The Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special emerges as a bold collaboration between Swiss precision and British avant-garde, rewriting the narrative of the classic Highlife model through an assertive and contemporary lens. Unveiled at Dubai Watch Week 2025, this limited edition of 100 pieces captures an audacious spirit with technical sophistication beneath a striking, monochromatic facade.
The dial commands attention with its pure matte black finish, stripped of any distracting shine to maximise legibility. Its layout remains faithful to the chronograph’s functional roots, featuring three registers arranged at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, each with black counters accented by turquoise blue hands and crisp white and blue markings.
The hour markers are applied in a silver tone, complementing the silver hour and minute hands which are filled with luminous material for readability in all lighting conditions. The chronograph central seconds hand is rendered in silver and turquoise, the latter providing a vivid visual pulse as it sweeps around the dial. This selective use of turquoise as a contrasting accent energises the dial and serves as a practical enhancer for timing functions, all while adhering to a minimalistic but effective colour scheme.
At the heart of the watch beats the Frederique Constant FC-391 calibre, an automatic chronograph movement sourced from La Joux-Perret, known for its robustness and reliability. The calibre operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers an impressive power reserve of 60 hours, ensuring a practical autonomy for modern wearers. Frederique Constant honours this movement with traditional decorations in the form of Côtes de Genève striping visible through a smoked sapphire crystal caseback. This smoky treatment adds a mysterious depth, showcasing the movement’s fine finishing while maintaining the watch’s stealthy aesthetic. With 26 jewels integrated, the movement balances technical prowess with aesthetic refinement.
Encasing this mechanical marvel is a newly conceived 41mm case crafted from grade 2 titanium. This is particularly notable for its innovative heat treatment process, heating the titanium to 1,200°C followed by slow cooling, which produces a crystallised surface unique to each piece. This surface treatment imparts a mineral-like texture that is tactile and visually engaging. The case is further enhanced by black DLC plating, contributing to the watch’s total black identity and offering durability and scratch resistance. The three-part case is an exercise in contrasts, alternating brushed and polished finishes that add subtle complexity to the otherwise matte exterior. Height-wise, the watch measures 14.62mm, with an anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal protecting the dial, while water resistance is rated at 10 ATM, suitable for everyday wear. The caseback is screwed down, engraved, and furnished with sapphire glass to enable a view of the decorated movement beneath its smoky veil.
The Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special extends its design philosophy to the straps, providing three options to suit diverse occasions: black rubber, turquoise rubber, and black calf leather with a nubuck finish. All three straps feature a tool-free, one-click interchangeable system, reinforcing the watch’s versatility and lifestyle adaptability.
In conclusion, the Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special, Ref. FC-391BBL4NH1C – € 4 495.00, transcends traditional expectations of a chronograph by merging technical sophistication with daring design innovation. This collaboration stands as a defining example of how contemporary watchmaking can disrupt norms while respecting horological excellence. Its restrained use of colour, innovative materials, and refined movement decoration embody a watch that is as much about bold identity as it is about reliable performance. The limited production of 100 pieces ensures its status as a coveted collector’s piece, reflecting a successful partnership between Frederique Constant’s Swiss mastery and Bamford’s cultural edge. This watch is a distinct declaration of style and substance in today’s luxury watch landscape, resonating with collectors who seek something distinctly modern yet mechanically grounded.
