Passion and Precision: Introducing the new Highlife Automatic COSC from Frederique Constant

Since its inception in 1988, Frederique Constant’s core mission has never faltered. The Maison, over the years, has consistently upheld the highest quality of watchmaking while making sure that their timepieces remain reliable and accessible. The new Highlife Automatic COSC stays true to that ethos. 

A certification by the independent Swiss organisation, COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute), is rare; it is only issued to watches that can guarantee perfect isochronism over a given time period and at given positions. Their ability to tell the time correctly, consistently and precisely within the strict limits, enforced by an ISO standard, is crucial. COSC-certified timepieces particularly appeal to collectors who deem Swiss watchmaking precision a necessity, thus upping the appeal of the new Highlife Automatic COSC.

The Maison’s original Highlife collection dates back to 1999, when the entire lineup was characterised by its integrated strap function and distinctive case silhouette. After years of hiatus, the collection was revived in 2020. This new Highlife Automatic COSC range combines the best facets of two earlier Highlife models — the three sleek hands of the Heart Beat and the date feature from the Perpetual Calendar Manufacture.

Designed for everyday use, the watch comes in two-tone, steel/blue dial and black leather/white dial versions. There’s another variation as well — a rose gold-plated case and a black dial mounted on a brown leather strap, complete with a rubber strap in the same shade. The traditional rose gold-plated case on a leather strap contrasts beautifully with a modern monochrome dial. The dial has a clean look, with pencil-shaped hands, applied indices and a date display at 3 o’clock. It also bears the instantly-identifiable globe motif, which symbolises Earth and doubles up as the icon of a new generation that values the ideals of sustainable and sensible living.

Housed within a 41 mm diameter casing, the new Highlife line has a completely redesigned case that is modern and dynamic. It’s powered by the FC-310 Calibre and ticks at a frequency of 4Hz. It has a 38-hour power reserve and 26 jewels, and can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback.

The watch is protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment and the smooth, streamlined contours lend it a modern appeal. The interchangeable straps make it incredibly versatile. No professional tools are required, one only needs to use the push pins at the end of the bracelet to have the watch restyled in seconds.

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