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’s signature.
Featuring a 40 mm case, these five timepieces feature a delicate guilloché decoration accompanied by Roman numerals, attributes of a classic and timeless appearance.
Roman numeral indexes 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.
Frederique Constant is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its long-standing automotive partner Austin-Healey with two exclusive limited editions.
For the occasion, its new mechanical chronograph, the 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 number visible at midday, and the second, with a run of just 700 watches, with the “12” in its normal place.
Three letters, three numbers: 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.
2022 marks the 70th anniversary of the creation of this legend, of which Frederique Constant has been the key partner since 2007. The occasion to offer vintage car fans a collector’s piece to wear on the wrist: the Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic.
The new 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 model (reference FC-397HADGR5B6), and instead of the “12” index at midday, Frederique Constant has placed the “70” which celebrates the creation of the Austin-Healey company.
The second model (reference FC-397HDGR5B6), limited to 700 timepieces, prefers the watchmaking tradition in which the number12 is in its normal place and the “70th Anniversary” wording is at 6 o’clock.
The mechanical FC-397 automatic winding calibre has an oscillating rate of 28,800 beats per hour. Its offers 48 hour power reserve.
The watch boasts a British racing green dial. 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 a bright red hue: the central hand for the seconds and the 30 minutes countdown hand at the three o’clock position.
The hours and minutes hands, as well as the indexes are silver-tone and luminescent. Along the 12 o’clock – 6 o’clock axis the two brand logos mirror 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.
The timepiece is features an open case back onto the movement, 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.
Inspired by motor racing, the new Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic comes in its dedicated gift box alongside a miniature replica of the famous NOJ393.
Frederique Constant presents the Highlife Ladies Automatic watch in two new sparkling 34 mm versions adorned with yellow gold plating – the first one being fully gold-plated, while the second, two-tone, alternates it with steel. The latter are fitted with the collection’s iconic integrated and interchangeable bracelet and come with an additional white rubber strap.
By marrying two timeless elements, yellow gold and diamonds, Frederique Constant has created a new Highlife Ladies Automatic timepiece. Its 34 mm case is entirely plated with yellow gold, as are its bracelet, indexes and hands. The dial features eight genuine diamond hour-markers, complemented by a date window at 3 o’clock, the edge of which is also yellow gold-plated.
To better highlight the rich palette of reflections offered by yellow gold, Frederique Constant has opted for a wide range of finishes alternating between matt and polished surfaces. This is true of the bezel, which is entirely mirror-polished to emphasise the harmony of its perfect circle. It is doubly echoed in the heart of the dial with on one hand the engraved representation of the globe – the aesthetic signature of the Highlife collection – and on the other hand, the ring setting of each diamond, whose brilliance is reflected with infinite purity.
The delicate curved case is satin-brushed, the angle of which hugs every line of the timepiece, right up to the edge of the caseband where an entirely yellow gold-plated bracelet unfolds. It alternates two satin-finished links with a polished central link.
This very chic bracelet will have its shock counterpart, with a second strap (delivered with the watch) in white rubber and featuring a yellow gold-plated pin buckle.
At the same time, the Highlife Ladies Automatic has been given a second version. The piece offers both, articulated around a simple principle: all the surfaces previously satin-finished gold-plated are now declined in steel.
The others remain in mirror-polished yellow gold plating. The result: a superb alternation of tones, metals, finishes and reflections. The steel material plays against the shimmering, brilliant, mirror-polished gold, highlighting its slightest reflections. Like its yellow gold counterpart, this new model also comes with a rubber strap.
And for these two timepieces, Frederique Constant has chosen an automatic calibre with a 38-hour power reserve, richly decorated in a spiral pattern and visible through the open case-back.
Movement
FC-303 caliber, automatic
Diamond collimaçon decoration
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished yellow gold-plated stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 34 mm
Height of 9.67 mm
Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft
Dial
Silver color dial with globe decoration
Black printed seconds graduation
Applied yellow gold-plated indexes filled with white luminous treatment at 6, 9and 12 o’clock, 8 yellow gold-plated and diamonds indexes (0.04 carat)
Hand-polished yellow gold-plated hour and minute hands filled with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished yellow gold-plated second hand
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap
3-link brushed and polished yellow gold-plated bracelet
Including an additional white rubber strap
Movement
FC-303 caliber, automatic
Diamond collimaçon decoration
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Bicolor brushed and polished yellow gold-plated and stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 34 mm
Height of 9.67 mm
Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft
Dial
Silver color dial with globe decoration
Black printed seconds graduation
Applied yellow gold-plated indexes filled with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished yellow gold-plated hour and minute hands filled with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished yellow gold-plated second hand
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap
3-link bicolor brushed and polished yellow gold-plated and stainless bracelet
Including an additional white rubber strap
The Classics Heart Beat Moonphase Date watch by Frederique Constant is now available in a new avatar which is classic in its spirit, modern in its execution. Its 40 mm stainless steel case houses a deep blue dial, giving pride of place to the emblematic Heart Beat aperture. A Maison signature, it offers a view of the balance wheel at 12 o’clock, which powers the self-winding FC-335 mechanical calibre.
The Classics Heart Beat Moonphase Date is the embodiment of one of Frederique Constant’s most iconic designs. The piece was designed to transcend styles, trends and decades. The aperture at 12 o’clock, known as the Heart Beat, is a testament to the aesthetic mark Frederique Constant has made on the noble watchmaking tradition. Today, this line’s latest creation continues to explore its classic nature with a perfectly balanced 40 mm case.
The composition of its dial reflects the same balance. At 12 o’clock, we find the expression of watchmaking expertise that has set Frederique Constant apart since the very beginning. The “Heart Beat” aperture, designed almost 30 years ago, reveals the beating heart of the watch.
The self-winding FC-335 mechanical movement, which beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, is a testament to the Swiss craftsmanship dear to Frederique Constant. It has been designed with a particular focus on simplicity: winding, hours, minutes, date and moon phases are all adjusted with the single crown.
The first position winds the movement, while the fourth adjusts the time. The date can be changed in the second position, and the moon phases in the third, as long as the hands are first positioned at 10:10, as this protects the mechanism from being damaged.
In perfect symmetry with the Heart Beat aperture, a moon phase sits at 6 o’clock. This poetic complication, with an almost monthly cycle (29.5 days), balances the accurate and quick cadence of the seconds hand, bridging the gap between short and long periods of time.
A contemporary set-up unfolds around these two poles, sat against a deep blue. Much like the flame-blued finishes of 19th century timepieces, the moon phase’s theatre of expression evokes the immensity of space. As is customary, Frederique Constant decorated this with guilloche, here a “Clou de Paris”, a centuries-old motif that reflects light in multiple directions.
At the centre of the dial are four hands. The first two, the hours and minutes, end in a so-called “hollowed apple” motif—in Breguet style—, a subtle historical nod to the traditional aesthetic canons of early watchmaking.
The next, the seconds—long and slim—keeps the time of the self-winding FC-335 movement with a 38-hour power reserve. The final hand, standing out with its arrow motif, points towards the date, shown in a circle on the flange.
It is fitted on a blue leather bracelet, with white topstitching and a steel pin buckle.
Technical details
Model: Frederique Constant Classics Heart Beat Moonphase Date
Reference: FC-335MCNW4P26
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date by hand
Movement
FC-335 caliber, automatic, Heart Beat
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished stainless steel 2-part case
Diameter of 40 mm
Height of 10 mm
Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 6 ATM/60m/197ft
Dial
Navy blue dial with clous de Paris guilloché in the center
Printed white Roman numerals
Date graduation on outer ring
White hour, minute, second and date hands
Heart Beat opening at 12 o’clock
Strap
Navy blue calf leather strap with off-white stitching
Presented in 2012, the Classics Worldtimer Manufacture is one of the best-selling timepieces from Frederique Constant. In 2022, the brand is 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.
To celebrate this anniversary, Frederique Constant has decided to create exclusive NFTs (Non Fungible Tokens) of the Classics Worldtimer Manufacture in partnership with Rarecubes, a Geneva-based studio specialised in blockchain technology.
The deep blue dial executed in relief and in grey represents the oceans of the central planisphere. 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 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.
The automatic FC-718 calibre offers a 38-hour power reserve. Of proven reliability, this movement is also an example of simplicity: all of its indications are adjusted with the single crown, thanks to an ingenious three-notch system. The first winds the watch. The second adjusts the date (upwards) and the reference city (downwards). The third adjusts the time in the central display.
Simple and intuitive, this design allows the wearer to cross time zones concentrating only on discovery of the world, without having to worry about the time read: local time (with the central hands) and home time (via the mobile flange) are automatically synchronised with each other. No need either to have to make an effort to differentiate the day-time zones from the night-time zones: the two disc colours surrounding the globe (dark for the night, white for the day) naturally indicate them, by the two consecutive 12-hour segments opposite the reference cities in question.
This exceptional movement is visible through the open back of the timepiece. Like any genuine Manufacture calibre signed Frederique Constant, it is richly decorated with the Côtes de Genève stripe and delicate stippling of its bottom plate, above which turns its oscillating weight with a satin and draw file finish.
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date by hand, worldtimer
Movement
FC-718 in-house caliber, automatic with all functions adjustable by the crown
Perlage& circular Côtes de Genève decorations
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished 18K rose gold 3-part case
Diameter of 42 mm
Height of 12.15 mm
Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 3 ATM/30m/100ft
Dial
Blue and grey dial with globe decoration
Rose gold-plated applied indexes filled with white luminous treatment
24H disc with day (white) & night (blue) indication
White city disc with 24 cities
Hand-polished rose gold-plated hour and minute hands filled with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished rose gold-plated second hand
Date by hand blue counter at 6 o’clock with sunray guilloche decoration in the center and a hand-polished rose gold-plated hand
Strap
Navy blue alligator leather strap with off-white stitching
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date by hand, worldtimer
Movement
FC-718 in-house caliber, automatic with all functions adjustable by the crown
Perlage& circular Côtes de Genève decorations
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 42 mm
Height of 12.10 mm
Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft
Dial
Blue and grey dial with globe decoration
Silver color applied indexes filled with white luminous treatment
24H disc with day (white) & night (blue) indication
White city disc with 24 cities
Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands filled with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished silver color second hand
Date by hand blue counter at 6 o’clock with sunray guilloché decoration in the center and a hand-polished silver color hand
Strap
Navy blue alligator leather strap with off-white stitching
Frederique Constant presents two new models from its best-selling Slimline Ladies Moonphase range.
After the success of its models with a mother-of-pearl dial and diamond markers, Frederique Constant is unveiling two new variations which celebrate a return to classic, refined, and timeless watchmaking.
Each model now has an opaline dial with applied stick markers in a pearl black finish. The classic traits of fine Geneva watchmaking are found here, the city in which Frédérique Constant has its own Manufacture.
At midday, only a “XII” stands out with its Roman numerals, which did not exist on the previous models. Around the dial is a new motion work, punctuated every 5 minutes by Arabic numerals, discreetly completed at 6 o’clock by the “Swiss Made” assurance of true quality.
This discreet, so-called “railway” interpretation of the motion work evokes the “sector dials” associated with the glory days of the watchmaking of the 1920s to the 1940s, an aesthetic choice confirmed by the “onion” crown at 3 o’clock – topped by an elegant blue cabochon.
These two new Slimline Ladies Moonphase watches are equipped with the FC-206 quartz movement, guaranteeing 5 years’ operation. It moves two central hands (hours and minutes) of the leaf type, also pearl black, with a gentle and elegant curve in their centre.
At 6 o’clock, they pass over an indication of the phases of the Moon in an open crescent, revealing the Earth’s satellite surrounded by stars, on a midnight blue background, recalling the night sky.
These two new variations are available either on a blue leather strap, overstitched in the same colour – easy to change thanks to its “quick change” system –, or on an elegant flexible steel strap with 5 polished links, for a snug fit on the wrist.
Movement
FC-206 caliber, quartz
60 months battery life, 5 jewels
Case
Polished stainless steel 3-part case
Crown with blue cabochon
Diameter of 30 mm
Height of 7.65 mm
Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
Closed case back
Water-resistant up to 3 ATM/30m/100ft
Dial
White dial with mat finishing
Applied pearl black indexes
Black minute graduation on outer ring
Pearl black hour and minute hands
Moonphase at 6 o’clock
Movement
FC-206 caliber, quartz
60 months battery life, 5 jewels
Case
Polished stainless steel 3-part case
Crown with blue cabochon
Diameter of 30 mm
Height of 7.65 mm
Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal
Closed case back
Water-resistant up to 3 ATM/30m/100ft
Dial
White dial with mat finishing
Applied pearl black indexes
Black minute graduation on outer ring
Pearl black hour and minute hands
Moonphase at 6 o’clock
Swiss watch brand Frederique Constant presents a new Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture timepiece with a captivating blue-grey dial.
The new deep blue-grey dial guarantees perfect legibility thanks to the contrast of the white typography and the mirror-polished and luminescent hour-markers and hands. The day can be read at 9 o’clock, the months and leap years at 12 o’clock and the date at 3 o’clock. At 6 o’clock, a moon phase completes the set.
Discreet correctors placed on the case allow, with the crown, to adjust the whole. At the centre of this dial features the guilloché motif of the Earth, the aesthetic signature of the Highlife collection.
Its 41 mm case is designed with an integrated three-link bracelet, alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces. With no lugs, it falls smoothly and naturally on the wrist. A special feature of the Highlife collection is that it is interchangeable, and can be alternated with a navy blue textured and stitched rubber extra strap –delivered with the watch – without the need for any tools.
The Manufacture FC-775 self-winding mechanical movement, embellished with delicate circular graining and Côtes de Genève decoration, can be admired through the exhibition case-back.
Functions
Hours, minutes, moonphase, date, day, month, leap year
Movement
FC-775 in-house caliber, automatic, perpetual calendar
Perlage& circular Côtes de Genève decorations
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 41mm
Height of 12.65 mm
Scratch-resistant convex sapphire crystal with anti-glare coating on both sides
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM/50m/164ft
Dial
Blue grey dial, globe decoration
Silver color applied indexes filled with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands filled with white luminous treatment
Date counter at 3 o’clock with silver color hand
Moonphase at 6 o’clock
Day counter at 9 o’clock with silver color hand
Month and (leap) year counter at 12 o’clock with silver color hands
Bracelet
3-link brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet
Including an additional navy blue rubber strap
Frederique Constant has expanded its Highlife series by presenting two stunning and exclusive Highlife Emerald limited editions: the Highlife Emerald Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture (limited to 30 pieces) and the Highlife Emerald Worldtimer Manufacture (limited to 222 pieces).
Unveiled at the Dubai Watch Week 2021, these special edition watches feature emerald green dials. A tone dear to Frederique Constant, the green colour is associated with nature, representing the source of life.
In 1999, Frederique Constant introduced the very first Highlife watches. In 2020, the Maison revived the iconic design and reintroduced the collection with resolutely modern curves rooted in the 21st century, thus adding a new dimension to the definition of accessible luxury according to Frederique Constant. The new design translates into both taut and flexible lines, the modernity of a creation that denies nothing of its craftsmanship, balance or style.
One of the key hallmarks of Highlife stamped timepieces is an integrated and interchangeable strap, offering a seamless integration with the watch case. This innovative system makes it possible to change the strap at will and without the need for tools.
Dedicated to frequent travelers, the Frederique Constant Highlife Worldtimer Manufacture watch boasts a globe engraved dial, combined to a contemporary 41 mm steel case.
The highly contemporary design of the steel case and dial with globe engraving is an ode to travel. The FC-718 manufacture calibre is designed exactly for that. The self-winding mechanical movement has a power reserve of 38 hours. It is visible through the case back, water-resistant up to 50 metres. The movement incorporates typical Genevan finishes like perlage and circular Côtes de Genève.
Highly user-friendly, its single crown can be used to set any function: hours, minutes, the date at 6 o’clock and the 24 cities disc that represents 24 time zones on Earth, itself engraved in the centre of the piece. There is no day / night indicator required; the inner disc has been engraved with 12 hours on the light area (cities where it is daytime) and 12 hours on the blue area (those where it is night-time).
Green is the dominant colour of the Highlife Emerald Worldtimer Manufacture Limited Edition. It takes up the whole centre of the dial, as well as the date counter, for which Frederique Constant has used its unique sunray guilloché for improved legibility. This is skimmed by three central rhodium-plated hands, including luminescent hour and minute hands that are easy to read, even when travelling to the other side of the world at night.
The Highlife Emerald Worldtimer Manufacture is delivered with an integrated and interchangeable steel bracelet, which can be switched to an extra black rubber strap on a split second, to complement the urban feel of the watch.
Presented in a steel case, this bold timepiece incorporates two most prestigious horological mechanisms: Tourbillon and Perpetual Calendar.
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 both day and date displays horizontally, so as to 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 Highlife Emerald Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is dominated by the green colour. 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.
The FC-975 caliber is designed, produced and assembled in very limited numbers at the Geneva-based manufacture. For greater precision (an essential characteristic of the tourbillon), Frederique Constant has equipped it with a silicone escapement – both the escape wheel and the lever.
Limited to 30 timepieces, this exclusive model is mounted on a three-link polished and satin-brushed steel bracelet, and delivered alongside a second rubber strap.
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day, month, leap year
Movement
FC-975 caliber, automatic, tourbillon, perpetual calendar
Perlage, drafted marks and Côtes de Genève decorations
38-hour power reserve, 33 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Silicon escapement wheel and anchor
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 41 mm
Height of 12.65 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Skeleton dial
Green outer ring with white printed second markers
Hand-polished silvered color with white luminous treatment hour and minute hands
Green day counter at 9 o’clock with hand-polished silvered color hand
Green month and year counter at 12 o’clock with hand-polished silvered color hands
Green date counter at 3 o’clock with hand-polished silvered color hand
Open tourbillon’s cage at 6 o’clock with hand-polished silvered color second hand
Strap
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-link bracelet
Including an additional dark green rubber strap
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date by hand, worldtimer
Movement
FC-718 Manufacture caliber, automatic with all functions adjustable by the crown
Perlage& circular Côtes de Genève decoration on the movement
26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel3-part case
Diameter of 41 mm
Height of 12.90 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Green dial, globe decoration and silver color applied indexes with white luminous treatment
24H disc with day (white) & night (green) indication
City disc with 24 cities
Hand-polished silver color with white luminous treatment hour and minute hands
Hand-polished silver color second hand
Date counter at 6 o’clock with hand-polished silver color hand
Strap
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-link bracelet
Including an additional dark green rubber strap
Along the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula are the United Arab Emirates, seven emirates united under one federation since December 2nd, 1971. In 2021, the UAE are celebrating their 50th anniversary.
As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, Frederique Constant and the famous watch retailer Ahmed Seddiqi&Sons announced an incredible Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture “Year of the Fiftieth” limited-edition of 50 timepieces.
A unique model within the Highlife collection and a first for Frederique Constant, this timepiece is fully made of titanium, from the case down to the integrated bracelet – and will be available for purchase at Seddiqi& Sons exclusively.
For this model, Frederique Constant and Ahmed Seddiqi& Sons opted for an eye-catching turquoise blue dial, an unprecedented colour in the Maison’s history. Contrasting with dark grey subdials, the famous ‘Yas’ blue colour adorning the Circuit’s run off areas was chosen as the shade most closely resembling the seas of the Gulf. Called pantone 321, the colour is unique to Yas Marina Circuit.
In the middle of the dial proudly stands the globe decoration, emblem of the Highlife timepieces, whose legibility is ensured by the sapphire crystal’s anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Every finishing touch is enhanced by amazing reflections – like the 41 mm case, with its alternating polished and satin finished surfaces. . Keeping with the sleekness of design, all of the perpetual calendar’s correctors have been integrated, lending emphasis to the lone crown at 3 o’clock.
As a perpetual calendar timepiece, the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture “Year of the Fiftieth” is a testament to the savoir-faire that Frederique Constant has patiently amassed over the past 30 years. The Brand is one of very few to be able to design, produce, assemble and test its own watches internally, within its own Geneva-based manufacture. From the design to the final quality control, each and every step involved in making this is carried out in-house.
Powered by the Manufacture FC-775 self-winding mechanical movement, the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture “Year of the Fiftieth” beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 38 hours. For collectors and connoisseurs of fine watchmaking, the movement, featuring intricate perlage and Côtes de Genève decoration, can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback.
To celebrate this historic 50-years milestone, Frederique Constant and Seddiqi& Sons have engraved the oscillating weight with the “Year of the Fiftieth UAE” inscription.
In addition to the standard titanium bracelet, the watch will be provided with an extra dark grey rubber strap.
Technical details
Model: Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture “Year of the Fiftieth”
Reference: FC-775LNG4NH1B
Functions
Hours, minutes, moonphase, date, day, month, leap year
Movement
FC-775 Manufacture caliber, automatic, perpetual calendar
Perlage & circular Côtes de Genève decoration
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
“Year of the Fiftieth UAE” engraving on the rotor
Case
Polished titanium3-part case
Diameter of 41mm
Thickness of 12.65 mm
Convex sapphire crystal with anti-glare coating on both sides
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Turquoise blue dial with dark grey subdial, globe decoration and silver color applied indexes with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished silver color hour & minute hands with white luminous treatment
Bracelet
Titanium bracelet
Including an extra dark grey rubber strap
Swiss luxury watch brand Frederique Constant welcomes three feminine designs to the Slimline Moonphase Manufacture collection. A great success from the Slimline collection launched in 2012, this particular variation with two central hands, a date counter at 9 o’clock and a moon phase indicator at 3 o’clock, is a model of aesthetic balance.
Each version comes with two straps, one in topstitched alligator leather and the other in navy blue rubber – both easy to swap in and out, thanks to the “quick change” system – and is complete with a bezel set with 60 diamonds totalling 0.46 cts. Offering 38 hours of power reserve, the Manufacture FC-702 calibre within, which is decorated with Côtes de Genève and delicate perlage, can be admired through the transparent case back.
Two of the designs share a rose gold-plated case in common, but while one combines this with a blue-grey dial, the other has a silver-toned dial. Hovering over them are some slender rose gold-plated central hands, with a third hand at 9 o’clock showing the date, in counterpoint to a gold-coloured moon phase on a starry midnight blue sky at 3 o’clock.
This same diptych also features on the third design, with its steel case. Understated yet dazzling, the gleam from the bezel is reflected by the sleekness of the dial, its delicate curvature mirrored by some slightly arched steel hands. It is worn on a dark blue alligator leather strap, echoing the night sky of the moon phase.
As is the case for every variation in the Slimline Moonphase Manufacture collection, Frederique Constant has focused on making it easy to use with any adjustments to the settings achieved using one single crown, located at 3 o’clock.
Movement
FC-702 Manufacture caliber, automatic, date and moonphase adjustable by the crown
Perlage and circular Côtes de Genève decorations
26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished rose gold-plated3-part case set with 60 diamonds (0.46ct)
Diameter of 38.8 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case-back
Water-resistant up to 3 ATM
Dial
Blue-grey dial with applied rose gold-plated indexes set with 8 diamonds (0.04ct)
Hand-polished rose gold-plated hour, minute and date hands
Date at 9 o’clock
Moonphase at 3 o’clock
Strap
Blue-grey alligator leather strap
Including an additional navy blue rubber strap
Movement
FC-702 Manufacture caliber, automatic, date and moonphase adjustable by the crown
Perlage and circular Côtes de Genève decorations
26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished rose gold-plated 3-part case set with 60 diamonds (0.46ct)
Diameter of 38.8 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case-back
Water-resistant up to 3 ATM
Dial
Silver color dial with applied rose gold-plated indexes set with 8 diamonds (0.04ct)
Hand-polished rose gold-plated hour, minute and date hands
Date at 9 o’clock
Moonphase at 3 o’clock
Strap
Dark blue alligator leather strap
Including an additional navy blue rubber strap
Movement
FC-702 Manufacture caliber, automatic, date and moonphase adjustable by the crown
Perlage and circular Côtes de Genève decorations
26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished stainless steel 3-part case set with 60 diamonds (0.46ct)
Diameter: 38.8 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case-back
Water-resistant up to 3 ATM
Dial
Silver color dial with applied silver color indexes set with 8 diamonds (0.04ct)
Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands
Dark grey date hand
Date at 9 o’clock
Moonphase at 3 o’clock
Strap
Dark blue alligator leather strap
Including an additional navy blue rubber strap
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 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.
Technical details
Model: Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, 18K Rose Gold Version
Reference: FC-975N4NH9
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day, month, leap year
Movement
FC-975 caliber, automatic, tourbillon, perpetual calendar
Perlage, drafted marks and Côtes de Genève decorations
38-hour power reserve, 33 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Silicon escapement wheel and anchor
Case
Brushed and polished 18K rose gold 3-part case
Diameter of 41 mm
Height of 12.65 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 3 ATM
Dial
Skeleton dial
Navy blue outer ring with white printed second markers
Hand-polished rose gold-plated with white luminous treatment hour and minute hands
Navy blue day counter at 9 o’clock with hand-polished rose gold-plated hand
Navy blue month and year counter at 12 o’clock with hand-polished rose gold-plated hands
Navy blue date counter at 3 o’clock with hand-polished rose gold-plated hand
Open tourbillon’s cage at 6 o’clock with hand-polished rose gold-plated seconds hand
Strap
Navy blue alligator leather strap with nubuck finishing
Including an additional navy blue rubber strap
Edition
Limited to 30 pieces
Recommended retail price
39’995€
Model: Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, Steel Version
Reference: FC-975N4NH6B
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day, month, leap year
Movement
FC-975 caliber, automatic, tourbillon, perpetual calendar
Perlage, drafted marks and Côtes de Genève decorations
38-hour power reserve, 33 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Silicon escapement wheel and anchor
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 41 mm
Height of 12,65 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 3 ATM
Dial
Skeleton dial
Navy blue outer ring with white printed second markers
Hand-polished silvered color with white luminous treatment hour and minute hands
Navy blue day counter at 9 o’clock with hand-polished silvered color hand
Navy blue month and year counter at 12 o’clock with hand-polished silvered color hands
Navy blue date counter at 3 o’clock with hand-polished silvered color l hand
Open tourbillon’s cage at 6 o’clock with hand-polished silvered color second hand
Strap
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-link bracelet
Including an additional navy blue rubber strap
The Highlife Worldtimer Manufacture, the latest creation from the Frederique Constant Highlife collection, is a true globe-trotter’s timepiece. This contemporary timepiece features a 41mm diameter stainless steel case and a globe engraved dial.
This automatic wristwatch is equipped with the FC-718 manufacture calibre, which was designed, produced and assembled by Frederique Constant.
The self-winding mechanical movement has a power reserve of 38 hours. Through the sapphire crystal case back, one can admire the movement endowed with typical Genevan finishes like perlage and circular Côtes de Genève.
The watch is water-resistant up to 50 metres. Highly user-friendly, its single crown can be used to set any function: hours, minutes, the date at 6 o’clock and the 24 cities disc that represents 24 time zones on Earth, itself engraved in the centre of the piece. There is no day / night indicator required; the inner disc has been engraved with 12 hours on the light area (cities where it is daytime) and 12 hours on the blue area (those where it is night-time).
Blue is the dominant colour of the Highlife Worldtimer Manufacture. It takes up the whole centre of the dial, as well as the date counter, for which Frederique Constant has used its unique sunray guilloché for improved legibility. This is skimmed by three central rhodium-plated hands, including luminescent hour and minute hands that are easy to read, even when travelling to the other side of the world at night.
For this new model, the Manufacture has created three straps. The integrated interchangeable strap from the Highlife collection has become one of its characteristic features.
The first option is a polished and satin-brushed three-link steel bracelet with folding buckle, the second is a blue strap with silky nubuck finish and the third is a blue rubber strap to complement the urban feel of the watch.
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds, date by hand, worldtimer
Movement
FC-718 Manufacture caliber, automatic with all functions adjustable by the crown
Perlage& circular Côtes de Genève decoration on the movement
26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel3-part case
Diameter of 41 mm
Height of 12.90 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Blue dial, globe decoration and silver color applied indexes with white luminous treatment
24H disc with day (white) &night (blue) indication
City disc with 24 cities
Hand-polished silver color with white luminous treatment hour and minute hands
Hand-polished silver colorsecond hand
Date counter at 6 o’clock with hand-polished silver color hand
Strap
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-linkbracelet
Including two additional blue straps: one rubber strap and one nubuck leather strap
Frederique Constant presents two skeleton watches based on their recently revised Highlife family. With a unique skeleton work shaped after the globe, these automatic timepieces herald a new technical and aesthetic challenge. Finely crafted in the centre of the dial, it reveals the inner workings of the Swiss Made FC-310 movement inside.
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.
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. The open caseback showcases the mechanical workings of the piece and the finishes prized by the Geneva-based manufacturer.
These new Highlife Automatic Skeleton watches 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 contains an automatic movement with power reserve of 38 hours.
Technical details
Model: Highlife Automatic Skeleton
Movement
FC-310 caliber, automatic
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds
References
Reference: FC-310NSKT4NH6B
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 41 mm
Height of 10.84 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Skeleton dial
Navy blue inner ring with white printed seconds graduation, applied silver color indexes with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished silver color second hand
Strap
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-link bracelet
Including an additional navy blue rubber strap
Edition
Limited to 888 pieces
Recommended retail price
2’295€
Reference: FC-310DGSKT4TNH6B
Case
Stainless steel with titanium PVD coating, 3-part case
Diameter of 41 mm
Height of 10.84 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Skeleton dial
Dark grey inner ring with white printed seconds graduation, applied pearl black color indexes with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished pearl black color hour and minute hands with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished pearl black color second hand
Strap
Stainless steel with titanium PVD coating3-link bracelet
Including an additional dark grey rubber strap
Following the launch of the first Highlife models unveiled last September, Frederique Constant is adding a new collection especially for women, simply named “Highlife Ladies Automatic”.
This new release is comprised of three models: the Highlife Ladies Automatic Sparkling, Highlife Ladies Automatic Heart Beat and Highlife Ladies Automatic. The new collection features the integrated and interchangeable strap that has become the hallmark of Highlife stamped timepieces.
The new Highlife Ladies Automatic Sparkling – is intended for modern women looking for uncompromising elegance. The cosmic blue dial of the Highlife Ladies Automatic Sparkling features various specks, representing stars. The contemporary product of an original design by the Manufacture that met with worldwide success, it has been replicated and upgraded for the first time within the new Highlife Ladies.
At the centre of its dial, you can almost catch a glimpse of celestial gleam, with its delicate nuances reflected in the bezel, which is fully set with diamonds. Eight diamond index hour markers complete this cosmic and dreamlike composition.
The watch comes with a steel strap, as well as a second interchangeable white rubber strap.
Movement
FC-303 caliber, automatic
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case with a bezel set of 60 diamonds (0.46 carat)
Diameter of 34 mm
Height of 9.80 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Night blue dial with sparkling decoration
White printed seconds graduation, applied silver color indexes with white luminous treatment at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, 8silver color and diamonds indexes (0.04 carat)
Hand-polished stainless steel with white luminous treatment
Hour and minute hands, hand-polished stainless steel second hand
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-link bracelet
Including an additional white rubber strap
The latest Highlife Ladies Automatic Heart Beat models capture the legacy of the Manufacture and carry it toward new creative horizons. At 12 o’clock, the pieces display the window on their mechanical heart, made famous by Frederique Constant. Known as the “Heart Beat”, it offers the glimpses mechanical movement.
Alongside this emblematic feature of the Maison, you’ll find the famous engraved globe. Two Highlife Ladies Automatic Heart Beat models have been specially created for modern women who want to embrace grace and elegance at all times.
They come in an all-steel option, or in rose gold plated steel, complete with rose gold-plated bezel and crown. Each version comes with an additional interchangeable rubber strap – sky blue in the case of the steel version and pink for the two-tone version.
Movement
FC-310 caliber, automatic
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 34 mm
Height of 9.80 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Silver color dial with globe decoration
Black printed seconds graduation, applied silver color indexes with white luminous treatment at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, 8 silver color and diamonds indexes (0.04 carat)
Hand-polished silver color with white luminous treatment
Hour and minute hands, hand-polished silver color second hand
Heart beat opening at 12 o’clock
Strap
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-link bracelet
Including an additional light blue rubber strap
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel and rose gold-plated 3-part case
Diameter of 34 mm
Height of 9.80 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Silver color dial with globe decoration
Black printed seconds graduation, applied rose gold-plated indexes with white luminous treatment at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, 8 rose gold-plated and diamonds indexes (0.04 carat)
Hand-polished rose gold-plated with white luminous treatment
Hour and minute hands, hand-polished rose gold-plated second hand
Heart beat opening at 12 o’clock
Strap
Brushed and polished rose gold-plated 3-link bracelet
Including an additional light pink rubber strap
Recommended retail price
1’995€
Frederique Constant Highlife Ladies Automatic
The Highlife Ladies Automatic is the perfect balance of classic, sporty and modern. Depending on your individual preference, it can also be customised by swapping the original bracelet for the rubber strap supplied with the watch.
The first all-steel variation with its black dial and additional khaki strap can be made to take on a modern and adventurous look, for those who want a timepiece suited to everyday life and able to keep up with them in all situations.
The trendy second model is entirely rose gold plated and comes with an additional pink rubber strap. Finally, the third version puts the emphasis on grey, as can be seen on its subdued yet luminous dial. The steel/grey dial model also comes with another interchangeable strap, this time in sky blue rubber.
Each of these variations features the engraved globe on the surface of the dial that plays with multiple shades of light, another feature of the Highlife models. Hands and applique hour markers are touched with luminescent material.
Movement
FC-303 caliber, automatic
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished rose gold-plated3-part case with a bezel set of 60 diamonds (0,46 carat)
Diameter of 34 mm
Height of 9.80 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Silver color dial with globe decoration
Black printed seconds graduation, applied rose gold-plated indexes with white luminous treatment at 6, 9and 12 o’clock, 8 rose gold-plated and diamonds indexes (0.04 carat)
Hand-polished rose gold-plated with white luminous treatment
Hour and minute hands, hand-polished rose gold-plated second hand
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap
Brushed and polished rose gold-plated 3-link bracelet
Including an additional light pink rubber strap
Movement
FC-303 caliber, automatic
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel3-part case
Diameter of 34 mm
Height of 9.80 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Grey dial with globe decoration and sunray finishing
White printed seconds graduation, applied silver color indexes with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished stainless steel with white luminous treatment
Hour and minute hands, hand-polished stainless steel second hand
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-link bracelet
Including an additional light blue rubber strap
Movement
FC-303 caliber, automatic
38-hour power reserve, 26 jewels, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-part case
Diameter of 34 mm
Height of 9.80 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Black dial with globe decoration
White printed seconds graduation, applied silver color indexes with white luminous treatment at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, 8 silver color and diamonds indexes (0.04carat)
Hand-polished stainless steel with white luminous treatment
Hour and minute hands, hand-polished stainless steel second hand
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap
Brushed and polished stainless steel 3-link bracelet
Including an additional khaki rubber strap
Inspired by the deep-blue hue associated with the marine world, Frederique Constant presents two new Runabout Chronograph Automatic watches.
Since 2009, Frederique Constant has been creating special edition timepieces in partnership with the RHS (Riva Historical Society). Introducing this year, the two new Runabout Chronograph Automatic watches with Navy blue dial, complement this emblematic collection. Each comes in a limited edition of only 888 pieces.
Each model shares a 42 mm polished case with two push-pieces to start, stop and reset the stop-watch. With an anti-glare sapphire glass bezel, it features a guilloché pattern that will play with the reflections of light like sun on the waves.
To enjoy perfect readability, this guilloché centre, a real signature of the Runabout collection, is surrounded by a satin-finish hour circle to which luminescent Arabic numerals are applied superimposed by large, also luminescent, hands.
At 6 o’clock a date windows stands out, thus offering the piece perfect harmony with its stop-watch balanced against the signature of the Maison at 3 o’clock. The whole is worn on a navy blue calfskin strap with off-white overstitching.
The two models are distinguished by their choice of materials. In a very chick sport approach, elegant and associated with the noble watchmaking of Geneva to which Frederique Constant remains attached, a first case is offered in plated pink gold, whose warm hue is repeated in the hands and contours of the hour markers.
The second model offers the modernity and simplicity of a light, bright steel case, also repeated in the hands and hour marker contours.
The exclusive nature of these editions, each limited to 888 pieces, is indicated on the back of each piece in two places. Firstly, by the individual number engraved on each watch. And secondly, by an original imprint representing the official RHS flag, featured on the sapphire crystal of the watch.
Visible through the sapphire crystal back is the self-winding FC-392 calibre, which provides a a 55-hour power reserve, a real first in the collection – until now the Runabout timepieces offered a power reserve of only 46 hours.
Each piece will be presented in a special case with a miniature replica of a wooden Runabout boat moored alongside the watch.
Movement
FC-392caliber, automatic with chronograph
25 jewels, 55-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished rose gold-plated stainless steel 2-part case
Diameter of 42 mm
Convex sapphire crystal
See-through case-back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Navy blue dial with guilloche decoration, rose gold-plated applied indexes with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished rose gold-plated hour and minute hands with white luminous treatment, hand-polished rose gold-plated chronograph second hand
Chronograph minute counter at 12 o’clock, rose gold-plated hand
Chronograph hour counter at 6 o’clock, rose gold-plated hand
Second counter at 9 o’clock, rose gold-plated hand
Strap
Navy blue calf leather strap with alligator embossing and off-white stitching
Movement
FC-392 caliber, automatic with chronograph
25 jewels, 55-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished stainless steel 2-part case
Diameter of 42 mm
Convex sapphire crystal
See-through case-back
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Navy blue dial with guilloche decoration, silver color applied indexes with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands with white luminous treatment, hand-polished silver color chronograph second hand
Chronograph minute counter at 12 o’clock, silver color hand
Chronograph hour counter at 6 o’clock, silver color hand
Second counter at 9 o’clock, silver color hand
Strap
Navy blue calf leather strap with alligator embossing and off-white stitching
Swiss watch brand Frederique Constant has announced its participation to the 2021 edition of the Only Watch auction, which will take place on November 6th, 2021, and for which the proceeds will be donated to the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy.
This year, Frederique Constant is unveiling an exclusive timepiece, unique in every respect and a first for the Brand: the Highlife Monolithic Manufacture. Housed in a 41mm case in 18K pink gold, its revolutionary escapement beating at 40 Hz is housed within a dial open to the FC-810 movement bearing hand-polished chamfers on the bridges and Côtes de Genève decoration.
Traditionally, the Only Watch charity auction is based on a simple principle: each participating brand donates a unique piece. The proceeds of the auction are then donated to a research fund dedicated to the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
For the 2021 edition of this prestigious charity event, Frederique Constant is offering a Highlife Monolithic Manufacture, an exclusive and unprecedented creation, the one and only one equipped with the Monolithic oscillator housed in a dial open to the Manufacture FC-810 movement, all wrapped in an 18K pink gold Highlife case.
This is the 30th Manufacture movement produced by Frederique Constant – a significant number for a brand that recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Based on a flexible monobloc oscillator, it was developed – in collaboration with the Dutch company Flexous – with four objectives in mind: a size comparable to that of a traditional balance wheel, the highest possible frequency, a power reserve of 80 hours and a solution allowing the production of significant quantities at an accessible price.
Last March, Frederique Constant revealed the Slimline Monolithic Manufacture, the first timepiece in the world to benefit from such a technical solution and such a small size. Entirely monobloc and made of silicon, it is insensitive to magnetic fields and temperature variations.
Of the 26 components of a standard assortment, there are now only three, spread over a single level. Thanks to its frequency of 288,000 vibrations per hour (40 Hz), it drives a seconds hand that takes 80 steps per second. Imperceptible to the naked eye, they offer the rendering of a perfectly fluid and continuous movement.
Until now, the Monolithic oscillator had only been offered in the Slimline Manufacture line. This choice demonstrated both the power of Frederique Constant’s R&D department and the ability of this invention to blend into a very refined case, in keeping with the traditions of Fine Watchmaking.
Today, the Brand is presenting this concept in its Highlife collection for the first time. This choice was made in order to promote the Only Watch auction in the best possible way. A charity action so dear to Frederique Constant’s heart, and in which the Manufacture has participated for 14 years without interruption.
This aesthetic choice confirms the versatility of the Monolithic concept. The revolutionary escapement naturally finds its place in the 41 mm case with interchangeable bracelet. Its proportions harmonise fluidly with its soft curves, and the balance between the date counter at 12 o’clock and the escapement at 6 o’clock is fair and proportionate.
The dial reveals the finely angled movement enhanced by elegant and intense blue Côtes de Genève. According to the finest watchmaking tradition, this remarkable creation bears chamfers on the bridges that have been hand-polished.
In the centre, there are two pink gold-plated hands, imprinted with luminescent material and characteristic of the Highlife collection. They echo the applied hour-markers designed in the same way, arranged along a silvered flange.
Like all Frederique Constant Manufacture creations, the Highlife Monolithic Manufacture also features a crystal caseback that offers the view of its angled and circular-grained movement.
Only Watch, as an exceptional event held every two years in Monaco under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco, has over the years become a global concept, under the impetus of its founder Luc Pettavino.
The sale itself is preceded by a travelling exhibition of all the pieces, starting at the Monaco Yacht Show (September 22th-25th) and ending in Geneva (November 6th). It will allow collectors, amateurs and enthusiasts, as well as media representatives, to discover the creations. In between, Asia, the Middle East and the American continent will host their own stages, the dates of which will be announced in the coming days.
On Saturday November 6th, 2021, brands, partners and donors will be invited to the Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues in Geneva. The auction, organised with the support of Christie’s, will start at 2pm (in the room, online, over the phone and by purchase order) and will end around 4pm. The funds raised will be donated to the Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy, perpetuating the humanist and altruistic spirit that has governed its destiny since 2005.
About Only Watch
Only Watch is a biennial charity auction of one-off luxury timepieces created by the finest watchmakers for research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Only Watch has become a world-renowned charity event, with its success due to the generosity, altruism and willingness exhibited by watch brands, donators, partners and organisers at every stage of the journey. All participating brands offer their watches, whilst partners offer their services, logistical and/or organisational support. Since its first edition in 2005, Only Watch has aggregated over 70 million Euros which enabled to finance numerous scientific and medical research programmes.
The event is organized by Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies (Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) under the patronage, with the support, and in presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Movement
FC-810 Manufacture caliber, automatic, Heart Beat, silicon monolithic oscillator, date adjustable by the crown
Perlage, circular satin-finishing, anglage, circular Côtes de Genève decorations, vertical Côte de Genève with ablue atomic layer deposition
80-hour power reserve, 288’000 alt/h, 40HZ
130 components including 19 jewels
Case
Brushed and polished 18K rose gold 3-part case
Diameter of 41 mm
Height of 12.65 mm
Front convex sapphire crystal
See-through case back
Water-resistant up to 3 ATM
Dial
Open dial
Silver color inner ring with black printed seconds graduation, applied rose gold plated indexes with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished rose gold-plated hour and minute hands with white luminous treatment
Silver color date counter at 12 o’clock with red hand
Open heart showing the oscillator at 6 o’clock
Strap
Navy blue alligator leather strap with nubuck finishing
Including an additional navy blue rubber strap
Swiss luxury watch brand Frederique Constant expands its Vintage Rally collection by unveiling three new versions of Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds model.
The Frederique Constant Vintage Rally collection is based on a close collaboration with Austin-Healey, the two brands having joined forces back in 2004. Counting 17 years of fellowship geared around sport and watchmaking, theirs is one of the most enduring associations in the industry, reflective of the unbreakable bond the two maisons share in drawing on tradition to create thoroughly modern designs, especially for those who truly appreciate craftsmanship and elegance.
If the Vintage Rally collection has seen many wonderful breakaways in its time, 2021 is one of the few years to produce not just one, but three editions of the same vintage. Authenticated by the original “Healey” logo marked on the dial, these Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds are in fittingly short supply, with only 888 pieces of each one available.
The green version is probably the most iconic of all. Extending across the whole dial, this particular shade of British racing green alludes to the legendary colour of the Austin-Healey company. A study in contrast and a return to the roots of one of the most iconic rally car colours, ‘British racing green’ has long been associated with the vintage Austin Healeys that are especially desirable among collectors now.
For this model, Frederique Constant has opted for luminescent silvered applique hour markers with the 6 and the 12 being more generously proportioned – one of the distinguishing features of the Vintage Rally collection.
The piece has an off-centre small seconds hand at 9 o’clock. It is counterbalanced at 3 o’clock by a date window. Running around the dial is the flange complete with 60 minute scale, all set within a 40 mm diameter case, a favourite with collectors on account of its timeless quality.
Finally, the perforated strap has received particular attention; on this ‘racing green’ model, it comes in brown leather. Not found anywhere else on the watch, this colour also recalls the upholstery of the beautiful cars from the 1940s to the 1970s, as well as the gloves worn by gentlemen drivers in their element.
The second version (FC-345HGS5B6) of the new Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds has gone the opposite way aesthetically, in all grey. Modern and understated, the dial and strap are both mid-grey. The piece is characterised by 50 shades of grey, its steel case, leather strap, dial, index hour markers and hands included.
Finally, the last version (FC-345HNS5B4) is supposed to be the most classic, aligned as it is with the fine watchmaking that Frederique Constant has always championed in Geneva.
The case is rose gold plated, as are the hour markers, hands and crown. This sunny shade of gold really sets off the midnight blue dial, picked up on the leather strap.
The case backs of these three new models have been engraved with a Healey being driven at full throttle; the famous Healey 100S NOJ393 was purchased by a collector for £155 in 1969 and sold for nearly €1 million in December 2011. Each piece comes in a collector’s gift set, complete with miniature replica of the NOJ393.
Technical details
Collection: Vintage Rally Healey
Model: Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds
Reference: FC-345HNS5B4
Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds, date
Movement
FC-345 caliber, automatic
31 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished rose gold-plated stainless steel 2-part case
Diameter of 40 mm
Height of 11,15 mm
Convex sapphire crystal
Engraved case-back with Healey Noj 393 vintage car
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Navy blue dial with mat finishing
White inner ring with printed seconds graduation
Rose gold-plated applied indexes with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished rose gold-plated hour and minute hands with white luminous treatment
Small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, red hand
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap
Navy blue calf leather strap with off-white stitching
Edition
Limited to 888 pieces
Retail price
1’895€
Model: Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds
Reference: FC-345HGS5B6
Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds, date
Movement
FC-345 caliber, automatic
31 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished stainless steel 2-part case
Diameter of 40 mm
Height of 11,15 mm
Convex sapphire crystal
Engraved case-back with Healey Noj 393 vintage car
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Grey dial with mat finishing
White inner ring with printed seconds graduation
Silver color applied indexes with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands with white luminous treatment
Small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, red hand
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap
Grey calf leather strap with light grey stitching
Edition
Limited to 888 pieces
Model: Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds
Reference: FC-345HGRS5B6
Functions
Hours, minutes, small seconds, date
Movement
FC-345 caliber, automatic
31 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
Polished stainless steel 2-part case
Diameter of 40 mm
Height of 11.15 mm
Convex sapphire crystal
Engraved case-back with Healey Noj 393 vintage car
Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
Green dial with mat finishing
White inner ring with printed seconds graduation
Silver color applied indexes with white luminous treatment
Hand-polished silver color hour and minute hands with white luminous treatment
Small seconds counter at 9 o’clock, red hand
Date window at 3 o’clock
Strap
Brown calf leather strap with off-white stitching
With this technical masterpiece, Swiss watch maker Frederique Constant redefines the principles of mechanical watch regulation. This watch is equipped with a revolutionary high-frequency oscillator that beats at the rate of 40Hz (288,000 vibrations per hour).
Etched from silicon, its oscillator replaces an assembly of several parts and eliminates many of the major weaknesses of mechanical watches. Thanks to its specific design and reduced size, the oscillator has been designed to fit inside a traditional movement configuration. The high-tech, yet reasonably priced luxury watch features a 40mm case with an aperture on the dial to view the oscillator.
