Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph - The Watch I Always Come Back To
About a year ago, I picked up a Frédérique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic for around 40% off retail from a well-known UK high-street watch shop. Bargain of the year, right? Well… not quite.
After a few weeks of radio silence and a creeping suspicion it had gone missing in the post, the watch finally arrived. Relief turned to heartbreak pretty quickly though — the box was battered and, worse still, no papers. Now, for anyone who’s ever unboxed a long-awaited timepiece, you’ll know that sinking feeling. The watch itself was absolutely stunning — I mean gorgeous — the proportions, the finishing, the strap system, all perfect. I’ve admired FC for years; to me, they sit right alongside Oris in that sweet spot of creativity, quality, and approachability. Both brands do their own thing, build broad collections that don’t feel bloated, and manage to appeal to enthusiasts and casual buyers alike.
But back to the heartbreak. I wore it for a few days, proudly showing it off and stealing the occasional glance at my wrist like a teenager in love. Then the sensible side of my brain kicked in. No papers means trouble later — resale value tanks, authenticity gets questioned, and that future flexibility just vanishes. So, with a heavy heart, I boxed it back up and sent the love of my life back.
Don’t worry though — this story doesn’t end there…
About a year later I spotted a mint-condition example of the Frédérique Constant Highlife Chronograph (model FC-391B4NH6B) on eBay — just two months old, full box, all papers included, and for even less than I’d initially paid. Yes, you read that right: the love-story got a second, much better opening.
Here’s how it went: after returning the first one (for the reasons I described), I kept the desire alive. Then this pristine example showed up: perfect provenance, full set, untouched looks, attractive price. No battered case, no missing documentation. The stars aligned. I HAD to buy it!
Credit - Frederique Constant
So let’s dig into what makes the watch so special (to me) — and why, once I got the “right” one, I felt like the wait (and heartbreak) was worth it.
Case & dimensions
The case is stainless steel, brushed and polished — giving it a refined but sporty look.
Diameter is 41 mm, with a thickness of 14.22 mm.
With 10 ATM water resistance (100 m) it's decent for everyday wear and more than just a “dress-only” piece.
The lug width is about 25.5mm, which is wider than many dress watches, giving it a bolder presence.
Dial & design
The dial is black with an embossed globe pattern (“globe engraving”) in the centre, which gives it texture and a subtle motif — I love that detail.
Chronograph function (pushers at 2 and 4), date display at 4 o’clock: tidy, balanced.
The crystal is convex sapphire with anti-reflective coating — so readability is strong, even in bright light.
The bracelet is steel, but the model also ships with an additional rubber strap — this provides style flexibility.
Movement & performance
The movement is the in-house calibre FC-391 (automatic) — a commendable feature at this price point.
It boasts a 60-hour power reserve, which is excellent (you could take it off Friday night and it’ll still be ticking Sunday night).
It beats at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and has 26 jewels.
Wearability & feel
At 41mm the watch sits nicely on many wrists — neither too big nor too small. The thickness (14mm+) means it has appreciable wrist presence (so it leans sporty, not ultra-thin dress).
The steel bracelet gives it a solid weight and feel; the rubber strap offers a more casual, perhaps summertime/active alternative.
The globe motif and the interplay of brushed/polished steel elevate it beyond “just a chronograph”—it has character.
Value & my reason for love
Given what you’re getting (in-house movement, full set, decent finishing, strap versatility) the price point (retail ~ £2,995) is strong.
For me personally, the combination of aesthetics, brand pedigree (Frédérique Constant), technical specs and styling versatility ticks a lot of boxes.
The fact that I got one with full box & papers, mint condition, and at a better price than my first attempt means the “value” feel is even stronger.
Winding things up
After the disappointment with my first purchase (missing papers, damaged box), finding this second example felt like redemption. The Highlife Chronograph FC-391B4NH6B hits a sweet spot for me: strong specs, attractive design, versatile styling, and a brand I believe in. If you’re considering it, I’d say go for one with full box & papers — you’ll appreciate the peace of mind.
