ReviewPrecision Powerhouse: Introducing The New Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic COSC

In the year 2004, Frederique Constant and Austin-Healey embarked on a deliberate journey together, bound by common values and shared passions. Their alliance is a testament to a mutual affection for sophisticated machinery—an unyielding dedication to precision, a celebration of timeless design, and a seamless marriage of leather and metal that doesn’t just promise comfort but encapsulates a unique lifestyle. This shared spirit remains the cornerstone of their enduring partnership. For more than 19 years, Frederique Constant have been official timekeepers at major motorsport events such as the Peking-to-Paris Motor Challenge and even the Carrera Panamericana. Their Vintage Rally collection is a stylish tribute to the iconic British Austin-Healey sports car. This enduring partnership has led to the creation of several cool retro-inspired vintage watches. This year, they’re taking it up a notch, with the release of a new and improved Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic COSC timepiece. It’s the first time they’ve got a COSC certified watch in the Vintage Rally series.

The Vintage Rally Series So Far

The undeniable pairing of classic cars and mechanical watches is a well-known fact. The extensive Frederique Constant Vintage Rally collection stands as a powerful testament to the brand’s unwavering passion for all things vintage and retro.

Embracing the spirit of racing, the Vintage Rally collection echoes the essence of the 1950s car it pays homage to. Diving into the collection’s history reveals a kaleidoscope of designs and nuances. From the recent 70th-anniversary special Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic editions sporting British racing green dials, reminiscent of the iconic NOJ393 Austin-Healey to the earlier limited editions dipped in vintage aesthetics, the Vintage Rally series is a testament to Frederique Constant’;s dedication to timeless style. Throughout its evolution, the collection has witnessed a symphony of dial variations, ranging from those boasting a sophisticated triple-date window to others adorned with small seconds indicators, not to mention an impressive array of chronographs that further amplify its racing spirit. In essence, the Vintage Rally collection is a living tapestry that has artfully embraced the spirit of classic cars while staying true to its watchmaking roots.

The 70th-anniversary special Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic editions features a British racing green dials, reminiscent of the iconic NOJ393 Austin-Healey

Each model within the collection is presented in a strictly limited edition capacity, making them instantly unique and, over time, cultivating a rare and distinguished value

Each model within the collection is presented strictly as a limited edition, making each one instantly unique and, over time, developing a rare and distinguished value. Adding to their appeal is the distinctively engraved caseback, showcasing the iconic Healey 100S NOJ393 in its full-throttle glory. As an extra touch of luxury, each watch comes in an opulent gift box that houses a miniature automobile replica of the legendary Healey NOJ393.

The enduring partnership between Frederique Constant and Austin-Healey has led to the creation of several cool retro-inspired watches

Embracing the spirit of racing, the Vintage Rally collection echoes the essence of the 1950s car it pays homage to

Adding to their appeal is the distinctively engraved caseback, showcasing the iconic Healey 100S NOJ393 in its full-throttle glory

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A New Jewel in the Line: The Vintage Rally Healey Automatic COSC

The latest in their Vintage Rally series is the Classics Vintage Rally Healey Automatic COSC. It is another marvellous, evolutionary timepiece equipped with a COSC-certified chronometer movement—a first for this collection. The 2023 Vintage Rally Healey Automatic COSC represents a significant evolution, boasting the distinction of being equipped with a COSC certified movement—a pioneering feature making its debut in this collection.

This limited-edition model comes in a timeless 40mm stainless steel case set with the signature British racing green dial with a matt finish. The polished silver applied indexes create a striking contrast against the matt green backdrop, accentuated by subtle touches of red on the seconds hand and the inscription above six o’clock. The dial is an  attention-grabbing blend of contrast and elegance.

Bringing you the essential features of hours, minutes, and seconds, the Frederique Constant Classics Vintage Rally Healey Automatic COSC runs on the automatic FC-301 calibre. This COSC-certified chronometer movement provides a robust 38-hour power reserve and ticks at 4Hz or 28,800vph. With the prestigious COSC certification from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, you can trust that this watch maintains perfect isochronism over time and positions, guaranteeing accurate, consistent, and precise timekeeping within stringent ISO standards.

Staying true to the vintage rally vibe, the Frederique Constant Classics Vintage Rally Healey Automatic COSC features a perforated leather strap, evoking the stylish upholstery of classic cars from the 1940s to the 1970s and the gloves worn by the dapper gentlemen drivers of that era. As a final touch, following the tradition of its predecessors, the 2023 model is limited to only 1888 pieces and is showcased in an exclusive collector’s gift set, including a miniature replica of the iconic NOJ393.