Highlife

The Frederique Constant Highlife brings an integrated-bracelet silhouette to a family that ranges from straightforward automatics to open-heart displays and complicated calendars. Its modern identity rests on a rounded case, a bracelet flowing directly into it, and, on many dials, an engraved globe that gives the otherwise restrained layout a little texture.

The Highlife name first appeared in 1999, but the collection relaunched in 2020 is the starting point for the contemporary design. These newer watches use a quick-change attachment system for switching between bracelet and strap. Both 39mm and 41mm automatic versions belong to this modern chapter, so the family name alone does not establish the proportions; earlier Highlife watches also should not be mistaken for the current architecture.

The Highlife Automatic COSC keeps the dial focused on time and date, with chronometer certification distinguishing it from a generic automatic. The Highlife Heart Beat opens a window onto the balance at twelve. The Highlife Chronograph adds timing registers and pushers, while the Highlife Perpetual Calendar pairs its calendar displays with a moonphase and a manufacture movement.