The Frederique Constant Highlife collection is now making its comeback. Two years of development has gone into creating three models from the brand, which is owned by Citizen.

The Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, Highlife Heart Beat and Highlife Automatic COSC round out the revived range. Faithful to the original collection from 1999, the new Highlife collection is engineered for everyday use, says the FC brand.

The three models share the same 41 mm case. Inside there’s an FC 775 Calibre movement, with a 38 hour power reserve. All three models have a very clean, classic look, but at over £7300 for the entry level Perpetual, these are for hardcore fans of the FC brand.

A new case with an integrated interchangeable bracelet 

Like the original inspiration, the Highlife 2020 collection has an integrated bracelet and a quick change feature. FC have also smoothed down the lugs to offer a clean, comfortable design. There’s a leather, suede or rubber strap, if you don’t fancy a steel bracelet.

Buying Verdict

Having seen the low amounts that jewellers and pawnbrokers offer for a pre-owned Frederique Constant watch, you are looking at losing about 5K in depreciation, should you decide to sell. If this is a watch for a lifetime’s pleasure, who cares? But for all its understated charm, we think the Highlife models are simply too expensive.

This is Rolex money, for a brand name that 80% of people have never even heard of – let that sink in. Before you flash your debit card…