Two new sports chronographs have been released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Highlife collection. The collection was first launched in 1999 and offered a luxury Swiss sports watch at an affordable price. After a period of dormancy, the collection was relaunched in 2020 with great success.
The new chronographs feature a panda(ish) style, with one limited edition and one standard edition. Both models maintain the same stainless steel case size, but double the size of the dial compared to previous models. One of the models also features a rose gold plated finish, a first for the Highlife chronographs.
The dials of the new Highlife chronographs are the standout feature, setting them apart from their predecessors. The steel model boasts a matte silver dial with dark green sub-dials and a white date window. The rose gold-plated model, on the other hand, has a matte navy blue dial with silver sub-dials and a white date window. Both models feature applied indices and hour/minute hands with Super-LumiNova inserts, as well as an embossed globe pattern on the dial.
Powering the Highlife chronographs is the calibre FC-391 column wheel chronograph, based on the Valjoux 7750 and modified by La Joux-Perret. The movements have 26 jewels, a beat rate of 28,800vph, and an extended 60-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes, chronograph seconds, small seconds, 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, and date in a tri-compax layout.
The strap options for the new Highlife chronographs vary depending on the model. The steel variant comes with a dark green calf leather strap with a crocodile pattern, as well as a dark green rubber strap and a two-piece steel bracelet. The rose gold model, on the other hand, is paired with a navy blue leather strap with a crocodile pattern and a navy blue rubber strap.
It's worth noting that the steel model is limited to 1,888 pieces, adding an element of exclusivity to the collection. Pricing for the new Highlife chronographs varies based on the model and strap options.
