Frédérique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic black dial steel bracelet 41 mm

An iconic collection

Born in 1999, the Highlife collection has left its mark on the history of Geneva-based Frederique Constant. Since its launch, it has embodied the values that have contributed to the brand's success: a faithful design inspired by fine Swiss watchmaking, a high degree of finishing and a particular care to offer the fairest price for affordable luxury.

New to this now-iconic collection, the Highlife is adorned for the first time with an automatic chronograph caliber, an emblematic watchmaking complication! Finally, to harmonize the collection, the famous globe motif is back. Symbolizing the Earth, harmony and the perfection of the circle, it is also the icon of a new generation who share the same dream of saving the planet, of a sustainable and sensible life. An ethic in perfect accord with that of Frederique Constant, which has always championed quality, reliable watches that are both transferable and accessible to the greatest number.

A seventies design with a contemporary dial

This Highlife is part of a long line of sport-chic watches with a very Seventies design, with its seductive, curvaceous lines! Numerous details have been designed to make the Highlife Chronographe Automatique both subtle and unique. Respecting the distinctive characteristics of Geneva's haute horlogerie, it alternates polished and brushed satin finishes on its case, sides and bezel. Two pushers are present, at two and four o'clock. They control chronograph start/stop and reset. Their profile has been slightly inclined by a few degrees to match that of the case. The chronograph counters feature an inwardly curved bezel for more precise reading of chronograph indications. The fine graduation of its bezel allows reading to the fifth of a second.

Making an integrated bracelet is infinitely more complex to design than bracelets with lugs. The process requires perfect continuity between the lines of the case and the links, a smooth, even but gradual transition to the clasp and a natural fluidity that must be almost imperceptible. This design allows the bracelet to fall smoothly and naturally onto the wrist. Finally, a special feature of the Highlife collection, the latter is interchangeable, and can be alternated with the second rubber strap without the need for any tools.

Technical side

The case features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal that lets you admire the automatic movement and its chronograph module, including its column wheel located at three o'clock. This watch is powered by the FC-391 caliber, which is based on the VALJOUX 7750 version from the Manufacture de La Joux-Perret. This caliber features a bi-compax chronograph configuration with a small seconds counter at nine o'clock, a thirty-minute counter at three o'clock and a twelve-hour counter at six o'clock. Three hand-polished central hands display luminous hours and minutes, as does the central chronograph seconds hand. A final complication for everyday use is the date, discreetly positioned in a dedicated window between four and five o'clock. This movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 a/h and offers a 60-hour power reserve.