Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic
The Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic is offered in three variants, each equipped with the FC-391 automatic movement. Featuring a column-wheel and promising to run autonomously for up to 60 hours, this chronograph delivers much mechanical virtue, especially considering its comparatively modest retail price. US-based Meehna Goldsmith shares her thoughts.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
A competitive market segment
Frederique Constant relaunched its 20-year-old Highlife collection in 2020. In just a couple of years, it would encompass complications such as the worldtimer, perpetual calendar and even a tourbillon perpetual calendar. Very impressive, indeed. But something was missing.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Oh, yes! The chronograph. A perennial favourite, the chronograph can time events accurately to fractions of a second. It’s truly a mechanical marvel. It can mark a specific interval while also tracking the passage of time without missing a beat.
There is no shortage of chronographs on the market to choose from. You’ve got the usual suspects such as the Rolex Daytona, Zenith El Primero, Breitling Navitimer and the TAG Heuer Monaco. It’s hard to make an impression given brands such as these have been producing and refining chronographs since the late 1960s. Frederique Constant made a pretty bold move to enter another contender into the field. Can the Highlife Chronograph compete in this established and formidable group? Let’s take a closer look.
Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic – a great watch design?
One of the factors that marks a great watch design is the originality of its execution, one that’s identifiable at a glance. The basic layout of a chronograph hasn’t changed much over the years. The most common configurations are bi-compax and tri-compax: the first clocks intervals with two counters, while the second uses three.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Emulation is a tactic that some use to capitalise on the popularity of an iconic design. In order to stand out, a brand must stay within the confines of function while also establishing a recognisable style. Not so easy to do. Frederique Constant understood this, creating the Highlife Chronograph Automatic, a model that stakes its own claim while at the same time fitting right in.
The Highlife Chronograph features a tri-compax layout with a small seconds hand at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute register at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour register at 6 o’clock. The dial also includes a handy date between 4 and 5 o’clock.
As they say, the devil’s in the details and that’s where the Highlife Chronograph stands out from the crowd. Notice how the counters are set against a subtly textured engraving of a globe, a feature found on other members of the Highlife collection.
Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic – push the button
For the Highlife chronograph, Frederique Constant chose a double pusher construction. The buttons located at the traditional 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions control the start, stop and reset to zero of the chronograph. But, these pushers take on their own personality and show some stylish flair. They taper to hug the contours of the case, imbuing it with a sleek and suave appearance.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
For added visibility in low light, lume fills the baton markers as well as the polished hours and minutes hands. Adding some depth to the dial, the inclined flange frames the composition and incorporates crisp white markings to denote the seconds and parts thereof.
No tachymeter scale – keeping it clean
Many chronographs include a tachymeter scale, which measures the approximate speed of an object such as a horse or a car over a known distance. The Highlife eschews this detail, cleverly sidestepping the clutter that can often make a dial appear a bit overcrowded and fussy. Nothing is really lost in utility unless you happen to be a thoroughbred or a Formula 1 driver. The decision to omit a tachymeter appears eminently shrewd.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Calibre FC-391
Inside the Highlife Chronograph ticks the automatic calibre FC-391, on view via a pane of sapphire crystal positioned to the rear of the case. Although not a Manufacture calibre, which the brand does make, Frederique Constant has developed it in collaboration with its sister company, La Joux-Perret. The FC-391 gets the spa treatment. Instead of the stock cam-lever system, the FC-391 is endued with a more sophisticated and expensive column wheel (look to the rear, positioned at 3 o’clock). This mechanism rotates as the pushers are pressed, switching the chronograph on and off as demanded. In addition, there’s a rose-gold plated rotor sporting Geneva Stripes and a power reserve delivering an impressive 60 hours of autonomy.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Barrel shape
The 41mm stainless steel case is a distinct barrel shape that has numerous facets with alternating polished and brushed surfaces adorning the case and bezel. These touches clearly inflate production costs but endow the watch with a luxurious feel. Everything about this chronograph is thoughtful and balanced. Even the branding residing under noon is integral to the design. Try to imagine the dial without it and you’ll see what I mean.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Highlife Chronograph – three versions
The Highlife Chronograph is offered in three iterations. The first is a limited edition of 1888 pieces that comes with three straps: a navy blue calfskin strap in a Nubuck finish, a rubber of the same colour or a three-link bracelet of polished and satin-finish steel. The second version is two-toned, with alternating steel and rose-gold plating highlighting the bracelet’s central link, the bezel, push buttons, as well as hands and indexes. Also included is a brown rubber strap, delivering a different sartorial tone. Lastly, the Highlife Chronograph is offered with a black dial and steel bracelet, along with a second strap consisting of black rubber, ideally suited to casual attire.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
A very tempting option
The Highlife Chronograph is a smart looking watch that hits all the right notes for a chronograph. However, it’s more than just a good design with nice fits and finishes. The Highlife Chronograph also houses an impressive calibre that ups the game in this price segment – making it not only a contender, but a very tempting option.
Image: ©Eric Rossier
Further reading
https://frederiqueconstant.com/
Technical specification
- Model: Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic
- Reference: FC-391WN4NH6 (silver & blue dial – steel case – blue calf strap + extra strap/bracelet) – Limited to 1888 pieces
- Case: diameter 41 mm; height 14.22 mm, water resistance 10ATM (100m), sapphire crystal to front and exhibition case back
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: Calibre FC-391, automatic movement, frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz), 26 jewels, power reserve 60 hours
- Price – FC-391B4NH6B: £3,195 (RRP as of 8.11.2022)
- Model: Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic
- Reference: FC-391V4NH2B (silver dial – steel case including rose gold plating – bicoloured bracelet + extra strap)
- Case: diameter 41 mm; height 14.22 mm, water resistance 10ATM (100m), sapphire crystal to front and exhibition case back
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: Calibre FC-391, automatic movement, frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz), 26 jewels, power reserve 60 hours
- Price – FC-391V4NH2B – not available in the UK
- Model: Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic
- Reference: FC-391B4NH6B (black dial – steel case – steel bracelet)
- Case: diameter 41 mm; height 14.22 mm, water resistance 10ATM (100m), sapphire crystal to front and exhibition case back
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph
- Movement: Calibre FC-391, automatic movement, frequency 28,800 VpH (4Hz), 26 jewels, power reserve 60 hours
- Price – FC-391B4NH6B: £2995 (RRP as of 8.11.2022)