The story behind this discreet aperture at 12 o’clock has much to do with youthful inexperience. In 1994, Frederique Constant was a new and entirely independent family-owned company enjoying phenomenal growth. The collections were rich, the new models diverse. It was a time for expansion, every detail exhibiting originality. The Heart Beat was an expression of this... which Frederique Constant neglected to protect! The design was never patented. Due to its success and the legal loophole that allowed for royalty-free use, countless brands have copied the Heart Beat aperture, with no benefit to Frederique Constant. The price of success!
 

The new Highlife Heart Beat collection revisits this iconic design and brings it into the 21st century. Located at the pole of the globe decoration on the dial, the famous aperture is finished with three luminescent hands. The design is understated, minimalist and as modern and unique as ever. You can look straight into the inner workings of the automatic FC-310 caliber with power reserve of 38 hours and admire it from both front and back through the sapphire crystal.
 

There are now three different versions of the Highlife Heart Beat to choose from. The first features a white dial and rose gold-plated case with a brown leather strap (complemented by a brown rubber strap), the second features a blue dial with a steel bracelet (complemented by a blue rubber strap) and the last features a black dial with a steel case and bracelet (complemented by a black rubber strap). Elegant and refined, sporty chic or modern and bold, each variation offers up an interpretation of the Heart Beat design, which more than a quarter of a century since it was created, has proven to transcend fashions and trends.
 

(Images by Frederique Constant / Eric Rossier)