Frederique Constant Highlife: the secret behind the best value perpetual calendar

The Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar is a highly technical achievement for a suspiciously good price. And by good, I mean relatively good.
Price
The Perpetual calendar is one of the grand complications, meaning it really is a masterpiece to make. It shows the day, date, month and even leap years, meaning it will be accurate for hundreds of years to come.
Only the most prestigious brands offer this complication, and it is nearly always priced well above 20.000 euros. Nearly always, because prices of the Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar actually starts at 8495 euros.
Reference
FC-775S4NH6
FC-775N4NH6B
FC-775V4NH2B
If you like the Frederique Constant Highlife, please also see my review of the Highlife COSC:
• Frederique Constant Hi...
Size
The Highlife has a 50M water resistant, 41mm steel case, or 44,5 lug-to-lug, with an integrated bracelet that is easily changeable for the rubber strap you get for free with it.
Movement
The calibre FC-775 was developed and produced by Frederique Constant. It has a reasonable 38-hour power reserve, it’s nicely finished and fits the case perfectly. But most important is obviously the technique of the perpetual calendar, which Pim Koeslag explains perfectly in the video.
#FrederiqueConstant
The company was founded in Geneva in 1988 by the Dutch couple Peter and Aletta Stas, with the promise to make affordable luxury. In 1999 they introduced the Highlife, and in 2004 they introduced their first in-house movement. In 2007 they introtroduced their silicon escapement wheel and in 2008 they presented their own tourbillon. The beautiful worldtimer was introduced in 2012. And in they opened their own manufacture in Geneva. And that’s not all. Because they did keep their promise about the affordable pricing. In 2016, they even introduced a perpetual calender for less than 10.000 euros.
Why I chose it
One of the viewers left a comment asking for this specific watch. And I thought that was a real good suggestion as there are not a lot of perpetual calendars at this price point, which made the question all the more interesting: how did they manage to get the price that low? And luckily, Pim Koeslag made a lot of time explaining that to us.
About Fresh Faces
Promising independent, well-informed real-life watch videos. And if possible with some fun.
I’m a watch enthousiast and professional with 10+ years of experience, who stubbornly believes watches should be intelligent, clever and arousing.
Independence guarantee
All of my reviews are made independently. Watch companies do not get to see the video before it is published.
All of the watches are borrowed from the watch companies and returned as soon as necessary. No covert advertisements are accepted without mentioning. If the watch company in question does have specific wishes, I always mention this in the video.
Voluntary gifts such as financial support by fans are appreciated and accepted.
My wrist size
17 cm / 6.7 inch
You're invited to follow me here as well: / watchthefreshfaces
#watches #watch #highlife

[@raymondvdb2286]

Great video, very insightful and very good explanation! It's good to see they are so open about this

[@WatchTheFreshFaces]

😁 thanks! Yeah I really admire FC for what they're bringing to the world of horology

[@thiagobizarria4463]

Another top quality review on a brand that doesn’t get a lot of love out there… People get judgmental when talking about FC but the brand is quite solid! I had already seen this technical director talking about their manufacture chronograph and 2 things catch my attention: unusual transparency and high focus on the brand’s value proposition. This watch is beautiful, the highlife entered my short list :) Keep rocking Gandor! 🎸🎸😎👏🏻

[@WatchTheFreshFaces]

Thanks ever so much! I fully agree with your comment - it is indeed wonderful to hear such transparency. Thanks mate, more greatness to come!

[@msteaks1939]

Fascinating video. So engaging, and so refreshing to see such honesty and willingness to demystify. The Highlife should be a standout, breakthrough marquee line that revolutionizes complications the way Grand Seiko did for finishing.

[@WatchTheFreshFaces]

Thanks ever so much! They definitely do, the Monolithic is also a very interesting creation. It's also great to see that they dare to be so open

[@gregsnyder4268]

Gorgeous watch.

[@WatchTheFreshFaces]

Absolutely, it really doesn't feel like a watch half the price of a 'normal' perpetual calendar.

[@fhaquuu]

Love this model from them.

[@WatchTheFreshFaces]

You're not the only one mate! It really hits bulls eye 🎯 I think it's also good you don't see much of the globe on the dial in this version

[@georgechu6905]

Am plan to buy a Zenith el primero Synopsis, but after I watch this video and search a lot on this FC and this perpetual calender watch.
In deed I change my plan

[@WatchTheFreshFaces]

Oh wow the El Primero Synopsis is a great watch as well! I think it mostly depends on which complications you love most :)

[@stefanievanworkum1990]

😝 never look a gift horse in the mouth! Great review!✨

[@WatchTheFreshFaces]

Thank yoooouuuu 😁

[@arabizo]

So he is telling us its cheaper because of cheaper labor? But still quality

[@WatchTheFreshFaces]

Well he does mention a lot of the labour costs is reduced because of the construction. Less skilled workforce is needed and less adjustment during the construction. They also took out some parts to make the construction simpler and more robust at the same time. Quite smart, I think.

[@arabizo]

@@WatchTheFreshFaces if that is so, it actually is impressive

[@WatchTheFreshFaces]

@@arabizo That's what I thought 😁

[@FinanceMan]

I love watches but “how is it possible?” 😂 how on earth can I sell an admittedly complicated but already developed technology for only 10,000?

[@michaelmartin187]

With all respect to F.C they are far away of being a luxury brand and that because they are using “gold coated “components like the rotor (tungsten-gold coated)and the case himself which deceived people and yourself owing “a true solid gold watch

[@WatchTheFreshFaces]

I think you have a fair point about gold coated stuff - that should be forbidden.