Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic
The Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic is a limited-edition model, available in two variants, one with a stainless steel case and a second in a rose gold plated steel case. The dial functions include hours, minutes, central sweep seconds and a date display.
When one brand chooses to align itself with another, both companies should share similar values and appeal to the same audience. Sadly, sometimes these marriages don’t last, often culminating in a decree nisi. Indeed, some brands appear promiscuous, flitting from one partner to another.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Frederique Constant has enjoyed a long relationship with the Austin-Healey car brand, dating back to 2004. Both brands appear, happy bedfellows, each respecting the alluring aesthetics of the past while remaining applicable to the present.
The prestigious watchmaker, based on the outskirts of Geneva has made several Austin-Healey branded models over the years. Now, the name of the open-topped vintage cars appears again, assuming pride of place on the dial of the new Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic.
The brand’s press release (May 2020)
The Vintage Rally “Healey” limited editions have worked their way into the affections of classic car enthusiasts on account of their constancy. They were created as a result of a partnership between the Frederique Constant Manufacture and the Austin-Healey car brand. Established in 2004, the bond has never been broken; seventeen years of allegiance and fellowship between watchmaking and mechanics, punctuated by rallies, meetings, races and a shared passion for retro design.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
A very long-awaited return
The previous edition of the Vintage Rally Healey Automatic dates back to 2018. Now it’s back in the spotlight, thanks to two new three-hand models with date. Putting its tradition of sporty chronographs on hold, Frederique Constant has given the Vintage Rally Healey Automatic a more urban design. Designed for the gentlemen drivers who also appreciate a getaway away from the paddocks, this timepiece allows to casually enjoy a new design imbued with retro charm.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
The understated charm of rose gold
Stylish and timeless, the first model features a 40 mm rose gold-plated case that coordinates with the index hour markers and hands. For optimum legibility, they are all enhanced by a luminous treatment, ensuring the time can be made out even at night. The flange counts down the minutes against a chocolate coloured background that matches the calfskin strap. Collectors are sure to appreciate the perforated strap, recalling those of the legendary rally watches in the first half of the 20th century, and underscoring the neo-vintage quality of the piece.
The legend of “British racing green”
The second version’s entire dial is adorned with the legendary deep, bold green colour of the Healey company. A study in contrast and a return to the roots of one of the most iconic rally car colours, “British racing green” has long been associated with the vintage Austin Healeys that are especially desirable among collectors now.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
This rendering by Frederique Constant is sleek and stylish. While the last time this “British racing green” was used was on a chronograph model from 2018, the revival of this shade on a three-hand model enables the wearer to subtly show off their love of vintage cars without compromising the timeless elegance of a more urban timepiece, complete with legendary perforated brown calfskin strap.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Limited edition collector’s item
Each of the models features an automatic FC-303 calibre with a date window at 3 o’clock and a power reserve of 38 hours.
The backgrounds of these two new models have been engraved with a Healey being driven at full throttle; the famous Healey 100S NOJ393 was purchased by a collector for £155 in 1969 and sold for nearly €1 million in December 2011. Underneath is the individual serial number for each piece, strictly limited to 2,888 units, which comes in a collector’s gift set complete with a miniature replica of the NOJ393
Further reading