Launched about a year ago, the Frederique Constant Highlife made an impression as a well-priced, nicely designed entry in the world of watches with integrated bracelet – currently the hottest segment of the market. This spring, the brand enlarged this collection first presented for men with a downsized version intended for a feminine audience, once again sticking to the concept of accessible luxury sports watch. Having both genders in collection now, Frederique Constant renews with a slightly forgotten concept, the “his and hers watch” by presenting identically-designed models of its sports watch, in different sizes. Meet the new Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic “Couple Edition” for the German & Dutch markers.
Launched in September 2020, Highlife reintroduced a name that was already used by Frederique Constant in the past, yet it now comes in a more versatile and modernized package, in line with the market’s current expectations. First seen in 1999, the name Highlife was first associated with a nautical-inspired watch that already had integrated straps/bracelets. For its 2020 comeback, Highlife has a far more modern design and features a barrel-shaped case with half-moon facets. A slightly less sharp and bold vision of the sports watch with integrated bracelet, which feels adequate for a brand like FC, it was first presented in 41mm cases housing either a classic automatic movement, certified by COSC, a Heart Beat version with visible regulating organ or a far more complex model with manufacture perpetual calendar. It will be followed in May this year by a 34mm model with outsourced automatic movement, this time focussing on women.
This summer, Frederique Constant presents its Highlife Automatic in a limited series of two watches, available only for the German and Dutch markets, both available in only 99 pieces and, as a couple edition should be, with matching designs. Not that common anymore in the industry, couple watches can be a nice thing, in order to mark a special occasion, especially since these two models are, as always with FC, accessibly priced.
Both models are visually identical, only differing in size. Each of them features an elegant, slightly more luxurious dial that gets rid of the “globe-like” pattern found on the 41mm editions, replacing it with a warm and subtle champagne-coloured dial with a sunray-brushed pattern and applied markers and hands that have been gold-plated. Both made of stainless steel, they are delivered on an integrated steel bracelet with folding clasp and, either in large or mid-size, the watch also comes equipped with an additional textured brown rubber strap – which will be easy to swap since the brand has developed a clever interchangeability device, requiring no tools.
The men’s model measures 41mm in diameter and features sapphire crystals front and caseback, and offers 50m of water-resistance. Inside the case of this large edition is an automatic movement, the calibre FC-303 also known as Sellita SW 200-1. This classic time-and-date engine has, however, been upgraded to meet chronometer standards, being certified by the COSC. Limited to 99 pieces, this model retails for EUR 1,795.
On the other side is the smaller model for ladies, with a reduced diameter of 34mm. Yet, the brand retains here all elements of design with a simple stainless steel case (no diamonds) and bracelet, as well as the same champagne dial. Also equipped with sapphire crystals front and caseback, it retains its 50m water-resistance. Under the dial beats the same movement as above, the Calibre FC-303, but here without the COSC certification. This version is also limited to 99 pieces and retails for EUR 1,495.
Note that these two editions of the Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic are intended exclusively for retailers in Germany and the Netherlands. For more details, please visit frederiqueconstant.com.