Frederique Constant Launches Two French Foreign Legion
Frederique Constant has unveiled two 39mm limited edition watches in collaboration with the French Foreign Legion.
Frederique Constant has released its first collaborative watches with the French Foreign Legion. The Geneva watchmaker has created two limited edition 39mm timepieces, each restricted to 888 units, to honor the elite military unit.
According to the brand, the partnership celebrates the shared spirit of courage and adventure. Frederique Constant founder Peter Stas moved from the Netherlands to Switzerland to establish the company. The French Foreign Legion, founded in 1831, is known for recruiting internationally. The collaboration focuses on the value of time spent with comrades and family after service, rather than combat.
Highlife Automatic x French Foreign Legion
The first model is based on the sporty Highlife Automatic collection. It features a 39mm stainless steel case that is 10.34mm thick and offers 100 meters of water resistance. The dial has a golden-sand, sandblasted finish.
A recessed emblem of the French Foreign Legion's seven-flame grenade sits at six o'clock. The watch uses polished silver-coloured hands filled with luminous material and has a date window at three o'clock. The solid caseback is engraved with the Legion insignia and an individual edition number.
Power comes from the automatic FC-303 calibre. This movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a 68-hour power reserve. The watch is supplied with three quick-release straps: a brown crocodile-patterned leather strap, a stainless-steel bracelet, and a black rubber strap.
Classics Index Small Seconds Automatic x French Foreign Legion
The second watch takes a dressier approach via the Classics Index Small Seconds line. It uses a 39mm polished stainless steel case with a thickness of 11.65mm and water resistance of 50 meters. The dial features a charcoal, grained finish.
The small seconds sub-dial at six o'clock displays the Legion grenade emblem. Applied luminous hour markers and a beige-and-red minute track circle the perimeter. The central hour and minute hands also have luminous treatment.
This model is driven by the automatic FC-530 calibre, based on a Sellita SW260-1. It beats at 28,800 vph and has a 38-hour power reserve. The watch comes on a five-link stainless steel bracelet and includes an additional brown leather strap, both with quick-release systems.
Specifications and Pricing
Both limited editions are presented in a wooden box with a detachable embroidered collaboration patch. Frederique Constant states it will donate part of the proceeds to the French Foreign Legion Mutual Aid Association (FELE).
The key specifications for the two models are as follows:
| Model | Case Size & Material | Water Resistance | Dial | Movement | Power Reserve | Strap Options | Limited Edition | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlife Automatic x French Foreign Legion | 39mm x 10.34mm stainless steel | 100m | Golden-sand, sandblasted | FC-303 automatic (28,800 vph) | 68 hours | Leather, steel bracelet, rubber | 888 pieces | EUR 1,995 |
| Classics Index Small Seconds x French Foreign Legion | 39mm x 11.65mm polished stainless steel | 50m | Charcoal, grained | FC-530 automatic (28,800 vph) | 38 hours | Steel bracelet, leather | 888 pieces | EUR 1,595 |
The edition number of 888 references the Legion's ceremonial marching pace of 88 steps per minute and its eight combat regiments.
