Gerald Charles Unveils Its Most Complex Timepiece, The Masterlink Perpetual Calendar

Gerald Charles, the independent Swiss watchmaking Maison founded by the great Mr. Gérald Charles Genta, unveils its most complicated watch since its reestablishment less than a decade ago. The Masterlink Perpetual Calendar, developed entirely in-house, marks a new chapter for the young and ambitious Maison as it continues to expand its repertoire of poetic complications.

In keeping with Gerald Charles’s “No Compromise” watchmaking philosophy, established by Mr. Genta more than a quarter of a century ago, the Masterlink Perpetual Calendar introduces an in-house, asymmetrical, automatic perpetual calendar calibre with a three-counter display.

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Introducing Bamford and Frederique Constant Unveil an Exclusive Highlife Chronograph

A Black-Dominated Design Featuring a Unique Crystallized Titanium Case

ByWaqt

21.11.2025

3 minutes read

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Bamford and Frederique Constant collaborate on a special timepiece, a reinterpretation of the Highlife Chronograph that blends Bamford’s signature boldness with Frederique Constant’s Swiss precision. The Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special was unveiled exclusively at Dubai Watch Week.

This special edition features a brand-new 41 mm crystal titanium case. The titanium is heated to 1,200°C and cooled slowly, creating a crystalline surface unique to each case.

The result is a tactile, mineral-like texture that retains titanium’s strength and lightness while introducing remarkable visual depth. Paired with a black DLC coating, the process elevates the Highlife Chronograph into an entirely new technical and aesthetic territory. The watch features an engraved, see-through screwed caseback with sapphire crystal treated with a smoky finish.

The dial is a study in purity: an absolute matte black surface free from any finishing that might disrupt its stark elegance. Bamford adds its signature turquoise accents to the counters and hands—subtle flashes of colour that highlight the small seconds at 9 o’clock and the chronograph indicators at 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The tip of the central chronograph seconds hand is also finished in turquoise.

While the exterior receives a complete transformation, Frederique Constant maintains stewardship of the movement: the calibre FC-391, a column-wheel chronograph movement based on the renowned Valjoux 7750. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), it offers an impressive 60-hour power reserve. The movement is decorated with exquisite Côtes de Genève motifs on the bridges and features a gold rotor. It delivers a precision range of -5 to +10 seconds per day.

This special edition comes with three straps, underscoring the Highlife collection’s longstanding commitment to versatility. Thanks to the signature tool-free, one-click interchangeable system, the watch can be configured with black rubber, turquoise rubber, or black nubuck calfskin. All are presented in an exclusive box created specifically for this limited edition.

The Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special is limited to 100 pieces and priced at EUR 4,495, approximately AED 19,000.

For more information visit the official website of Frederique Constant.

Technical specifications: Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph Automatic Bamford Special

Reference: FC-391BBL4NH1C
Case: Brushed and polished titanium grade 2, crystallized pattern done by heat treatment and black DLC plating 3-part case, rectangular pushers positioned at 2 and 4 o’clock, convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, Engraved and see-through screwed case back with sapphire back glass with a smoky treatment
Diameter: 41 mm
Thickness: 14.62 mm
Water resistance: 100 m
Dial: Matt Black, tri-compax layout, Black outer ring with white and turquoise blue graduation, 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, small seconds at 9 o'clock, Applied silver color indexes, blue chronograph hands
Movement: calibre FC-391, based on the Valjoux 7750, automatic, column wheel chronograph, Côtes de Genève on the plate and on the gold rotor, 26 jewels
Power reserve: 60 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
Functions: Chronograph, hours, minutes, small seconds, date
Bracelet / Strap: Black rubber strap with Pin buckle, Including one additional turquoise blue rubber strap and one additional black calf leather strap
Availability: Limited edition of 100 pieces
Price: EUR 4,495 which is equivalent to AED 19,000