Frederique Constant Gives Its Vintage Rally Healey Automatic An Outing
Press Release
Frederique Constant Gives Its Vintage Rally Healey Automatic An Outing
The Vintage Rally "Healey" limited editions have worked their way into the affections of classic car enthusiasts on account of their constancy. They were created as a result of a partnership between the Frederique Constant Manufacture and the Austin-Healey car brand.
Established in 2004, the bond has never been broken; seventeen years of allegiance and fellowship between watchmaking and mechanics, punctuated by rallies, meetings, races and a shared passion for retro design.
A very long-awaited return
The previous edition of the Vintage Rally Healey Automatic dates back to 2018. Now it’s back in the spotlight, thanks to two new three-hand models with date. Putting its tradition of sporty chronographs on hold, Frederique Constant has given the Vintage Rally Healey Automatic a more urban design. Designed for the gentlemen drivers who also appreciate a getaway away from the paddocks, this timepiece allows to casually enjoy a new design imbued with retro charm.
The understated charm of rose gold
Stylish and timeless, the first model features a 40 mm rose gold-plated case that coordinates with the index hour markers and hands. For optimum legibility, they are all enhanced by a luminous treatment, ensuring the time can be made out even at night. The flange counts down the minutes against a chocolate coloured background that matches the calfskin strap. Collectors are sure to appreciate the perforated strap, recalling those of the legendary rally watches in the first half of the 20th century, and underscoring the neo-vintage quality of the piece.
The legend of "British racing green"
The second version’s entire dial is adorned with the legendary deep, bold green colour of the Healey company. A study in contrast and a return to the roots of one of the most iconic rally car colours, "British racing green" has long been associated with the vintage Austin Healeys that are especially desirable among collectors now. This rendering by Frederique Constant is sleek and stylish. While the last time this "British racing green" was used was on a chronograph model from 2018, the revival of this shade on a three-hand model enables the wearer to subtly show off their love of vintage cars without compromising the timeless elegance of a more urban timepiece, complete with legendary perforated brown calfskin strap.
Limited edition collector’s item
Each of the models features an automatic FC-303 calibre with a date window at 3 o’clock and a power reserve of 38 hours. The backgrounds of these two new models have been engraved with a Healey being driven at full throttle; the famous Healey 100S NOJ393 was purchased by a collector for £155 in 1969 and sold for nearly €1 million in December 2011. Underneath is the individual serial number for each piece, strictly limited to 2,888 units, which comes in a collector’s gift set complete with miniature replica of the NOJ393.
