Frederique Constant and Bamford Watch Department have introduced a limited reinterpretation of the Highlife Chronograph Automatic, marking the first collaboration between the two brands and debuting at Dubai Watch Week. The resulting timepiece – Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special – combines Bamford’s design language and Frederique Constant’s technical skills in watchmaking.
The new watch is more than a cosmetic makeover, it’s 40 mm case is crafted from crystal titanium, a material produced by heating titanium to roughly 1,200°C and cooling it slowly to create a crystalline surface pattern. This treatment preserves the metal’s usual lightness and structural integrity while generating a hard, irregular texture unique to each timepiece.The case is then coated in black DLC to increase surface durability and achieve a uniform finish across the dial. The chronograph retains the integrated case profile that has defined the Highlife line since its relaunch in 2020, including the tool-free strap exchange system originally introduced in 1999.
The base is an entirely solid matte black, designed to maximise contrast and legibility. Bamford introduced turquoise markers and hands for the running seconds at 9 o’clock, the chronograph minutes at 3 o’clock, the chronograph hours at 6 o’clock, and the tip of the central chronograph seconds hand. Some users may choose to keep the central chronograph seconds running continuously as a visual indicator of time, something the movement tolerates without compromising performance.
Inside, the watch continues to rely on the FC-391 automatic chronograph calibre supplied by La Joux-Perret, providing a 60-hour power reserve, and is decorated with Côtes de Genève. The movement is visible through a smoked sapphire caseback. Each of the 100 pieces is delivered with three straps: black rubber, turquoise rubber, and black nubuck calfskin. The set is supplied in a dedicated presentation box produced specifically for this edition.
Images: Courtesy Brand
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