First presented 20 years ago, Frederique Constant's Highlife collection was characterised by the integration of the strap with the case. In 2020, the House updates this concept and breathes new life into this collection with three new models, namely the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, the Highlife Heart Beat and the Highlife Automatic COSC. All three of these watches are equipped with the system that allows the steel bracelet to be alternated with the strap, be it leather, suede calfskin, crocodile or rubber. After two years of research, three new models are thus born to which the baton of the collection is passed. The new Highlife models are faithful to the original 1999 models and are designed according to the same founding values that create the brand's identity: craftsmanship, quality, Swiss Made, accessibility, and design for everyday use. The three models all have 41 mm steel cases, which are also available partially or fully plated in rose gold. Following in the footsteps of the original collection, the new Highlife also have an integrated bracelet/strap. The design of a watch with an integrated strap is much more complex than that of one with lugs. The design requires a perfect continuity of the lines of the case and the links, a smooth and decreasing transition to the clasp. Frederique Constant has not only succeeded in finding this natural continuity, but also offers an integrated system for quick bracelet or strap replacement that involves no tools or accessories. Thanks to this system, the Highlife changes appearance in a matter of seconds: a simple pressure is all it takes to change the appearance of the watch from leather to steel to rubber. The three new Highlife watches are thus the Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, the Heart Beat and the Automatic COSC. The first mentioned offers perpetual calendar and moon phase indications. The sapphire crystal protecting the dial is anti-reflective. The case back is fitted with a porthole, which opens to view the IWC-manufactured FC-775 calibre, mechanical with automatic winding (prices from €8,495 to €8,795). The Highlife Heart Beat features the famous opening at 12 o'clock on the dial at the balance-spring, one of Frederique Constant's trademarks. Powered by an automatic mechanical movement, it is available in three variations: with a white dial and a rose gold-plated case with a brown leather strap (complemented by a second brown rubber strap); with a blue dial and a stainless steel case and bracelet (complemented by a second blue rubber strap); with a black dial and a stainless steel case and bracelet (complemented by a second black rubber strap). Prices: from €1,895 to €1,995. Lastly, the Highlife Automatic COSC is powered by the FC-303 calibre, mechanical with automatic winding and chronometer-certified by the COSC, which guarantees an accuracy of -3 to +6 seconds per day. The crystal protecting the dial is also anti-reflective sapphire and the case back is fitted with a porthole. Prices: 1,695 to 1,995 euros.
