Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar FC-775BL4NH6B Blue Dial

The Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture epitomises this approach. “Highlife” is the revival of a legendary line, part of an historic collection that has shaped the face of luxurious and affordable contemporary Swiss Made watchmaking. “Perpetual Calendar” describes a level of complication to which few brands have access, an indication of technical mastery patiently acquired over the course of more than 30 years’ watchmaking experience. Finally, “Manufacture” is a declaration, about belonging to an exclusive club of watchmakers capable of designing, producing, assembling and testing their own timepieces.

The Highlife Gents models have a 41 mm case, available in various materials. The lack of horns allows for greater flexibility and helps the watch sit naturally on the wrist. The integrated design is infinitely more complicated to conceive than any strap with horns. The process requires perfect continuity between the lines of the case and the links, a smooth, regular but gradual transition to the clasp and natural fluidity that should be almost imperceptible.

Equipped with the FC-775 movement, in-house developed, produced, and assembled, the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture illustrates the Maison’s watchmaking expertise. Characterised by three counters, day at 9 o’clock, month and leap year at 12 o’clock, date at 3 o’clock, it is completed by a moon phase at 6 o’clock. Discreet controllers make it possible, as with the crown, to adjust all the indications. For optimum legibility, the hand-polished hands and index hour markers are tinged with luminescent material. Beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph, it has a power reserve of 38 hours. Its perlage and Côtes de Genève can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback.