Geneva-based manufacturer Frederique Constant presents music producer The Avener as its new brand ambassador. The French artist’s music is characterised by innovation, creativity and modernity. Frederique Constant is also committed to these qualities. These mutual values are the basis of the partnership that is now celebrated with the release of the Highlife Chronograph Automatic. With this watch, the house is adding a chronograph to the Highlife collection for the first time. Initially, there are three versions: Two in stainless steel and one two-tone with rose gold. All of them remain true to the design language of the line and proudly bear the engraving of the earth on the dial. One of the models is limited to 1888 pieces, the other two are available without limitation.
The Highlife Chronograph Automatic comes in a 41 mm x 14.22 mm case of stainless steel. In the Two-Tone version, the bezel, pushers and crown are in rose gold. However, this is gold plating and not solid metal. The typical Highlife case shape remains, however, as does the finish with alternating satin and polished surfaces. On the back, the transparent case back allows a view into the the watch. For the limited edition, the corresponding number is also engraved here.
The three new models also differ in their dials. First, the company shows a variant with a white dial and a contrasting ring in blue. Here, the three subdials also appear in the same colour. In contrast, the two-tone model has a silver dial with counters that are also silver. The front picks up on the two-tone design with gold-plated hands and appliqués. Last but not least, there is also a Highlife Chronograph Automatic with a black dial.
All variants retain the typical globe in the centre of the dial, which emphasises the cosmopolitan character of the watch. The time is indicated by two main hands together with applied indices. All of them bear luminous material, which should improve readability. There is also a small seconds hand at 9 o’clock. The totaliser at 3 o’clock counts to 30-minutes and at 6 o’clock are the hours. There is also a framed date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The necessary drive is provided by the new FC-391 calibre, the result of a collaboration between Frederique Constant and the La Joux-Perret manufacture. It features a modern design and a chronograph with a column wheel. The movement also offers automatic winding and a power autonomy of 60 hours. The winding rotor is of rose gold, which is typical of the manufacture. The watchmakers also decorate the movement with Geneva Stripes.
The three new Highlife Chronograph Automatic models all come with an integrated, interchangeable metal bracelet. In addition, the company includes a matching leather strap. The blue version also comes with a third strap made of blue rubber. The latter is also a limited edition of 1888 pieces. The price for this variant is 3,295 euros – the same as for the two-tone model. The black dial with stainless steel case, on the other hand, costs 2,995 euros.
