The New Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Models

Two New Sports Chronographs Celebrate the Highlife Collection’s 25th Anniversary

Frederique Constant commemorates the 25th anniversary of its Highlife collection with two new sports chronographs featuring updated dials and finishes. 

Originally launched in 1999, the Highlife collection was renowned for its interchangeable, integrated strap/bracelet and accessibility as a luxury Swiss sports watch. After its hiatus, the collection made a triumphant return in 2020, and in 2022, the Highlife Chronograph was reintroduced with a contemporary panda edition. Now, two refreshed models continue the legacy with new aesthetic tweaks.

The stainless-steel cases remain at 41mm in diameter and 14.22mm in height. These additions to the Highlife Chronograph line include one model with a rose gold-plated finish, a first for the chronographs. Both feature convex sapphire crystals and exhibition case backs showcasing the automatic movements. Rectangular pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock maintain the classic chronograph design, and the watches are water-resistant up to 100 meters.

The steel model boasts a matte silver dial with three dark green sub-dials: a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, and small seconds at 9 o’clock. A white date window is positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. Silver-colored indices and hour/minute hands with white Super-LumiNova inserts hover over an embossed globe pattern. The rose gold-plated version features a matte navy-blue dial with silver sub-dials, and rose gold-plated hands and indices, all with Super-LumiNova.

Both models are powered by the FC-391 automatic caliber, a column wheel chronograph based on the Valjoux 7750, modified by La Joux-Perret. This movement includes 26 jewels, operates at a beat rate of 28,800vph (4Hz), and offers a 60-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, small seconds, a 30-minute counter, a 12-hour counter, and a date display in a tri-compax layout. The movement is adorned with Côtes de Genève on the plates and a gold rotor.

The steel variant is paired with a dark green calf leather strap with a crocodile pattern, tone-on-tone stitching, a pin buckle, an additional dark green rubber strap, and a two-piece steel bracelet. The rose gold model comes with a navy-blue leather strap with a crocodile pattern, tone-on-tone stitching, and an additional navy-blue rubber strap. Only the steel model includes the bracelet option.

The rose gold model is a standard edition, while the steel model is limited to 1,888 pieces.