In 2022, Frederique Constant celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Classics Worldtimer Manufacture launched in 2012, which imposed itself in record-breaking time as one of Frederique Constant’s most iconic timepiece. To mark the event, the Brand chose to combine the very first Highlife Worldtimer timepiece with the first Classics Worldtimer Manufacture model introduced in 2012, thereby creating the Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Edition. Limited to 100 pieces, this exclusive model is mounted on a brown ostrich leather strap, adding the vintage touch to this timepiece inspired by the Highlife Worldtimer vintage model launched in the early 2000s.
For over 30 years, Frederique Constant has been breaking new grounds in watchmaking, becoming a fully-integrated manufacture and developing 31 calibers in-house, while refining its signature look. Advocating luxury Swiss watches at affordable prices, Frederique Constant has never deviated from its founding line.
Each year, the Manufacture finds increasingly inventive ways to offer sleeker, more sophisticated timepieces that are ever more accessible. The new Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Edition is the embodiment of the latter; the "Worldtimer" being the best positioned timepiece in the watch industry today and the Highlife becoming Frederique Constant’s flagship collection.
An anniversary celebrated in a glorious yet vintage way
The Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Manufacture is a highly significant timepiece reflecting multiple aspects of Frederique Constant. First, it draws into the Brand history as this timepiece has been inspired by the Highlife Worldtimer vintage model launched in the early 2000s. Then, it is fitted with the FC-718 Manufacture movement. In-house developed within Frederique Constant’s workshops and launched in 2012, the FC-718 has become one of the Brand’s most iconic calibers due to its inventive, complex yet user-friendly construction. Finally, the Highlife Vintage Worldtimer features the dial of the first Classics Worldtimer Manufacture timepiece, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2022.
The first version of the Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Manufacture was launched online only on October 4th with a very exclusive run of 10 pieces and sold out in less than 50 minutes. The second version introduced on October 10th is limited to 100 pieces.
The silver color dial is enhanced by an elegant guilloché pattern in the center, around which evolve elegant, printed navy blue Roman indexes. A navy-blue tone which is declined all along the hour, minute, seconds and date hands, as well as on the 24H disc unfolding on the flange. At 6 o’clock, the date is displayed on a refined white sunray guilloché dial.
With a 41 mm diameter, the Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Edition is worn on a brown ostrich leather strap with a folding buckle. In addition, the timepiece comes with an extra navy-blue rubber strap, the integrated and interchangeable bracelet being the emblem of the Highlife collection.
Two stars united
Since its creation, Frederique Constant has capitalized on the expertise of its Geneva-based manufacture. It’s here, in the birthplace of watchmaking, that the Brand’s FC-718 caliber was designed, developed and assembled. It has become a movement of its time: modern, precise and reliable, not to mention tried and tested. Being featured at the forefront of the Highlife collection represents a major turning point for Frederique Constant.
Simple, accurate, intuitive
Highly user-friendly, its single crown can be used to set any function: hours, minutes, the date at 6 o’clock and the 24 cities disc that represents 24 time zones on Earth. There is no day / night indicator required; the inner disc has been engraved with 12 hours on the light area (cities where it is daytime) and 12 hours on the blue area (those where it is night-time).
The self-winding mechanical movement has a power reserve of 38 hours. It is visible through the case back, water-resistant up to 50 meters. One can admire the typical Genevan finishes that Frederique Constant is so fond of, perlage and circular Côtes de Genève among them.
True to the Brand’s DNA, this retro yet modern timepiece has been inspired by the most stunning examples of traditional fine Swiss watchmaking with high-quality finishing. Designed for the next generation of collectors eager to embrace iconic luxury Swiss Made timepieces, this special edition offers a new interpretation of the Worldtimer design, which more than a quarter of a century since it was created, has proven to transcend fashions and trends.
Available in November online and at select retailers.
