It was 21 years ago in 1999 that Swiss watch brand Frederique Constant unveiled the Highlife collection with strap built directly into the case. It was an eye-catcher that attracted watch lovers around the world. It was in this collection that the brand added its Triple Time and tourbillon watches, as well as other complications. Now, Frederique Constant (under the ownership of Citizen) has spent two years  updating the collection, and is unveiling several versions of  three new models: Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, Highlife Heart Beat and Highlife Automatic COSC.

Frederique Constant Highlife Collection 2020

All three models are presented in a 41mm case with a globe motif on the dial that is designed to symbolize harmony. Each watch boasts anti-reflective sapphire crystals and Swiss movements. More importantly, the new case is equipped with an integrated yet interchangeable bracelet. The integrated strap/bracelet leads to better ergonomics, but previously could not be interchangeable. Now, Frederique Constant’s new Highlife series enables the wearer to change the strap simply by pressing on two pushpins to disconnect it from the case and can click a new one into place. Because of this system, the new Highlife watches are sold with either a leather strap or steel bracelet, and with an additional rubber strap. A set of three crocodile calf sued straps (brown, black and blue) can also be purchased separately – adding great variety to the timepiece.

Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture

Always focused on offering luxury at value prices, Frederique Constant regularly surprised and delighted  customers with its ability to deliver complicated watches at “affordable” prices – especially compared to complications from other brands. Its ability to create Swiss made watches of substance at good prices endeared the brand to many a watch lover. Now, Frederique Constant continues in that mode with the newest pieces.

The Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture watch is powered by an in-house-made self-winding movement, the FC-775 caliber. It offers 38 hours of power reserve and features Cotes de Geneve and perlage finishes that can be seen via the transparent caseback. The dial is designed with four displays, including day of week at 9:00, month and leap year at 12:00 and date at 3:00. It also features a moonphase indication at 6:00.  Versions include a two-tone bracelet with steel and rose gold plating and white dial, a blue dial on steel or leather, and a black-dial model. The watches vary in price from $9095 to $9,495 — an incredible deal on a Swiss-made perpetual calendar.

Frederique Constant Highlife Heart Beat

Frederique Constant was one of the first brands to cut a display window to the heart of the movement in the dial – offering wearers a brief glimpse inside. It became an icon for the brand and has regularly been a best seller.  In the new pieces, the wearer can enjoy the rotation of the balance wheel through the aperture of the updated and highly styled timepiece. The watches boast luminescent hands and are powered by the automatic FC-310 caliber with 38 hours of power reserve. Versions include a white dial with rose gold-plated case, a blue dial with steel bracelet and a black dial. The Heart Beat watches range from $1,995 to $2,195.

Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic COSC

This new collection marks the first time Frederique Constant offers a COSC-certified chronometer watch. Having a COSC certification proves to the world that the Frederique Constant movements that power these watches are high-precision movements that have been tested, passed and certified according to the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institutes’ high standards. The FC-310 Automatic COSC movement vibrates at 28,800 vph and can be viewed via a sapphire case back. Here again, there are multiple models, including two-tone steel versions and dial colors that range from white to blue, brown and black. The Automatic COSC versions retail from $1,895 to $2,195.