long the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula are the United Arab Emirates, seven emirates united under one federation since December 2nd, 1971. Fifty years later, the UAE are celebrating their Golden Jubilee, starting from April 6th, 2021, until March 31st, 2022.

To commemorate this milestone, Frederique Constant developed the exclusive Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture “Year of the Fiftieth” limited edition, released in 50 timepieces and designed by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. A unique model within the Highlife collection and a first for Frederique Constant, this timepiece is fully made of titanium, from the case down to the integrated bracelet.

For this model, Frederique Constant and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons opted for an eye-catching turquoise blue dial, an unprecedented color in the Maison’s history. Contrasting with dark grey subdials, the famous ‘Yas’ blue color adorning the Circuit’s run off areas was chosen as the shade most closely resembling the seas of the Gulf. Called pantone 321, the color is unique to Yas Marina Circuit.

In the middle of the dial proudly stands the globe decoration, emblem of the Highlife timepieces, whose legibility is ensured by the sapphire crystal’s anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Every finishing touch is enhanced by amazing reflections - like the 41 mm case, with its alternating polished and satin finished surfaces. Keeping with the sleekness of design, all of the perpetual calendar’s correctors have been integrated, lending emphasis to the lone crown at 3 o’clock.

As a perpetual calendar timepiece, the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture “Year of the Fiftieth” is a testament to the savoir-faire that Frederique Constant has patiently amassed over the past 30 years. The brand is one of very few to be able to design, produce, assemble and test its own watches internally, within its own Geneva-based manufacture. From the design to the final quality control, each and every step involved in making this is carried out in-house.

Powered by the Manufacture FC-775 self-winding mechanical movement, the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture “Year of the Fiftieth” beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 38 hours. For collectors and connoisseurs of fine watchmaking, the movement, featuring intricate perlage and Côtes de Genève decoration, can be admired through the sapphire crystal caseback. To celebrate this historic 50-years milestone, Frederique Constant and Seddiqi & Sons have engraved the oscillating weight with the “Year of the Fiftieth UAE” inscription.