Frederique Constant Highlife Ladies Automatic
The Frederique Constant Highlife Ladies Automatic is housed in a 34mm stainless steel case. The prospective purchaser can choose from the three-hander ‘Heart-Beat’ model or, alternatively, a three-hander with a date display. Furthermore, there are a plethora of feminine options to choose from, distancing the model from its testosterone-rich siblings.
Image: © Eric Rossier
Last year, the Genevan marque, Frederique Constant, unveiled its Highlife collection which has since attracted much favourable coverage in the world’s watch press. This collection is comprised of essentially three models: a ‘heart beat’ version, where the regulating organ is shown via a dial-side aperture, a COSC-certified chronometer and, lastly, a perpetual calendar. The brand offers each model in a variety of shades.
Image: © Eric Rossier
Part of the Highlife collection’s appeal relates to its design. It cleverly places one foot in the sports watch segment and the other foot in the dress watch category. The resultant watch proves incredibly versatile. The notion of versatility is further heightened with the strap/bracelet options and the model’s user-friendly strap exchange system. Consistent with other models from the Maison, each example of the Highlife collection is endowed with a Manufacture movement and delivered at a remarkably keen price.
Image: © Eric Rossier
Now, the Swiss brand has revisited the existing Highlife collection and adapted it for a female audience. The aptly named Frederique Constant Highlife Ladies Automatic is presented in a 34mm case. Would-be wearers are indulged with an array of feminine details such as gem-set cases, ‘cosmic’ dials, diamond indexes and various bracelet/strap options.
Customers can select the ‘heart beat’ model, the aforementioned term is used to describe a dial opening that reveals the balance in motion. Alternatively, the luxury marque offers several three-handers fitted with a date indication, some of which incorporate a distinctive globe motif adorning the dial.
Image: © Eric Rossier
In releasing the Frederique Constant Highlife Ladies Automatic, the brand is no doubt looking to repeat the popularity of its male models by encompassing the latter watches’ attributes while at the same time incorporating many feminine touches.
Image: © Eric Rossier
The brand’s press release
Over 20 years ago now, back in 1999, Frederique Constant introduced the very first Highlife watches. In 2020, the Maison revived the iconic design, reintroducing the collection with resolutely modern curves rooted in the 21st century. Owing to its popularity, the latter inspired the eponymous collection for women, unveiled this year for watchmaking enthusiasts, the sophisticated and fashion-forward modern women of today and tomorrow.
Image: © Eric Rossier
The Highlife Ladies Automatic collection adds a new dimension to the definition of accessible luxury according to Frederique Constant. Graceful yet assertive, the delicate 34 mm diameter watch combines the subtlety of an exquisitely feminine timepiece with the presence of one that asserts its identity and unique character. The new design translates into both taut and flexible lines, the modernity of a creation that denies nothing of its craftsmanship, balance or style.
Of course, the new collection features the integrated and interchangeable strap that has become the hallmark of Highlife stamped timepieces. The design merges case and strap in the same continuity, just like the women fitting two or even three days into one, with fluidity and energy.
Image: © Eric Rossier
A closely guarded secret, the first link holds the key to the invisible integrated system that makes it possible to change the strap at will and without the need for tools. For those whose elegance embraces everything they do, Frederique Constant allows wearers to change the strap as often as an outfit, occasion or mood dictates, helping them overcome the challenges of daily life and be fulfilled.
The new Highlife Ladies Automatic Sparkling is intended for modern women looking for uncompromising elegance and an accessory that can keep up with their everyday life without sacrificing charm, finesse or authenticity.
Image: © Eric Rossier
Reproducing the various nuances of the Milky Way on the wrist, this true ode to femininity invites the wearer on a journey. The cosmic blue dial of the Highlife Ladies Automatic Sparkling features various specks, representing stars. The contemporary product of an original design by the Manufacture that met with worldwide success, it has been replicated and upgraded for the first time within the new Highlife Ladies.
Image: © Eric Rossier
At the centre of its dial, you can almost catch a glimpse of celestial gleam, with its delicate nuances reflected in the bezel, which is fully set with diamonds. Like stars scattering the vastness of space, eight diamond index hour markers complete this cosmic and dreamlike composition, which comes with a steel strap, as well as a second interchangeable white rubber strap. The combination of steel, diamond and wonderfully pure rubber range in colour from pale grey to the shiniest diamond, via infinite nuances depending on the reflections adorning the piece. In sunlight or moonlight, from midday to midnight, the Highlife Ladies Automatic Sparkling moves around the sun and the moon dial with grace and modernity, beating to the rhythm of those who live for the moment.
Further reading