At Dubai Watch Week 2025, Frederique Constant and Bamford Watch Department unveiled a daring collaboration that pushes one of the Maison’s most versatile models into an entirely new design realm. The Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special marks the first partnership between the two brands, fusing Swiss mechanical finesse with Bamford’s unmistakable monochrome-meets-turquoise attitude.
A New Chapter for the Highlife
Since the Highlife’s debut in 1999 — and its successful relaunch in 2020 — the collection has been known for its modern design, functional reliability, and adaptability to daily wear. Bamford Watch Department takes this familiar canvas and drenches it in a darker, more experimental palette.
The case, dial, finishing, and straps have all been reimagined to deliver a Highlife that feels stealthy, architectural, and expressive, without compromising the ergonomic form that gave the line its identity. It is, in every sense, a reinterpretation that evolves the Highlife DNA without rewriting it.
A Swiss-Made Heart Beneath the Darkness
Inside the dramatic exterior beats Frederique Constant’s automatic FC-391 calibre, a movement offering a 60-hour power reserve, refined Côtes de Genève decoration, and a smoked sapphire caseback that subtly reveals the mechanics beneath.
This mechanical foundation stays true to Frederique Constant’s ethos of accessible Swiss horology — precise, reliable, and beautifully finished.
Crystal Titanium: A Case Like No Other
One of the collaboration’s most striking features is the 41 mm case crafted from crystal titanium. Heated to 1,200°Cand slowly cooled, the metal forms a naturally occurring crystalline structure — meaning no two watches will ever look alike.
This mineral-like texture is then deepened with a layer of black DLC, resulting in a stealth aesthetic that fits seamlessly into Bamford’s design vocabulary.
The watch is lightweight yet robust, futuristic yet tactile. It feels like something carved from a meteorite — engineered rather than ornamented.
A Monochrome Dial with Electric Turquoise Energy
Bamford pares the dial back to its pure essentials:
● Absolute matte black
● No decorative finishing
● No distractions
Against this simplicity, vivid turquoise accents appear on:
● The small seconds (9 o’clock)
● The 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters
● The tip of the central chronograph seconds hand
The contrast creates a visual pop that collectors will instantly recognise as classic Bamford. Many will likely keep the chronograph running just to enjoy the hypnotic sweep of that turquoise hand.
Three Looks in One: Straps for Every Occasion
In keeping with the Highlife’s reputation for versatility, the Bamford edition comes with three quick-change straps using Frederique Constant’s tool-free one-click system:
● Black rubber strap — sleek and sporty
● Turquoise rubber strap — bold and youthful
● Black nubuck calfskin strap — refined and contemporary
Each timepiece arrives in a special Bamford-designed presentation box.
Availability
The Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special is limited to 100 pieces worldwide and is priced at SGD 7,840 (including taxes).
