Frederique Constant launched the first Highlife collection over 20 years ago. Their unique design was characterised by a special strap built into the case. For 2020, the watchmaker has updated the concept and reinvigorated the collection by adding three new models: the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, Highlife Heart Beat and Highlife Automatic COSC. All still feature the system which allows to switch between a steel bracelet, a leather, crococalf suede or rubber strap.
Initially, Frederique Constant launched the models in the Highlife collection with the Triple Time series. One year later, the collection was supplemented by a tourbillon and the Brand’s emblematic Heart Beat aperture. On becoming a hit, the collection was quickly expanded and diversified, notably by integrating a perpetual calendar, a chronograph and Manufacture movement, as well as designs for women.
Consisting of a steel case allowing for a steel bracelet or a leather strap to be added, it represented a real aesthetic and a practical breakthrough. An ingenious idea from an entirely independent manufacture that would help the Highlife collection stand out on account of its versatility.
The return of the original
The Highlife collection is now making its comeback. Two years of development were needed to give birth to these three models: the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, Highlife Heart Beat and Highlife Automatic COSC. Faithful to the original collection from 1999 and still designed according to Frederique Constant’s same key values, the new Highlife collection shares certain fundamental characteristics in being finely crafted, Swiss Made, affordable and engineered for everyday use.
The three models have the same 41 mm case. They present a modern yet elegant, or sport chic appearance, and have been designed for the next generation of collectors eager to embrace luxury Swiss Made timepieces.
A new case with an interchangeable bracelet
Like the original inspiration, the Highlife 2020 collection has an integrated bracelet. The lack of horns allows for greater flexibility and helps the watch sit naturally on the wrist. The integrated design is more complicated to conceive than any strap with horns. The process requires perfect continuity between the lines of the case and the links, a smooth, regular but gradual transition to the clasp and natural fluidity that should be almost imperceptible.
Frederique Constant has managed to achieve this natural continuity, and the integrated system allows the wearer to change the bracelet with ease. With no need for any tools or accessories, one can change the look of the watch just by pressing. From a steel bracelet, a leather, crococalf suede or rubber strap, the Highlife can be restyled in seconds. All one needs to do is press on the two push-pins at the end of the bracelet or the strap to disconnect it from the case and, just as easily, click a new one into place.
Frederique Constant supplies all new Highlife models with two alternatives at no additional cost. A leather strap or a steel bracelet are fitted as standard and accompanied by a second rubber strap, supplied with the model of your choice. A set of three additional crococalf suede straps in brown, blue and black can also be purchased separately.
Dial
All the new models in the Highlife collection have a decorated dial. In the interests of unifying the collection, each one features the same globe motif. To capture this life with all its subtleties, the sapphire crystals on the dial side in the new Highlife collection benefit from an anti-reflective treatment on both sides.
The Highlife collection features a new case design, interchangeable straps and a delicate globe decoration on the dial that can be admired down to the smallest detail thanks to the sapphire crystal, which benefits from an anti-reflective treatment on both sides.
Technical specifications
| Reference | FC-310B4NH6B | FC-310N4NH6B | FC-310V4NH4 |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds | Hours, minutes, seconds | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Movement | FC-310 caliber, automatic 26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 v/h | FC-310 caliber, automatic 26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 v/h | FC-310 caliber, automatic 26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 v/h |
| Case | Polished stainless steel 3-parts case Diameter of 41mm Convex sapphire crystal with anti-glare coating on both sides. See-through case back Water-resistant up to 5 ATM | Polished stainless steel 3-parts case Diameter of 41mm Convex sapphire crystal with anti-glare coating on both sides. See-through case back Water-resistant up to 5 ATM | Polished stainless steel & rose gold-plated 3-parts case Diameter of 41mm Convex sapphire crystal with anti-glare coating on both sides. See-through case back Water-resistant up to 5 ATM |
| Dial | Black colour dial, globe decoration and silver applied indexes with white luminous treatment Hand-polished silver colour hands with white luminous treatment | Navy blue colour dial, globe decoration and silver colour applied indexes with white luminous treatment Hand-polished silver colour hands with white luminous treatment | Silver colour dial, globe decoration and rose gold-plated applied indexes with white luminous treatment Hand-polished rose gold-plated hands with white luminous treatment |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet One extra rubber strap is supplied with the watch | Stainless steel bracelet One extra rubber strap is supplied with the watch | Brown calf leather strap One extra rubber strap is supplied with the watch |
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