique Constant
The Highlife Chronograph is powered by the FC-391 calibre, an automatic chronograph movement that serves as the watch's beating heart. This self-winding movement, oscillating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensures precise timekeeping and a smooth sweep of the chronograph seconds hand. With 26 jewels reducing friction and a 60-hour power reserve, the FC-391 is a workhorse movement that can keep pace with the most demanding lifestyles.
The chronograph function, a complication beloved by watch enthusiasts, allows you to measure elapsed time with accuracy and precision. The chronograph pushers, seamlessly integrated into the case design, offer a satisfying tactile experience with each press. The chronograph subdials, arranged in a tri-compax layout, provide a clear and intuitive display of the elapsed hours, minutes, and seconds.
Frederique Constant's commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every facet of the Highlife Chronograph. The 41-millimeter stainless steel case is meticulously finished, with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces that create a captivating interplay of light and shadow. The bezel, with its tachymeter scale, adds a touch of sporty functionality while maintaining the watch's refined aesthetic.
The dial, a testament to the brand's attention to detail, features applied indexes and hand-polished hands that exude a sense of luxury. The chronograph subdials, with their snailed finish, are a subtle yet sophisticated touch that adds depth and dimension to the dial's design.
Courtesy of Frederique Constant
The Highlife Chronograph's integrated bracelet is a marvel of engineering and aesthetics. The H-link design, with its alternating polished and brushed finishes, complements the watch's overall aesthetic while providing a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. The bracelet's integrated design ensures a seamless transition from the case to the clasp, creating a cohesive and elegant look.
Beyond the technical specifications and aesthetic flourishes, it's the subtle details that truly set the Highlife Chronograph apart. The globe motif, subtly embossed on the dial, is a reminder of Frederique Constant's commitment to sustainability and global responsibility. The date window, framed by a polished steel aperture, is a practical yet stylish addition.
The crown, adorned with the Frederique Constant logo, is easy to grip and operate, allowing for effortless time and date adjustments. The chronograph pushers, with their knurled texture, offer a confident and tactile feel when starting, stopping, and resetting the chronograph function.
With only 1,888 pieces available worldwide, the Highlife Chronograph Automatic Limited Edition is a rare and coveted timepiece. It comes presented in a luxurious wooden box, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and an additional leather strap. Priced at €3,495, it offers exceptional value for a Swiss-made chronograph of this caliber.
Courtesy of Frederique Constant
The Highlife Chronograph Automatic Limited Edition is not just a watch; it's a conversation starter, a symbol of your discerning taste, and a testament to Frederique Constant's enduring legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. It's a timepiece that will not only tell time but also tell a story—your story.
The Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and accessibility. It's a watch that seamlessly blends heritage with modernity, offering a unique combination of classic design, modern technology, and exceptional value. Whether you're a seasoned watch collector or a newcomer to the world of horology, the Highlife Chronograph is a timepiece that deserves your attention. It's a watch that will not only adorn your wrist but also enrich your life.