Frederique Constant Vintage Rally “Healey” limited editions have worked their way into the affections of classic car enthusiasts on account of their constancy. They were created as a result of a partnership between the Frederique Constant Manufacture and the Austin-Healey car brand. Established in 2004, the bond has never been broken; seventeen years of allegiance and fellowship between watchmaking and mechanics, punctuated by rallies, meetings, races and a shared passion for retro design.
A very long-awaited return
The previous edition of the Vintage Rally Healey Automatic dates back to 2018. Now it’s back in the spotlight, thanks to two new three-hand models with date. Putting its tradition of sporty chronographs on hold, Frederique Constant has given the Vintage Rally Healey Automatic a more urban design. Designed for the gentlemen drivers who also appreciate a getaway away from the paddocks, this timepiece allows to casually enjoy a new design imbued with retro charm.
The understated charm of rose gold
Stylish and timeless, the first model features a 40 mm rose gold-plated case that coordinates with the index hour markers and hands. For optimum legibility, they are all enhanced by a luminous treatment, ensuring the time can be made out even at night. The flange counts down the minutes against a chocolate coloured background that matches the calfskin strap. Collectors are sure to appreciate the perforated strap, recalling those of the legendary rally watches in the first half of the 20th century, and underscoring the neo-vintage quality of the piece.
The legend of “British racing green”
The second version’s entire dial is adorned with the legendary deep, bold green colour of the Healey company. A study in contrast and a return to the roots of one of the most iconic rally car colours, “British racing green” has long been associated with the vintage Austin Healeys that are especially desirable among collectors now.
This rendering by Frederique Constant is sleek and stylish. While the last time this “British racing green” was used was on a chronograph model from 2018, the revival of this shade on a three-hand model enables the wearer to subtly show off their love of vintage cars without compromising the timeless elegance of a more urban timepiece, complete with legendary perforated brown calfskin strap.
Limited edition collector’s item
Each of the models features an automatic FC-303 calibre with a date window at 3 o’clock and a power reserve of 38 hours.
The backgrounds of these two new models have been engraved with a Healey being driven at full throttle; the famous Healey 100S NOJ393 was purchased by a collector for £155 in 1969 and sold for nearly €1 million in December 2011. Underneath is the individual serial number for each piece, strictly limited to 2,888 units, which comes in a collector’s gift set complete with miniature replica of the NOJ393.
About Frederique Constant
Frederique Constant is a watchmaker located at Plan-les-Ouates, in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland. Our House is involved in all the manufacturing steps of the watches, from the initial design to the final assembly and quality control. Frederique Constant develops, makes and assembles its calibres in-house and boasts a collection of 29 different models imagined since 2004.
In 2015, Frederique Constant launched the first Swiss Horological Smartwatch, displaying the time in an entirely analogical mode on a classic dial. This marked the creation of a brand-new category of watches in the Swiss watchmaking sector. Frederique Constant watches are characterised by their very high quality, their unique features and the precision of their design and manufacture. The value of the products is perceived through the quality of the design, materials and manufacture, a key factor in our success. Each watch is assembled by hand using the most modern equipment and undergoes thorough checks to ensure the highest quality and longest life. Innovation is a constant feature of our work to produce timepieces which are strongly creative and of exceptional value. Our cutting-edge factory covering 6,200 m² in Geneva offers the best environment for our watchmakers passionate about their work.
Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Technical Specifications and Price
Reference FC-303HGRS5B6
Functions
- Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Movement
- FC-303 calibre, automatic
- 26 jewels, 38-hour power reserve, 28’800 alt/h
Case
- Polished stainless steel 2-parts case
- Diameter of 40 mm
- Convex sapphire crystal
- Water-resistant up to 5 ATM
Dial
- Green dial with silver colour ring
- Applied silver colour indexes with white luminous
- Date window at 3 o’clock
- Hand-polished silver colour hours and minutes hands with luminous and silver colour seconds hand
Strap
- Light brown calf leather strap
Limited edition
- Limited to 2’888 pieces
Price
- 1’450€ *retail recommended price
