The Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture In 18-Carat Rose Gold: The Exception That Proves The Rule
Press Release
The Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture In 18-Carat Rose Gold: The Exception That Proves The Rule
For over 30 years, Frederique Constant has endorsed luxury Swiss Made timepieces accessible to as many people as possible. This formula, which has greatly inspired many other brands since, remains as valid as ever... with one exception: the new Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture in 18-carat rose gold. This very special timepiece is one for discerning collectors and will be limited to just 30 pieces.
An eagerly awaited revival
With this rare timepiece, Frederique Constant hails the return of its Highlife collection. Created in 1999, it is making its comeback in 2020, having been entirely overhauled. Its distinctive redesigned case houses a dial decorated with a globe motif. Symbolising the Earth, the perfection of the circle, it is also the icon of a new generation that shares the same ideal for saving the planet, sustainable and sensible living.
Now available with a diameter of 41 mm, the watch also features an integrated strap. The lack of horns allows for greater flexibility and helps it sit naturally on the wrist. The design necessitates perfect continuity between the lines of the case and the strap, a smooth transition and natural – almost imperceptible – fluidity. A special system allows for its straps to be changed in a flash, without the need for tools.
An exceptional edition
In this utterly unique 18-carat rose gold rendition, the Highlife's exquisitely decorated dial is shown off to its very best advantage. Optimum legibility is ensured by the sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Complementary rose gold and deep blue echo each other. Every finishing touch is enhanced by amazing reflections, like the case, with its alternating polished and satin finished surfaces. Every counter (month and leap year, day and date) is sunbrushed. Index hour markers are rose gold-plated and luminescent. In keeping with the sleekness of the case design, all of the perpetual calendar’s correctors have been integrated, lending emphasis to the lone rose gold crown at 3 o’clock.
As sought-after as it is technical
As a perpetual calendar, the new Highlife is testament to the savoir-faire that Frederique Constant has patiently amassed over the past 30 years. The Brand is one of very few to be able to design, produce, assemble and test its own timepieces internally, within its own Geneva-based manufacture. From the design to the final quality control, each and every step involved in making the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is carried out in-house. Very few Geneva-based Manufactures can demonstrate such watchmaking mastery. This rare 18-carat rose gold colourway serves to reinforce the exclusivity of this timepiece.
Powered by the Manufacture FC-775 calibre, a self-winding mechanical movement, the 18-carat rose gold Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 38 hours. It comes on a blue nubuck finish alligator strap, unique to this model. For collectors and connoisseurs of fine watchmaking, the movement, featuring intricate perlage and Côtes de Genève decoration, can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback.
(Images © Frederique Constant)