Introducing the Frederique Constant Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Manufacture
Monday - 10 October 2022
In 2012, the Frederique Constant Classic Worldtimer Manufacture was launched. It allowed the wearer to keep accurate time anywhere in the world. It quickly became one of the brand’s best-selling Manufacture watches, paving the way for an additional 11 models in a wide scope of colour options. Marking this milestone from a decade ago, Frederique Constant is releasing the new Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Manufacture Edition. This unique design is now exclusively available at C W Sellors and Jura Watches in a limited run of 100 pieces and combines elements of the brand’s first Highlife designs, released from 1999 onwards, with features of the original 2012 Classics Worldtimer Manufacture model. Meet the new limited edition Frederique Constant Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Manufacture watch.
The Highlife watch has become a flagship design. The collection is home to timepieces that reflect a modern take on the brand’s watches released back in 1999. The Highlife design back then was characterised by its distinctive case and integrated bracelet. Modifications back in 2020 introduced a more contemporary design with a barrel-shaped case, a round bezel and half-moon facets located near the strap. In 2021 Frederique Constant equipped its Worldtimer version with the in-house Calibre FC-718, combining it with a unique dial characterised by the imaginary latitude and longitude lines that run across the globe. An integrated H-shaped bracelet promised comfort on the wrist, whilst elongated hour markers and baton-style hands delivered clarity across a restrained and uncomplicated display.
The prolific watchmaker welcomed this model into a catalogue bursting to the brim with over 31 independently produced calibres, perpetual calendar tourbillons, flyback chronographs and simple time-and-date watches to mention just a few. As one of the most elegant travel watch designs, the Worldtimer differs from dual time watches and GMT watches with its local time displayed via the central hour and minute hands and an additional 24-hour ring. This ring is encircled by the cities of the world. No collection is more fitting of this complication than the Highlife, since its globe-inspired dial has been a popular feature of this collection after launching two years ago.
In this new Frederique Constant Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Manufacture limited edition watch of just 100 pieces, the tonneau-shaped case is kept, as is the half-moon design on each end of the strap attachment. A thin circular bezel spans a diameter of 41mm and has been beautifully polished, whilst the depth of the case measures a height of 12.90mm. True to former Highlife Worldtimer watches, all functions are adjusted via the one crown, with no additional push pieces adding unnecessary clutter to the case. The central hours, minutes and seconds are read from the central dial region and are referenced by the faceted Super-LumiNova-coated Roman numeral markers around the hour track.
Towards the centre of the watch’s silver guilloche-decorated dial is a rotating 24-hour disc represented in a mix of light and dark tones. The daylight hours are highlighted in white, whilst the evening hours are represented in navy blue. On the periphery of the dial is a rotating cities disc, together with a pointer-style date window at 6 o’clock of which the 24-hour disc revolves underneath. The entire surface of the new Frederique Constant Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Manufacture watch is protected by a scratch-resistant piece of anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass in a convex shape. This sits atop a 50-meter water-resistant case equipped with an exhibition glass bottom.
Through this glass caseback is the Frederique Constant Calibre FC-718. The movement is self-winding and is equipped with 26 jewels. It produces a 38-hour power reserve and performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Perlage & circular Côtes de Genève decoration has been applied to the surface of the movement’s components. The movement also features blued screws and a large opened rotor. To complete the classic and elegant look of this travel companion, the new limited edition Frederique Constant Highlife Vintage Worldtimer Manufacture of just 100 pieces worldwide can be enjoyed on two strap options. Already fitted on a brown ostrich strap, the timepiece exudes a timeless and sophisticated style, yet its additional navy-blue rubber strap can bring comfort to the wrist during long-haul flights or when paired with casual-smart attire.
If you’d like to place an order for one of these limited edition Worldtimer watches by Frederique Constant, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today at 01335 453453
