Design Powerhouses Frederique Constant and Bamford Unite: The Birth of Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special Edition

In a groundbreaking collaboration, renowned watchmakers Frederique Constant and Bamford Watch Department have joined forces to reimagine the Highlife Chronograph Automatic, resulting in the Bamford Special Edition. This dynamic fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics represents an unparalleled offering within the watch industry. Frederique Constant, known for its accessible mechanical watchmaking, manufactures calibres in-house while maintaining a pragmatic, function-first approach to design. On the other hand, Bamford thrives on reimagining classic forms through high-contrast palettes, material experimentation, and bold aesthetics. The melding of these two disparate approaches has yielded an extraordinary timepiece that marries understated sophistication with avant-garde design. The Bamford reworking involved a complete overhaul of the Highlife’s exterior and display, while preserving the integrity of the FC-391 chronograph calibre. The case, a three-part construct forged from superior grade 2 titanium, has been treated with a crystallisation heat treatment at 1,200 °C for a distinctive non-uniform surface texture, and then finished with a black DLC coating. Despite its textured finish, the watch maintains titanium’s celebrated low mass and corrosion-resistant qualities. Aesthetically, the monochromatic watch flaunts a matte black dial, with silver-toned hour indices and hands filled with white luminous material, providing high contrast for easy reading and a striking visual impact. Selected functional elements are rendered in a measured turquoise hue, complementing the overall colour scheme. Unlike the original version, the Bamford Special omits the date function, adhering to a minimalist design philosophy. At its heart, the Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special is driven by the in-house FC-391 calibre. This automatic chronograph is based on the renowned Valjoux 7750 architecture, refined via collaboration with La Joux-Perret, and runs at 28,800 vibrations/hour, utilises 26 jewels, and provides 60 hours of power reserve.