When Frederique Constant introduced the Highlife collection in 1999, it established a distinctive case architecture defined by an integrated strap attachment and hornless geometry. Rather than using conventional lugs, the case lines transition directly into the bracelet or strap.
Reintroduced in 2020, this design language has since provided the foundation for various in-house complications within the Maison’s collection, including worldtimer, chronograph and perpetual calendar models.
Unveiled at the beginning of September, the new Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture extends the collection with a new combination of date and moon-phase indications.
It is available in two 39 mm references: a deep blue dial version (ref. FC-716BL3NH6) and a rosé champagne dial version (ref. FC-716RG3NH6).
In this hands-on review, we look at both models, focusing on the execution of their dial complications, case ergonomics and the updated in-house FC-716 movement.
The three-part stainless steel case measures 39 mm in diameter and 12.82 mm in thickness. Its finishing alternates between polished and satin-brushed surfaces, accentuating the case’s flowing lines and integrated construction.
A convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the dial, helping to minimise reflections under direct light.
At the back, an engraved, see-through threaded case back provides a view of the movement.
Water resistance is rated to 10 ATM (100 metres / 330 feet), adding to the watch’s versatility and suitability for everyday wear.
Thanks to its compact dimensions and hornless design, the watch sits comfortably and evenly on the wrist. For reference, the wrist shown in our hands-on photographs measures 17.8 cm (7 inches) in circumference.
The integrated strap system incorporates a tool-free quick-change mechanism using push-pins on the underside of the end-links.
Applying slight inward pressure to these pushers releases the strap from the case without the need for spring-bar tools, tape or technical assistance.
Each watch is supplied as a complete set with two options: a five-link stainless steel bracelet with alternating brushed and polished finishes and a folding clasp, and a deep blue Saffiano calf leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching and a matching folding buckle.
The leather strap gives the watch a more dress-oriented appearance.
Its signature crosshatch grain adds texture while retaining a balance between elegant and sporty elements, and its protective finish provides resistance to scratches, light and moisture.
Both dial executions feature an asymmetrical sunray finish that originates directly from the centre of the 6 o’clock sub-dial rather than from the central cannon pinion.
This treatment gives greater visual emphasis to the moon-phase display and distinguishes the two overlapping dial surfaces.
The deep blue dial version (ref. FC-716BL3NH6) uses a midnight blue main surface rendered in a slightly lighter shade than that of the moon phase sub-dial, maintaining clear separation between the two displays.
The minute track is printed in white to complement the luminescent indexes, while the date ring around the 6 o’clock sub-dial features a red-printed “31” marking the end of the monthly cycle.
The rosé champagne dial version (ref. FC-716RG3NH6) uses warm solar tones that shift between gold and copper depending on the light, providing visual separation from the blue moon-phase disc.
The minute track around the outer perimeter is printed in black for legibility.
Applied silver-coloured indexes are faceted and polished, with white Super-LumiNova filling, and are paired with luminescent hour and minute hands and a central sweep seconds hand.
The moon-phase display at 6 o’clock features a photorealistic depiction of the lunar surface, micro-printed in grey tones to reproduce craters and other surface details against a starry background.
Surrounding the moon-phase aperture is a pointer date indicated by a slim, polished hand.
The date mechanism also controls the progression of the moon-phase display through its 29.5-day cycle, keeping the two indications synchronised.
Both functions are set through the winding crown, eliminating the need for external correction pushers on the case middle.
Powering both references is the new in-house FC-716 calibre, designed, produced and assembled at the Frederique Constant manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva.
Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and equipped with 26 jewels, the self-winding movement represents a structural evolution of the brand’s core FC-700 series.
The main technical improvement concerns power delivery. The FC-716 uses a newly designed mainspring barrel combined with a high-performance spring alloy to provide a continuous 72-hour (3-day) power reserve.
In practical terms, this allows the wearer to remove the watch on Friday evening and find it still running on Monday morning without requiring manual winding or a reset.
Visible through the sapphire case back, the movement combines its open architecture with traditional Haute Horlogerie decorative techniques.
The mainplate is finished with delicate perlage, providing a circular-grained foundation for the components above. The bridges feature fan-shaped Côtes de Genève striping radiating outward from the balance wheel, creating changing reflections as the watch moves.
An openworked, gold-plated rotor frames the assembly, complemented by blued screws and laser engravings detailing the calibre’s technical specifications.
Priced at €4,495 in either dial configuration and supplied with a five-year manufacture warranty, the Frederique Constant Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture brings together the established Highlife case architecture with a genuinely manufacture-developed movement, a three-day power reserve and two useful calendar indications in a compact 39 mm format.
The combination makes the Highlife Moonphase Date Manufacture a particularly versatile proposition within the collection. Its integrated case and quick-change system give it the practicality expected of a modern everyday watch, while the detailed dials, moon-phase display and movement finishing add a more traditional horological dimension.
It offers a considered balance between everyday usability and manufacture watchmaking, without moving too far from the accessible positioning that has long defined Frederique Constant. frederiqueconstant.com
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