Launched in 1999, Frédérique Constant Highlife comes with an easy-to-replace integrated chain strap that puts Swiss luxury sports watches within reach. On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the Maison introduces new dials and finishes with two new chronographs, one of which is available in a limited edition.
The new watch has a diameter of 41 mm and a thickness of 14.22 mm. The case is made of stainless steel, polished and brushed, one of which is plated with rose gold. The new model features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, rectangular chronograph pushers (at 2 and 4 o'clock) and a see-through case back, with a water resistance of 100 metres.
The stainless steel version (Model: FC-391SGR4NH6) features a matte silver dial with dark green subdials; The rose gold-plated version (Model: FC-391NS4NH4) features a matte navy blue dial with silver subdials to create the popular "panda dial" effect, with an embossed globe in the center. 30-minute counters, 12-hour counters and small seconds counters at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, respectively, with a date window at 4:30 a.m. The silver or rose gold-plated hands and indexes are coated with white Super-LumiNova to ensure readability in low-light conditions.
By looking through the case back, you can admire the built-in FC-391 automatic movement. Based on the Valjoux 7750 and modified from La Joux-Perret, it contains 26 jewels, beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), and is equipped with a column-wheel chronograph mechanism with a power reserve of 60 hours, while the bridges are decorated with a fine Côtes de Genève pattern.
Frédérique Constant Steel comes with a dark green calfskin strap and a free dark green rubber strap and a stainless steel bracelet, limited to 1,888 pieces, with a price tag of CHF 3,495; The rose gold-plated version comes with a navy blue leather strap and a navy blue rubber strap with a list price of CHF 3,995. (Photo/text: Xu Chaoyang, the home of watches)