ReviewPresenting The All-New Retro-Styled Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic—Now With Small Seconds

The association between cars and mechanical watches is nothing short of a perfect fit. The reasons are obvious. They both exemplify reliability. They strive for top-notch accuracy. And they offer a promise of mechanical harmony. Additionally, as collaborations remain wildly popular among customers, several luxury watchmakers have forged strong partnerships with automobile manufacturers in the past; resulting in unique and extraordinary timepieces. One such association is between the Swiss watch brand Frederique Constant and the British automaker Austin-Healey. 

Sharing the same passion for timeless mechanisms and engineering perfection, both companies have been in a relationship since 2004, and have introduced a number of limited edition timepieces over the years. As partners, they have also organised and participated in a host of events, rallies and races. This year, their latest offerings are three new iterations of the coveted Vintage Rally collection that symbolise the unbreakable bond that the two maisons have, and exhibit their pursuit of creating modern designs coupled with fine craftsmanship and elegance. Available in different colours, the new retro-styled Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds models are the first watches of this line to feature an off-centred seconds sub-dial. Adding to their exclusivity, each variant is limited to just 888 units. 

Available in different colours, the new retro-styled Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds models are the first watches of this line to feature an off-centred seconds sub-dial

An Homage To Austin-Healey 100S NOJ393

Following the tradition of paying tribute to different cars manufactured by Austin-Healey, the new 2021 launches within the Vintage Rally collection are an homage to one of the most famous and valuable cars by the brand—the 100S Prototype, with the registration number NOJ393. Constructed in 1953, it was one of four ‘special test cars’ to be used by the factory racing team and one of only two that were later converted to 100S specifications. The car rose to prominence after its spectacular performance in the 1953 and 1954 editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans—an endurance-focused sports car race held annually near Le Mans, France. However, during the Le Mans of 1955, the NOJ393 met with a horrible accident, resulting in the death of its driver and 83 spectators, while injuring 120 others. The incident became a watershed moment regarding the safety standards in international motorsports and led to several amendments in the rules and regulations of such events.

After the incident, the NOJ393 was impounded by the French authorities, and 18 months later, it was returned to its manufacturers. Austin-Healey then restored the car and sold it in the private market. In 2011, it once again came into the limelight as it was auctioned by Bonhams, a British auction company, for a whopping $1.3 million (approximately ₹9.65 crore today), which was far above the pre-auction estimate of $783,550 (approximately ₹5.82 crore today). It’s this legacy and prominence that the new Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds recognises and admires.  

The new Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds recognises and admires the legacy and prominence of the Austin-Healey 100S NOJ393

The timepieces feature a nice engraving of the iconic car on their solid casebacks

Frederique Constant Vintage Rally SHOP THE COLLECTION

A Dash Of Vintage Charm 

Housed in a 40mm case, the new iterations do not deviate much from their predecessors. All three variants are constructed from stainless steel; one of them with rose gold plating. Each version is flawlessly polished and offers a simple yet elegant design. The most significant update comes with the dial. Unlike the previous iterations that displayed the seconds via a central hand, the new timepieces consist of a small seconds sub-dial, neatly placed at the nine o’clock position, while a date aperture is at three. This lends the watch an added touch of retro charm, which complements the overall theme of the watches. The dial also features a central, two-hand timekeeping system, in addition to the oversized numerals located at 12 and six, which are staples of the Vintage Rally collection. Also, a small difference between the plain steel and rose gold-plated editions is that the hour indices and timekeeping hands of the latter are displayed in a rose gold hue too. The watches are powered by Frederique Constant’s FC-345 calibre, which is based on the Sellita SW-200 and offers a minimum power reserve of 38 hours with a frequency of 28,800vph. The movement is hidden behind a solid caseback, featuring a flawless engraving of the iconic NOJ393. 

Frederique Constant Vintage Rally

₹1,70,500

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A Diverse Range Of Hues

Technical specifications apart, the new Vintage Rally Healey comes in a variety of dial and strap colours. Undoubtedly, the green version is the most traditional. The particular shade of green that we see here refers to the legendary colour of Austin-Healey cars that are highly desirable among collectors today. What makes the timepiece even more alluring is its perforated leather strap in a brown hue, which perfectly complements the green dial. Standing in contrast with this variant, we also have a more modern and subtle version in a mid-grey dial and strap. The timepiece is an ideal companion for those looking for an understated and less flamboyant feel. Both the mid-grey and green versions are presented in plain steel cases. The third variant, in royal navy blue, is housed in a case with rose gold plating. Elevating the luxurious look of the watch is the matching leather strap that feels soft and super-comfortable to wear on the wrist.  

A Perfect Watch For Gentlemen Drivers

Founded in 1988, Frederique Constant have become known for their fine Swiss watches that are available at accessible price points, without any compromise on quality and performance. The all-new iterations of the Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Small Seconds showcase not only the brand’s expertise in watchmaking, but also their enduring bond with the legendary carmakers Austin-Healey. The sleek and stylish timepieces are specifically crafted for motorsport enthusiasts and who appreciate the combination of craftsmanship and elegance.