Christmas is almost with us, and it’s a time for giving. But, let’s be honest some things are best reserved for a wish list such as Frederique Constant’s Rose Gold Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture. Jeremy Webb investigates what this very-limited high-end timepiece has to offer.
Frederique Constant has endorsed luxury Swiss Made timepieces accessible to as many people as possible for more than thirty years. For 2020, the Maison has introduced the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture. It is an 18-carat rose gold timepiece which will only be available to a select cohort of 30 that can afford £27000.
The special design broadcasts the return of the Highlife collection first created in 1999, with 2020 being the year it was overhauled.
A globe features on the dial situated within a distinctively redesigned case. Representing Earth and the perfection of the circle, it is an icon of a new generation having shared ideologies. Frederique Constant believe in sensible, sustainable living and saving the planet.
The Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture has a 41mm case featuring an integrated strap. Its lack of lugs allows for greater flexibility, helping it sit naturally on the wrist. Also, changing of the Straps has been made very straightforward thanks to a unique system which avoids the need for tools.
The dial is exquisitely decorated, shown off to its best advantage. Optimum readability is ensured by the sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Complimentary 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 on the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture (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.
Frederique Constant pride themselves that every phase in producing the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is carried out within the mason. This is rare in luxury watchmaking with few Geneva-based companies able to demonstrate the same skills.
The Manufacture FC-775 calibre powers a self-winding mechanical movement makes the watch beat at a frequency of 28,800vph, with a power reserve of 38 hours. Gorgeous blue nubuck finish alligator strap, unique to this model adorns the Highlife. Collectors and connoisseurs of fine watchmaking will appreciate the movement, featuring intricate Perlage and Côtes de Genève decoration, exposed through the sapphire crystal case back.
This is a beautiful watch which will be highly desirable to watch enthusiasts. However, with the small quantity available, they will have to be quick to obtain one.
The Highlife Perpetual Calander Manufacture is limited to 30 pieces in 18-carat rose gold and is priced at £27,057. For more information, please visit www.frederiqueconstant.com.
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