With its classic designs and relatively affordable models, Frederique Constant gathers mechanical watch enthusiasts under the same roof with classic car lovers by the Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph model.
Since 2004, the boutique brand has sponsored many classic car events organized around the world or acted as an official timekeeper in rallies. One of these organizations is the European Healey Club… The organization, which the brand supported with special edition models in 2015 and 2016, once again finds a place in the Frederique Constant product group with the Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph, which we have taken under the spotlight today.
We all know how strong the bond is between mechanical watches and classic cars. Timepieces that focus on these two passions, which are among the rare environments where old-fashioned mechanics come to life, naturally are of interest to many watch enthusiasts.
For Frederique Constant, who has been inspired by Healey cars for 16 years and has included dedicated models in its catalog, we can say that it is one of the brands that know what to do when it comes to these classic-car-inspired watches. The Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Collection, which was added to the product group in 2018, consists of 3 different models in total. The guest of our review corner comes with the British Racing Green theme, which is the choice of many classic car enthusiasts, including me.
The case of the model comes in a 42mm diameter size, which can be considered a bit large for a classic themed timepiece. The case, with its fully polished surface, flat bezel, soft lugs, large winding crown, and Clous de Paris patterned piston-type chronograph pushers, exhibits a stance that is in harmony with the classic Racing Chronograph concept. The case, with scratch-resistant sapphire crystals on both sides, is resistant to 50 meters of water pressure.
The Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Ref. FC-397HGR5B6 dazzles with its dial finished in British Racing Green. With its sub-dials positioned in Bi-Compax layout, white background color, and red hands, it refers to the instrument panels of classic Healey cars. There is a Healey logo at 6 o'clock on the dial, which houses Arabic numeral indexes at 12 and 6 positions and baton-style markers in others, while the chronograph second hand emphasizes the sporty theme of the model with its red color.
The model ticks with the Sellita SW-510 based Caliber FC-397 movement. 25-jewels automatic chronograph movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers 46 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
Another thematic feature of the stylish model is its leather strap. The strap, which reflects the racing spirit with its small perforated holes, adds integrity to the design with its green tone in harmony with the dial. There is a stainless-steel standard buckle on the tip of the quality and comfortable strap.