Released about a year ago, the Frederique Constant Highlife model impressed as an affordable and elegantly designed entry into the world of watches with integrated bracelets - the hottest market segment. This spring, the brand expanded the collection, initially presented for men, with a smaller version aimed at a female audience, still adhering to the concept of accessible luxury sports watches. Now, with representatives for both genders in the collection, Frederique Constant revives the somewhat forgotten concept of 'his and hers' watches, introducing identically designed sports watches in different sizes. Meet the new Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic 'Couple Edition' for the German and Dutch markets.
Released in September 2020, the Highlife model reintroduced a name previously used by Frederique Constant, now presented in a more versatile and modernized form, in line with current market expectations. First appearing in 1999, the Highlife name was associated with nautical-style watches that already featured integrated straps/bracelets. For its 2020 return, Highlife boasts a much more modern design with a barrel-shaped case and semi-lunar flanks. A slightly less sharp and bold vision of sports watches with an integrated bracelet, which seems fitting for a brand like FC, was first introduced in a 41mm case with a classic automatic movement, COSC certified, a Heart Beat version with a visible regulating organ, or a much more complex model with a manufacture perpetual calendar. It was followed in May this year by a 34mm model with an external automatic movement, this time aimed at women.
This summer, Frederique Constant presents the Highlife Automatic in a limited edition of two watches, available only for the German and Dutch markets. Both models are released in just 99 pieces and, as befits a couple series, have the same design. Not often found in the industry, couple watches can be a delightful way to mark a special occasion, especially since these two models, as always with FC, are affordably priced.
Both models are visually identical, differing only in size. Each features an elegant, slightly more luxurious dial, free from the 'globe' pattern characteristic of the 41mm pieces, replaced by a warm and gentle champagne-colored dial with a sunray pattern and gold-plated applied markers and hands. Both models are made of stainless steel, they come on an integrated steel bracelet with a folding clasp, and in both large and medium sizes, the watches also include an additional textured brown rubber strap, which will be easy to swap thanks to the brand's smart interchangeability device that requires no tools.
The men's model has a diameter of 41mm, equipped with sapphire crystals on the front and back, and has a water resistance of 50m. Inside the case of this large model is an automatic movement, caliber FC-303, also known as Sellita SW 200-1. This classic time-and-date movement has been enhanced to meet chronometer standards and is COSC certified.
The model is released in 99 pieces and is priced at 1,795 Euros.
On the other side is the smaller women's model, with a reduced diameter of 34mm. Nevertheless, the brand has retained all the design elements here with a simple stainless steel case (without diamonds) and bracelet, as well as the same champagne-colored dial. The watch is also equipped with sapphire crystals on the front and back, maintaining a water resistance of 50m. Under the dial beats the same movement as above, Calibre FC-303, but without the COSC certificate.
This version is also limited to 99 pieces and is priced at 1,495 Euros.
Please note that these two editions of the Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic are exclusively intended for retail in Germany and The Netherlands. More detailed information can be found on frederiqueconstant.com.