Remember, we recently told you about the fashion for green dials in our selection of the green watches of the moment? Today, we’re continuing the trend with the Frédérique Constant Highlife a new best-seller from the Geneva-based company, in a special edition reserved for France and Belux.
Frédérique Constant & the Highlife collection
Frédérique Constant is a relatively young Swiss manufacturer, since it was founded in 1988with a clear objective: make luxury accessibleto offer perfectly crafted creations at prices within the reach of the general public. In particular, it has made a name for itself by democratizing numerous grandes complications (moon phase, perpetual calendar or tourbillon), normally offered at insane prices, through high-performance Manufacture movements. The Highlife collection was born in 1999, but it perfectly sums up the Frédérique Constant approach, with its watchmaking design and incredible level of finishing. A rising star that could make a few icons blush.
Case
One of the strengths of this Highlife, in our opinion, lies in its proportions. Its stainless-steel case has a pleasing diameter of 39mm with a thickness of 10.35mm, a compact size that will fit any wrist. Its finish alternates between polished on the rounded bezel and edges, and brushed on the rest of the case. It is distinguished by its singular shapeas you may have noticed, in the style of a sport-chic watch with bracelet integrated directly into the case. The result is the absence of lugs, shortening its length without diminishing its presence. Note, however, that the latter offers a seal reduced to only 5 ATMwhich will keep you on your toes. All this is complemented by a sapphire crystal very slightly domed and coated with an anti-reflective coating with slightly bluish reflections.
Dial
Time for one of the most important elements of this Frédérique Constant. Here we find the famous globe, the singular decoration that characterizes the creations in the Highlife range. The globe adds volume and creates a unique and instantly recognizable distinction, without detracting from the overall balance and readability of the time. It is placed in the center of a khaki green backgrounda deep, subtle play on light. The hours are marked by applied baton hour markers, whose central line is composed of SuperLumiNova for perfect legibility day and night. The latter are supported by a complete track marking the seconds and 1/5th of a second. The whole is animated by fine hands with the same composition as the indexes, for perfect harmony. Above the index at 6 o’clock, the words “Certified Chronometer Automaticbut we’ll come back to this in detail when we talk about the movement. Note that the word “Chronometer” is written in red, adding a touch of elegance. sporty note much appreciated. There’s also a discreet but highly legible date window at three o’clock, next to a shortened index for the occasion. The sumptuous dial is perfectly composed and balanced, giving this Highlife its distinctive identity.
Movement
Time to get mechanical! As mentioned above, Frédérique Constant is a true Manufacture. However, it does not produce all its own movements. This Highlife features a mechanism developed on the basis of the Sellita SW-200: the caliber FC-303. The latter oscillates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a standard 42-hour power reserve. It’s in other ways that it stands out. As evoked on its dial, it is chronometer-certified by the prestigious COSC. An independent organization that controls the precision of each watch in the series to guarantee the highest quality. drift of less than -4/+6 seconds per day. A highly-recognized guarantee of reliability that lends credibility to this reference. It also boasts a highly acceptable level of finishing and decoration (côtes de Genève, soleillage and colimaçonnage), which you can fully appreciate thanks to its transparent sapphire crystal caseback.
Bracelets
This France and Belux edition comes with a pack of two bracelets very complementary. L’steel, built in two links polished in the center and brushed on the outside, blends perfectly with the case for a very dressy look. It’s very comfortable to wear, and tapers enough not to weigh the whole thing down. It is equipped with a butterfly folding claspwhich can be opened by pressing two push-buttons. The second bracelet in this pack is a green rubberIt’s delicately textured with tone-on-tone stitching. Very comfortable, it gives this Highlife a sporty yet restrained touch. It is equipped with a pin buckle. Note that both feature the ingenious quick-release system which allows you to switch from one bracelet to another easily and without tools.
Our opinion on this Frédérique Constant Highlife watch
We are quite simply won over by this Highlife special edition. Frédérique Constant is following the trend for green dials by offering a sublime khaki hue. In addition to its effective dial color, its strength lies in its pleasing proportionsThis 39mm watch will fit almost any wrist, while offering an excellent fit. remarkable presence. The sporty/chic balance is perfectly mastered for a magnificent look on the wrist. Such a sophisticated envelope enclosing a high-performance COSC-certified caliber for only 1795€. This perfectly sums up the brand’s approach, which makes finishing and value for money its two top priorities. Note that this special edition for France and Belux is also available with a midnight blue dial. In short, it’s well worth the detour.
Frédérique Constant Highlife special edition France and Belux FC-303K3NH6B / Features
- Case Stainless steel / Polished & brushed finish
- Width 39mm
- Thickness 10.35mm
- Spacer : 18mm
- Luminescence : Yes
- Glass type Slightly domed sapphire / Anti-reflective treatment
- Case back Transparent and screwed
- Movement Automatic
- Caliber FC-303 (Sellita SW200-1 base)
- Power reserve 42 hours
- Bracelet Stainless steel with brushed polish finish / Stitched green rubber
- Buckle Butterfly deployant / Ardillon
- Water resistance 5 ATM / 50 meters
- Warranty 2 years
