ReviewIn-depth Review of the Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Limited Edition Austin Healey

We all know and recognise Frederique Constant as a brand that produces watches that are meticulously designed, elegantly supreme yet still manage to represent an “affordable luxury” spirit. From the Manufacture Worldtimer to the Slimline Moonphase, Frederique Constant is a brand that has always outdone itself. With the Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Limited Edition Austin Healey, the Swiss watchmaker celebrates the memory of the Austin Healey sports cars. The Vintage Rally collection is an extension of the brand’s dedication to delivering a wide horizon of sporty and dressy watches. This allows them to cater to a much larger demographic. Before we move ahead with the watch, let us understand the partnership between the Swiss watchmaker and the Healey Motor Company

History of the collaboration:

Frederique Constant are one of the few brands that have been closely associated with vintage car rallies all across the globe. From Peking to Paris Rally to Carrera Panamericana, the Swiss watchmaker has been in partnership with vintage car rallies as their official timekeeper. This close relationship is also the reason behind the 12-year old association between Frederique Constant and Healey cars.

About the watch:

Like all the other timepieces in the Vintage Rally collection, the Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Limited Edition Austin Healey is inspired by one of the most beautiful and iconic 1960s classic cars especially the Austin Healey. The iconic Austin Healey Sports Car was also produced in limited quantities (2,888 units). Likewise, the watch also has only 2,888 pieces available.

The Case: 40mm Three Part Gold Plated Stainless Steel 

The Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Austin Healey Limited Edition is fitted with a three-part rose gold plated stainless steel case. With a diameter of 40mm, the case sits comfortably on the wrist without feeling too heavy or big. The convex-shaped sapphire crystal used ensures high readability, especially in bright sun light. It also guarantees protection from additional wear and tear. The closed case back of the Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Austin Healy Limited Edition bears an engraving of the Austin Healey car along with the individual number of the watch. The watch also has a water-resistance of 50m.

The Dial: Dark Grey With Coloured Ring and Date-Display Window

The Vintage Rally Limited Edition Austin Healey is equipped with a dark grey dial that features a burgundy colour ring. An unusual combination of colours? Perhaps! But FRC went ahead with this combination colour ring on the dial solely because it represents the actual steering wheel of the iconic Austin Healey car. A subtle tribute by the brand.

The hour and minute markers on the dial are represented in a combination of Arabic numerals (12, 6, and 9) and applied baton indexes. Both of which are made of hand polished rose gold. The hour and minute hands are done in the same material. Also, these are coated with Superluminova that further enhances their legibility, especially in low light conditions.

Just beyond the colour ring, towards the bezel lies the minute chapter marked with white, creating a distinctive appeal and comfort while reading time. The finishing touch on the dial is the date display window at 3 o’ clock and the Healey logo at 6 o’ clock.

With the colour ring that is a subtle nod to the steering wheel of the vintage car to the simple, clean outline of the different parts of the dial, the incredible timepiece perfectly symbolizes the tremendous success of their 12-year partnership with each other.

The Movement: In-house Automatic Movement with 38 Hour Power-Reserve

Frederique Constant has been constantly delivering watches powered by their in-house handcrafted movements since 2004. The Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Limited Edition Austin Healey is no exception. The watch houses a Swiss automatic movement, FC-303 Caliber with 25 jewels, 28,800vph and has a power reserve of 38 hours.
No complaints whatsoever with the accuracy and quality.

High-Quality Leather Strap:

The Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Limited Edition Austin Healey comes with a dark gray leather strap. It is skin-friendly with burgundy contrast stitching that matches the color ring present on the dial. It is also attached with a rose gold PVD buckle that ensures the watch remains comfortably secured to your wrist. This gives the watch a sporting allure like no other watch. Apart from the many features, every timepiece is available with a beautifully designed gift box that comes with a magnificent Healy NOJ393 miniature car model.

Prices and Availability:

Limited to 2,888 pieces, the Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Limited Edition Austin Healey is priced at Rs 126,000and is available at Ethos Watch Boutiques.

What did you think of the watch? Which is your favorite sports car-inspired watch? Let us know in the comments section below!