When it comes to technically demanding complications, a perpetual calendar with a tourbillon is among the hardest to achieve. And as with any design that takes significant expertise, skill and time to execute to a high standard, it often comes with the lofty price tag to match.

Frédérique Constant has carved something of a niche for itself with its aim to create high-end, in-house timekeeping, delivered at a comparatively accessible cost. While its new Highlife Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, priced from £20,995, is certainly still an investment piece, its value starts to come through when you take a look at its roster of features.

Powering the timepiece is the FC-975 calibre, equipped with a silicone escapement to provide greater precision through protection against temperature fluctuations and magnetic fields. Its complications have been carefully displayed in four segments on the dial to enhance readability and lend a balanced aesthetic to the design. The day and date have been arranged horizontally, while the counter at 12 o’clock brings together the month and leap year indication. Showcased to full effect through an aperture at 6 o’clock is the tourbillon, counting down the seconds with its central hand.

As standard with Frédérique Constant’s creations, it exudes an understated luxury achieved through its classic look and clean lines. The limited-edition watch is available in a steel version (88 pieces), as well as a dressier rose gold (30 pieces), both paired with a contemporary blue dial. Further upping the versatility of the piece is the quick-change strap system, with leather and rubber options for the rose gold, and rubber and steel bracelet designs provided with the steel version.

frederiqueconstant.com