New Heights: Frederique Constant Re-Introduces the Highlife Collection

Twenty years ago, Frederique Constant introduced its original Highlife collection, which featured an integrated strap built into a distinctive case Now the Geneva-based brand introduces a modern update to the collection, applying the concept to three new models: the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, Highlife Heart Beat, and Highlife Automatic COSC Each model features a strap-and-bracelet system that allows the wearer to alternate between steel, leather, crococalf suede, and rubber, allowing the wearer to change from a sporty daytime to a classic evening look in, dare we say, a heartbeat.

The original Highlife collection began with Frederique Constant's Triple Time series and was eventually supplemented with a tourbillon model and the first models with the brand's now-emblematic "Heartbeat" dial aperture displaying the balance For the 2020 collection Frederique Constant has removed the lugs that were on the original case; this allows for greater flexibility when changing straps, and ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist The new Highlife models come presented on either a leather strap or a steel bracelet, with an additional strap in rubber.

In a departure from the original models, each modern Highlife dial is decorated with the brand's globe motif - a symbol that Frederique Constant says symbolizes the Earth as well as "Encompasses the brand's ideal for sustainable living on Earth." Protecting the dial are sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating on both sides According to the brand, the story behind the balance wheel being visible through its dial originated from "Youthful inexperience:" Frederique Constant was still a fairly new brand at the time, looking to expand its series, when it introduced the Heartbeat design, and since it was never patented, many other watchmakers have since introduced their own versions of the dial-side aperture. . Source