(Re)Introducing: The Frederique Constant Highlife Collection

The brand has revitalized the line with the Highlife Automatic COSC, the Highlife Heartbeat, and the Highlife Perpetual Calendar.

October 23, 2020
By: Logan Hannen

In 1999, Frederique Constant introduced their Highlife Collection, a line of integrated bracelet/strap sporty watches with a unique case design and some fun, interesting dial executions. Now, in 2020, the brand has revitalized the line with the Highlife Automatic COSC, the Highlife Heartbeat, and the Highlife Perpetual Calendar.

Source: Monochrome

The Specs
Case Diameter: 41mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel or 18k Rose Gold Plated or Two-Tone
Crystal: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 50 Meters
Strap/Bracelet: Interchangeable Steel Bracelet, Leather Strap, or Rubber Strap
Movement: Caliber FC-303 Automatic (Automatic COSC Version), FC-310 (Heartbeat), FC-775 (Perpetual Calendar)

All of the new Highlife collection comes in the same 41mm case, either stainless steel or 18k rose gold plated steel or two-tone gold and steel. The case is a sort of barrel shape, with no distinct lugs (and thus a very short span across the wrist, making it even more wearable than its 41mm size might first suggest). It is brushed on its top side, polished on the flanks, and features a domed, polished bezel to add some extra flair and a bit more unique finishing to what could otherwise be a pretty one dimensional case.

Attached to that case is either a steel bracelet, an alligator patterned leather strap (which is a bit of a letdown at this price point), or a rubber strap, all of which are affixed using a proprietary lug system that, though ingenious in its execution, does preclude the ability to use aftermarket strap options (unless you’re going custom, that is) which, especially on the Automatic COSC version, is a bit of a shame given their versatility.

The Caliber FC-775
Source: Monochrome

Because each watch features a unique complication, the movements powering them are equally unique. The Automatic COSC and Heartbeat feature the Calibers FC-303 and FC-310 (respectively), both of which are based on the Sellita SW200-1 (regulated to COSC Chronometer specifications in the Automatic COSC). These movements are modified by the brand and finished by them as well. Powering the Perpetual Calendar, we have the Caliber FC-775, an in-house perpetual calendar movement that is nevertheless automatic and built to the same reliable specs as the Sellita-based models.

The Redbar Special Editions

Source: Time & Tide

Two special editions of the Highlife, in the Automatic COSC and Perpetual Calendar executions, have been produced for watch meetup group Redbar. These are not the first Redbar limited editions, but they are some of the most striking, with their use of red as an accent color truly working against the stark, almost industrial design of the Highlife line. These are, however, only attainable as members of Redbar for the first 60 days of release, with the Perpetual Calendar retailing for $9,295 and limited to 10 pieces, and the Automatic COSC retailing for $1,995 and limited to 100 pieces.

The Damage

The Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic COSC retails for $1,895 for steel on a strap, $1,995 for steel case on a bracelet, $2,095 for the gold-plated on strap, and $2,195 for the two-tone on bracelet.

The Frederique Constant Highlife Heartbeat retails for $1,995 in steel on the matching bracelet, and $2,195 for 18k rose gold-plated on the brown leather strap.

The Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar retails for $9,095 for steel-on-leather, $9,295 for steel on a bracelet, and $9,495 for two-tone on a bracelet.

The Take

Let’s address the giant can of Miller in the room – Highlife is a horrible name for a luxury watch line, not only because it’s so literal and pedestrian, but because, for any American consumer, it evokes the exact opposite image that Frederique Constant is attempting to convey. To the watch: I admire the brand’s design team’s attempt to be creative with a clearly unique-to-brand case, though not revolutionary in its design and execution. Ultimately, though, it doesn’t quite land for me. A matter of personal taste, sure, and I can’t quite point to any design cues that are necessarily offensive, but worth noting all the same.

I continue to admire the brand’s dedication to offering high-complication at a jaw-droppingly approachable price point, remaining one of the few true democratizers in the world of horology. Last but not least, I’m always impressed by the brand’s fit and finish of their calibers, which really establishes them as a really attractive gateway into a rather complicated hobby.